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Art as Collateral

elahehia Leave a comment

The Detroit Institute of Arts recently announced its plans to raise $100 million to ensure that its art will not be sold to cover Detroit’s bankruptcy debts. And just this very concept is troubling to me.

I’ve always had a problem with the idea of people taking ownership of art, even the artist. Art is not a concrete object but is also the emotion and thought that is elicited and provoked; art is an interaction. How in the world can that be quantifiable, let alone be used to leverage the bankruptcy that was the result of corrupt politics?

Ownership of something as intangible and immaterial as art is offensive, not only because of the privilege and resources required to acquire what society dictates are masterpieces, but also because of the masturbatory implications of wanting to own art. People who buy art put it on open display, to flex their financial muscle in front of their audience, and show their ability to exert dominance and power. It is a perverted act of self-pleasure, especially so because it is one that stems from the sole desire to own, possess, and dominate.

And the fact that such a beloved town has to now scramble for money in order to avoid this is devastating. Over and out.

eOS1 & High-Waist Pantalones

Justin & Ersun Leave a comment

The world’s first emotional operating system was introduced in the science-fiction-romantic-comedy-drama Her (2013). The film depicts a future society, well-developed in technology, to accentuate the culture as opposed to replace it. For the most part anyway. When OS1–the most intuitive modern operating system–is introduced, our lonely introverted protagonist, who composes love letters for a career, falls madly in love. The film is oozing with quirkiness, and despite its cross-genre appeal, Her has a scent of its own.

Her Film

Aesthetically, the film is beautiful. It depicts a very realistic and stylish version of the near future, bringing in retrofitted styles and elegant technological advances.  Absent of chrome robots folding our clothes and spreading jam across our morning toast, Her paints a future that we could potentially live in. Fashion, for instance, is a key concept to represent the culture–taking on a style equivalent to the 1950s. High-waist pants become sexy and pastel-colored dress shirts are a comfortable and classy casual wear. The lines between engendered clothing are blurred, and the unisex appeal represents the progressive equality present in this future. Society, while optimistically portrayed in the film, is contrasted by the more serious topics of love and belonging explored in the internal conflicts of the primary characters.

Specifically, the growing complications of the human male and female computer relationship exhibit a basic human concern. What creates love? The conversations held between man and computer are engrossing and tender, truly romantic. Can love be a purely abstract concept, devoid of physical connection? As we are essentially islands beneath our skin, we can never grow to truly know the inside of another–every thought and emotion. Physical vicinity to other bodies does little to remedy loneliness, for being in a crowd can sometimes be the loneliest feeling of all. Happiness comes from within, so can love exist in one’s thoughts, in a vacuum? Or does there need to be a container?  A container affects content, perhaps limiting perceptions, as the female lover explains she is exploring and expanding her understanding more than her human male could ever gather. Despite the ideal world created by external society, where crimes do not appear to be prevalent and environmental and social issues appear solved, the individual turmoil over emotions persists. We live beside each other, but we are still alone in our skin.

Her is a beautiful composition of an unsolvable problem. Regardless of every technological or societal improvement to our world, the members of it will continue to carry their emotional weight. Happiness and love come from within, but we are limited by our human selves. That physical component, no matter how limiting, is beautiful.

Snow Day Reflection

AgnesG Leave a comment

How did you spend your snow day?

When my friend sprang up from her seat and ran to me in the excitement of telling me the good news of getting an extra day-off, I breathed a sign of relief. Thanks to the snow, I could finally escape from the endless art history reading assignments for a while and go back early after spending three hours studying in the library and preparing for my upcoming exam on Thursday.

Actually, I only have two classes on Tuesdays, so my day was not significantly different from a normal Tuesday: getting up around 8am, having my regular breakfast in the dining hall, and heading to the library instead of classes. With tons of materials to study for exam, I planned to immerse myself in study slides and readings. However, after finding a spot by the window with a perfect view of the outside, I was surprised to see gleams of sunshine falling on the big colored glass windows and casting the reflection of myself. I was blown away by this unintentional glimpse: a nice day, despite the low temperature.

