Cotton
Lyrics
Jump down, turn around to pick a bale of cotton
Jump down, turn around to pick a bale a day
Jump down, turn around to pick a bale of cotto
Jump down, turn around to pick a bale a day.
Oh Lordy, pick a bale of cotton, oh Lordy,
Pick a bale a day.
Oh Lordy, pick a bale of cotton, oh Lordy,
Pick a bale a day.
Anyone else learn this song in school?
For a language to come
I remember the early days of the internet. It was a dark hole for those who were curious about the world around them sought out information that could not be immediately answered. Trips to the library, bookstore, or the home encyclopedia would no longer suffice - we now had each other to solve the world’s mysteries.
Blogging is an art form that has been lost. We didn’t have imagery, emojis, or memes to express ourselves but rather had to rely on our own words. Our own words gave others pause, invoked conversation, and shared knowledge. Very interesting time. The internet has become a source of entertainment rather than a place to connect and challenge ourselves.
In an ongoing time of uncertainty we may have to get back to basics. Communication has to be reinvented. We are all feeling the same way but we need to find something for ourselves and share it.
I figured this can be a place where I share what I’ve seen. The pictures have no value if they are just stored away on a hard drive, right?
Here’s to 2022.
Kerry James Marshall & The Ideals of Feminism
In a rare public appearance Kerry James Marshall briefly discussed his painting ‘Still Life with Portrait’ featuring Harriet Tubman and her husband John. He stated he painted the portrait because he wanted to show her feminine side. A male perspective seems to always default to a woman in a dress and her hair in flowers. What is wrong with the mainstream imagery that we are familiar with? She should be praised regardless of any visual we have of her.
‘Still Life with Portrait’ Kerry James Marshall, 2015
THE IMAGE ITSELF IS NOT AN IDEA. IT CANNOT ATTAIN THE TOTALITY OF A CONCEPT, NOR CAN IT BE A COMMUTATIVE SIGN LIKE A WORD. ITS IRREVERSIBLE MATERIALITY – A REALITY THAT HAS BEEN DETACHED BY THE CAMERA – EXISTS IN A WORLD OPPOSITE THAT OF LANGUAGE, AND BECAUSE OF THIS IT SOMETIMES PROVOKES THE WORLD OF LANGUAGE AND CONCEPTS. - PROVOKE
Frank Ocean - Gayletter Interview
Frank Ocean did a recent interview in the Gayletter discussing his success and creative process. One response he had to the music industry was this -
What about more generally — how do you keep yourself protected as an artist in the music business?
For me, it’s about Why am I doing this? What exactly do I want from this? And how do I get those specific things I want out of this? And what does success look like on those terms? And what does failure look like on those terms? That’s how I think about it now.
Most artists are not presented many different paths on how to make their careers successful. Success can come the traditional route (gallery representation, advance degree) but is it the type of success that you want?
Galleries are not making any money. Grants can be a struggle to obtain. Residencies are expensive and most museums are struggling to pay the bills. After reading this article I have made a list of what this type of success looks like. Many things have been scratched off my list and it has now become more manageable. New project to come.
The full interview is here
A Year in Pictures 2018
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague, Czech Republic
New York, New York
Until Until Until, Brown University
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona, Spain
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
New York, New York
Vienna, Austria
Berlin, Germany
Queens, New York
Paris, France
A summer of film
I held steadfast to my commitment to film the entire summer. Within less than 12 weeks i learn how to shoot manual, develop film, and make my own prints. When I grew tired of using 35MM I shifted my focus to using only polaroids. It was a nice break from lugging around my digital.
When I finally went to New York I believe I have started to get the hang of it all. The manual could be such a burden to be able to capture candid moments.
Here are some of my favorites -
Film Update
I managed to get around to developing several rolls of a film. What a total disaster. 3 rolls ended up being blank and the rest of the photos were 'eh' at best.
My attempt of taking photos at a show with low-lighting was also a bust. A friend suggested I keep a film diary of what photos I took on each roll to keep track. Good idea but the thought of keeping track of what potential photos I missed out on does not sound appealing. Regardless, I am doing it anyways. Here is one photo from fountain downtown that I seem to enjoy. The experiment has been exhausting but I am digging results.
Film Pt. 1
Hi
My journey into film has just started.
Tired of hauling the digital beast around.
Committing to film for an entire summer?! Ahhhhh
Photo Contests
A good opportunity or a cash cow? You will hear responses all over the spectrum but I think the overall consensus is that people just want an audience for their work. Understandable but is photography contests the way to go? What is the the overhead costs of having one?
Not much. You have to truly consider what you will receive if you are selected - an exhibition? A shout out on the website? A congratulatory email? A cash prize? I hate to be so technical but if you break down the cost then here is what happens -
National Geographic just closed their photographer of the year contest on May 31st. The prizes range from a trip abroad to cash prizes (this year is $10,000 for first place). All taxable mind you! The magazine will print your entry in an upcoming publication and will post it via web and social media.
Sounds wonderful. How many entries are you competing with? With $15 entry fee per photo I would say at least 100,000 photos are submitted. Do the math - 100,000 x 15 = 1.5 million dollars gross profit for Nat Geo. They not only have a 'Photographer of the Year' they also have 'Travel Photographer, Nature Photographer' and on and on it goes. Millions upon millions in entry fees. With those figures 10,000 sounds like a tiny prize. I can say with confidence I have not heard of anyone making it big with winning - only obtaining bragging rights.
