Author: vle

I recently watched The Miseducation of Cameron Post at the State Theatre earlier this month, and it helped me realize the importance of representation.

Based on the 2012 novel by Emily Danforth, the film chronicles the story of a teenage girl forced into conversion therapy after being caught with a her female friend on prom night. The main character, Cameron, has a hard time adjusting to the strict camp, whose directors enforce intolerant ideals, one such ideal being that homosexuality can be cured. However, Cameron finds solidarity amongst the other teenage “sinners” and they are able to have each other in times of crisis.

Although the film was only 90 minutes, and focused on only one part of the novel, I still found it to be powerful. The coming-of-age story features a bright young cast and moments of raw honesty, whether it be a funny joke or dark violence. The cast also features several actors of color, and of course centers on an issue faced by the LGBT+ community. It was enlightening to see this movie and actors representing pressing issues. For adolescents, I believe it is especially important to see stories in which people like you are represented.

I would strongly recommend people to watch The Miseducation of Cameron Post, best viewed with close friends. I hope the future of storytelling in film continues to emphasize representation in order to raise awareness of significant societal challenges and identities.

Having discovered DIY music last year, I was fascinated by the dreamy, synth-filled ballads of young artists like Clairo and Gus Dapperton. Alternatively called bedroom pop, DIY music has proliferated through Spotify and Soundcloud. The subgenre is defined by lo-fi, somewhat psychedelic music that musicians create (some out of the comfort of their own bedroom). Often, the individual artist sings, records, and produces themselves, hence the title. There is something very honest, compelling, and intimate about this approach to music DIY artists take.

Notably, Clairo’s music video for “Pretty Girl,” produced in 30 minutes in 2017, garnered millions of views, skyrocketing the success of the now 19 year old singer. Her soft, but thoughtful vocals complement the groovy digital beats present in her songs. Now, she headlines tours and festivals, all while being a college student. Clairo’s discovery has also directed attention at similar artists, who don’t restrict themselves to a certain style of music. Instead, they experiment with production and borrow from alternative, indie, pop, rock, and hip hop influences. Some significant artists in the scene are Rex Orange County, Yellow Days, Kevin Abstract, and Cosmo Pyke. Clairo has recently collaborated with some of these musicians, including Cuco and Jakob Ogawa.

It will be intriguing to see how DIY music evolves. For bedroom pop aficionados, the real, raw direction that artists take are one of the best parts of this unique genre. Artists focus on producing exciting, personal music projects that don’t simply produce for mass audiences, but still sound good. I, for one, will be on the lookout for fresh new talent, and how this genre continues to affect the music industry.

(The Fader)

 (Self Portrait, 1928)

In my art & design theory/history classes this semester, we came across the artist Claude Cahun–and I think that her story was too cool not to share. A Jewish French artist, Lucy Schwob adopted the androgynous name Claude Cahun, and produced prolific work exploring gender and beauty throughout her lifetime. She took hundreds of self portraits, donning different guises, and also created numerous literary works.

She also famously collaborated with Suzanne Malherbe, AKA Marcel Moore, to create art that broke the boundaries of aesthetic and societal normality. Cahun and Moore were involved in a lesbian relationship which they hid from the public (even though their parents married, making them stepsisters).

Amazingly, Cahun and Moore escaped to the Isle of Jersey right on the cusp of World War II and became a force to be reckoned with. They responded to the German invasion by launching a fierce anti-Nazi resistance movement, distributing flyers, translating messages, and even putting on costumes around the island. The women were sentenced to death, but were freed in 1945 after Jersey’s liberation. I found it admirable that the couple were willing to put their lives in danger in order to follow their beliefs and fight for what they believed was right. True martyrs, Claude Cahun and Marcel Moore will be remembered for their astonishing bravery and artistic genius.

As my first year at Michigan comes to a close, I am bittersweet about leaving for the summer. Of course I’m excited to go back home, but I’ve made so many great friends and memories over the past eight months here that I’m hesitant to leave.