I rejoiced that I raised my head and caught this beautiful image of the snowy town, a scene I would not have noticed if I had been sitting in the auditorium listening carefully to the professor, a scene I would not have noticed if I had been hasting to finish up lunch, a scene I would not have noticed if I had been rushing from class to class worrying about being late…I almost felt like a thief, who hid in this lovely corner of the library after covertly peeling today’s page from a tear-off calendar. However, it is not fair to say that such beauty does not exist when I hurry from place to place with only one thought in mind: to get things (homework, papers, reading, etc.) done. Instead, it is me who keeps ignoring the peaceful and beautiful nature of life and chooses to constantly rush without noticing or appreciating the views along the way. I overlook many beautiful moments like this as if they never exist, but whenever I slow down and look around, they are always there.

How will you spend your next snow day? Whatever you plan to do, just take your time, and enjoy the relaxing tranquility of life.

The Art of The Snow Day Movie Marathon

Jeannie Marie Leave a comment

Do you hear that? It’s the triumphant cries of students everywhere rejoicing in the luck of it being 2014. What’s that? A Snow Day in Michigan? Has there ever been a more perfect time?

With all this time on your hands, dear students, I impart to you the knowledge of my vast and ever-growing movie collection, so that you too may reap the benefits of not having class today in the form of a movie marathon.

And so, for this January 28th, in the year 2014, I present to you, my Top 10 Movies To Watch When You Have A Snow Day

1. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Okay, you should have seen this one coming from a mile away. And if you haven’t seen this movie yet, PLEASE take this excuse to watch it RIGHT NOW. In short, Ferris is taking a day off – so you should do yourself a favor and take one too.

2. Stardust

Over the years I’ve grown accustomed to the response of “What’s Stardust?” whenever I mention this movie. A hidden gem, Stardust is a movie based on a book of the same name by Neil Gaiman. A fantasy following the story of a man traveling to “catch” a fallen star who happens to be a beautiful girl named Yvaine, this movie is a must see, and is the perfect balance of action, comedy, and romance that will fill you with warmth as you wrap up in a blanket on your bed.

3. How To Train Your Dragon

And unlike the movie previous, almost everyone I know has heard of this installment of the colloquially known “Big Four” But honestly, I can’t get past how amazingly written and heartfelt this movie is. A coming of age story with the enjoyable twist of a puppy-dog like dragon, I love this movie for its inexplicable wit and ambitious but oh so totally worth it plot line. This movie is a modern classic in the realm of animation, and is a highly enjoyable movie for any age.

4. Dan In Real Life

As a sophomore, I decided to embroider my letterman with a quote from this movie. I received much criticism, as the line is kitschy, but in context, it fits perfectly. At the end of the movie, middle-aged father Dan tells the readers of his column to “Plan To Be Surprised”, and heeds his own advice as he falls in love for the first time since becoming a widower. This offbeat rom-com will surprise you with how much it doesn’t feel like a rom, and is the perfect way for the ladies to get their dose of romance while guys enjoy the comedic styling of comedians such as Steve Carell, Dane Cook, and the ever great John Mahoney.

5. Push

Another movie that you may not have heard of, Push is an action-adventure set on the streets of Hong Kong. Fast paced with action around every corner, this movie will surprise you with its slightly complex plot. While not a masterpiece such as Inception, the plot contains more than your usual Michael Bay-type fare, and will leave you satisfied but curious as to where the plot could go.

6. Easy A

Another rom-com that’s heavy on the comedy, I watched Easy A for the first time in a while last night in my room with my friends. As I watched, I was reminded of how bland the plot could have been – but how amazingly executed the movie was. The perfectly balanced dialogue contained a heavy dose of sarcasm mixed with a realism that stayed true to high school teenagers, and the delivery by the now-famous Emma Stone never faltered. She was able to portray a female lead that wasn’t strong in her sassiness but in the choices she made, never second guessing or wavering in them, and sticking through her “business” to the end. I was struck by how well made the movie was, and so this movie makes my list as something to dig out of your 2010 pile to re-watch.

7. Meet The Robinsons

I seem to be alternating between well-known and what is THAT? but nevertheless Meet the Robinsons  is one of my favorite, underrated Disney movies. Disney takes the tired trope of time traveling and adds a bit of Disney magic, and you get this movie, which was made as a homage to Walt Disney himself and his ever present theme of innovation, showcased primarily in his creation of the Tommorrowland section of Disneyland. This movie surprised me in how enjoyable it was, even though I didn’t watch it till I was 16 or 17 years old. It’s worth a shot, and you won’t regret it.