As a freshman dual degree candidate, I chose to take my foundation year at Stamps. Every freshman, around 180 or so, takes three specific studios and a supplemental art history/theory course each semester. Although I had to work with mediums with which I was very unfamiliar, I believe I learned so much surrounded by diverse peers and great teachers.

For example, my interest in art for social justice has deepened. I have loved graphic design since early high school, and my interest has only grown. Yet now I realize the possibilities for responsible design, and design to effect social change. In Art and Design in Context and Art and Design History, I was exposed to a lot of contemporary art and the social/historical/political contexts relevant to significant artists, which made me more motivated to make my own work.

I have also gained valuable experience with different techniques and styles of art. 3D (sculpture/tactile projects) and 4D (audio/video) in particular were whole new worlds to me. At times, I felt completely inexperienced compared to my peers, but I believe that the challenge made me a better artist, who can express creativity and refine ideas to come up with a better final piece. Now I am looking forward to exploring more, whether that means delving into video and photography, or participating in performance art, or learning about UI/UX design. These explorations can lead to even bigger ideas, that are both visually appealing and progressive in some way.

What’s important is the meaning that art has for you as an artist. You can choose what to address, and what to show within your own art. Whether that is to counter harmful stereotypes, push for social progress, or just capture beauty, art is truly democratic in the sense that it is open to everyone and can consist of nearly everything. I’m beyond excited to continue my creative journey at Michigan and beyond.

(Netflix)

You’ve probably heard of the universally-acclaimed Netflix original show by now. The adult animated comedy-drama is getting ready for its fifth season this summer, and I couldn’t be more ready. People praise it because it is so real: a satirical take on Hollywood culture, Bojack doesn’t hold back on issues such as depression, self-destruction, and love. Each season has continued to get deeper and darker, reflecting on the human experience and the problematic society in which we live. Still, there are glimmers of hope and happiness which make the show purely wonderful.

Bojack Horseman, the titular character is evidently flawed. He’s narcissistic, humorous, afraid of commitment, yet excruciatingly honest. He is surrounded by other human and anthropomorphic animal characters, like Diane, Princess Carolyn, Mr. Peanutbutter, and Todd, to name a few. Each character is so unique and nuanced, showing that the show’s creators really took time to develop them as individuals.

In addition, social issues are prominently featured. Gun control, asexuality, addiction, abortion, politics, and feminism take a strong spotlight within the third and fourth seasons. Bojack’s writers are witty and brutal, which makes the show that much better.

If you want to laugh, maybe painfully so, cry your emotions out, or just chill to the amazing soundtrack, I strongly recommend watching Bojack Horseman. Perhaps you’ll even end up learning more about yourself as well.

Last week, I had the chance to see Lorde in concert in Detroit, with three of my good friends. It was my first “huge” concert experience, as the stadium was packed with thousands of screaming fans. I’ve been a fan of Lorde since she began gaining fame in 2013. Now a 21 year old, her personality, style, and music have grown exponentially since her introduction to the world at only 16 years old. Clearly she has always had a talent for songwriting, and it was very apparent that growing up had innumerable influences on her new music.

Personally, I like her new album Melodrama more than her debut album, Pure Heroine. She collaborated with big name musicians, and poured her soul into the songs. Evidently, her growth as a singer and as a person resulted in an astounding album, full of down-to-earth feelings and thoughts.

The concert was amazing–she performed a mix of both new and old songs to the delight of the crowd. She sang hard hitting anthems, such as “Liability” and “Buzzcut Season” as well as more uplifting songs like “Green Light.” A natural performer, her presence lit up the arena. Her stage set was carefully chosen, with lighting that worked to enhance the burst of emotion. The backup dancers performed flawlessly, even when lifted into the air within a dangerously tilted transparent box, which of course made Lorde’s performance even better.

It was probably my favorite concert I’ve ever attended. Being in a massive room surrounded by friends and devoted fans, even some middle aged parents, was an unparalleled experience. There was so much raw emotion in the air. Lorde knows her fanbase well, and it seemed that she honestly cared about their experiences. This concert was truly an unforgettable experience, and I’m so glad I went. I’m looking forward to whatever her future may bring.