8. Take The Lead

One of the more serious movies on this list, Take The Lead is another must see. Based on a true story, it details the life of Pierre Dulaine, played by Antonio Banderas, a man who decides to implement ballroom dancing lessons in the detention hall of one inner-city New York public school. It deals with the harsh topics of racism, classism, and how these things affect the real lives of the teens that have to live with it every day. While somewhat heavy, this movie is a must see because of the way it gracefully navigates these subjects while simultaneously delivering an satisfying plot that leaves you cheering for the underdogs.

9. (500) Days of Summer

My final rom-com that differs in its emphasis on the romance, I absolutely love this movie. Maybe the fact that I got it for Christmas but accidentally left it back in Houston made me put it on this list. Nevertheless, if you’re going to watch a romance, go big or go home, and watch as Joseph Gordon-Levitt tries to navigate a relationship with the ever elusive Summer.

10. The Princess Bride

And finally, I had to end with a classic. One of my favorite movies of all time, The Princess Bride just makes you feel good, even when it’s 30 below outside. It has an air of timelessness that can’t be found today, and that’s why this movie wraps up my list.

So there you have it. 10 movies for you to choose from on your day off. Watch one, watch none, watch all, but please, take this day to watch something. After all, snow days only come once every 36 years.

Drink It Black

Nick Anastasia Leave a comment

Yawning and groggy-eyed, I stumble over to the coffee pot. I’m in a hotel lobby, and need something strong to wake me up and take the edge off the free continental breakfast sloshing around in my stomach. We’ve got another day of driving left, and since it’s my turn first, it’s going to take at least two cups. Given the quality of the breakfast, I’m not looking for much from the coffee and load it up with enough french vanilla cream to turn it into milk. I’m walking away, when I realize that there won’t be any left for the elderly gentleman patiently waiting for me to finish ruining the integrity of my drink. I turn to him just as he’s discovering the coffee’s gone, and I offer him one of my cups as penance. Of course, I’m forced to ask him if he takes it with cream, and that’s when he fixes me with a look.

“You want to know something my wife always used to tell me,” he asks. I’ve been in enough situations with wisdom-bomb dropping elderly men at this point to know that I should nod. “She always used to say, that if you don’t drink it black, you will never know how good coffee can be,” a wry twinkle catches the light in his eye and he continues, “or how bad.” We laugh and he walks away to go check out, as I make my way towards the door. He turns to me one last time as I’m exiting and calls out, “remember! You’ll never know!”

I had a long drive ahead of me to think about this, and the more I did, the more I realized that I hadn’t even been considering how the coffee would taste. I wasn’t drinking it for that, I was drinking it because I was in a situation of caffeine-or-die, and I still can’t bring myself to trust energy drinks. One of my favorite movies, My Dinner with Andre, begs the question, are we simply eating out of a sense of routine without really considering or even tasting our food? “If you’re just eating out of habit, then you don’t taste the food and you’re not conscious of the reality of what’s happening to you,” Andre says.

Mindfulness is all the rage these days as people climb aboard the Zen train (or at least the Americanized/commercialized version of Zen), but what does it mean to really apply the principles of this art of conscientious living? For me, it started with the taste of coffee. Something I’d only regarded in its most basic, utilitarian dimension opened up the way fine red wine does if you let if you’re willing to give it the time to let it breathe. Eating food doesn’t have to just be a necessity, a source of energy, or something we do when we’re bored and on tumblr; eating food can be a celebration of our bodies and what we put into them! Having a relationship with food can be a marvelous thing, and I can certainly attest to a transformation of my meal times by applying this principle to both eating and drinking.

As a result, I’m proud to say that those two cups of coffee were the last non-black cups of coffee I’ve ever had (though I did try a dirty chai last week and it was DELICIOUS).

Silence

Erika Bell Leave a comment

Head hits pillow after a long day,

eyes seal shut,

in sweeps the sound of simple silence.

I drift off into my dream,

silence hugs around me

like a second blanket

like a shield.

Doctoring me as I rush though the day

working, running, cooking, cleaning, screaming,

it seeps into my mind disintegrating the chaos into smoke.

It is a newly cleaned cardigan

lingering of sweetened Downy

refreshing me

reminding me of who I am.

 

Head hits pillow after another long day,

I reflect on life,

I hear no one,

I feel nothing.

Silence becomes a load of bricks

falling down upon

my legs,

neck,

head,

suffocating me until I fall asleep.

The movement of my day rushes by

no missed calls,

working late tonight,

reservation for 1.

Reminding me of who I am.