If your aim is to get published there are other avenues to explore. Be selective. These contests provide very little in return and can burn a deep hole in your pocket. Whatever you end goal is make sure that the contest fits in it. Do not play into the hype. In the end, if you do not win, the publication is getting the attention and clicks - not you.
Barcelona
Thank goodness I ended my European tour in this city. The weather and the sun were a blessing. Every single city was cold up to that point - I was over it.
My sister hated Paris, loved Barcelona and I 100% agree. Why?
Maybe it is the colors. The city's colors are vibrant, the architecture is so different. In many European cities the building's architecture starts to duplicate - you will get tired of it quickly. Paris, Budapest, and Prague you will see numerous similarities. In Barcelona, you will see no such thing. I spent more time looking up at the buildings than doing my normal people watching. I am convinced that I could really grow as an artist in Spain. Picasso even said he grew so much from working in Spain despite spending most of his career in Paris. If you have a chance to go - visit his museum! No pictures are allowed but it is totally worth it. I spent nearly three hours there and it was not nearly enough time.
Everyone is friendly. Limited English skills but they are very patient and you can manage. You will hear a lot of warnings about pickpockets - 'best in the world' I was told. No ubers and cabs are very expensive. Stick to the bus and being on foot.
My photos of the buildings may or may not do the city justice. However, here is some lovely snaps of tourists and residents.
Say too little or say too much?
Ai Wei Wei has an entire book filled with his online rants. Quite thick. I have not taken the time to read it (I am sure it will be interesting), but in recent years I have chosen to say less and observe more. It may be the effects of taking photos. Trying to stay invisible. It rarely works - I get asked a slew of questions by strangers quite often.
I think he [AIWW] has shown a unique side to himself, but his dialogue has been catered to appeal to a unique audience. In the past he has continuously discussed his fierce opposition to the Chinese government and political policies in general. For a country with billions of people, that can create a problem for those in power. His words have made him more popular than his art. He does not create the art himself (assistants, lots and lots of assistants) and has stated that he makes the work simple so that anyone can re-create it. It would be fair to say he is more of a celebrity or cult personality than anything. His life journey and experiences are more interesting than anything.
Ai Wei Wei recently held an Art Talk in Chicago to promote his new book and exhibition Trace. The man is quite goofy and silly. The person these serious 'art folks' are trying to portray is very unrealistic. Ai Wei Wei is not trying to start a political revolution or overthrow a system - he is sharing his thoughts, ideas, and life experiences and his are experiences resonate with millions. One must be wonder how, decades later, humanity is still facing the problems that Wei experienced at a young age? It is clear he focuses on the topics in his work simply not out of curiosity, but because they are part of who he is. Despite his struggles, he comes off as someone who is happy, humble, and grateful. American society spends significant amount of time arguing over topics that are irrelevant. Our actions towards humanity will be the only thing we will be remembered for.
America is so different and so bizarre. People are encouraged to speak their minds but rarely does anyone listen. No one has ever come up with a viable solution that can dissolve a problem. When you can profit off of people's opposition and anger, why would you strive to make an actual difference? Americans strive for action that benefits themselves and rarely think of how this could help their community.
I blame the ideology of capitalism. I often ask friends what would they do if they were suddenly blessed with a significant fortune. They can never give me a straight-forward answer. What would you do with all of the money? Honestly? Even a life of leisure has its limits. Ask someone in America for something that does not benefit them - you will quickly realize what type of person they are.
Paris
Paris is a gloomy place. Photogenic, but gloomy. The atmosphere is rather eerie and it is anything but romantic.
The first city in Europe Americans will name is Paris. You can thank 'We will always have Paris' and 'American in Paris' for that. I could fall in love with the city if it was my first European stop, but being a seasoned traveler that was not the case.
The French are not rude, they are just obsessed with being French. It was surprising they are not curious about any visitors and their English skills are very limited. Very polite but again, no interest in speaking English or learning about you.
Another thing - want to take their picture? No, thank you. Be sneaky and be prepared to be confronted by someone who catches you. I did not find myself in that situation and I hardly took any photos. Paris is such a love/hate relationship. I did not get that warm feeling but perhaps on another visit. I will come back to visit the Paris Opera. Paris, I am bored with you but I am not done with you.
William Silano
No Words. Only - I need this hat.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the European Chicago. Well, almost.
Never go in the winter. I experienced a cold I have never felt before. It was so unbearable I bought another North Face. The city has a canal that runs through it so that breeze will leave you helpless at any given moment. My goodness.
What makes it worse is that I had not seen the worst of it. Yikes.
Not a fan of bikers? Stay home. Bikes are EVERYWHERE. The most efficient way to get around is to have a bike. Cars cannot fit in many of the narrow streets. How can anyone find anything? The buildings are so homogeneous I constantly got lost. Ack!
This city is home to the infamous FOAM Amsterdam - one of the most prestigious photography institutions in Europe. I was lucky enough to attend an opening of Lucas Foglia - Human Nature. What a victory if I could have my work exhibited there.
The residents are the most friendly people you will ever meet. I recall visiting a wine store and reviewing a pamphlet in Dutch. The shop owner asks if I wanted him to translate it for me. Repeated visits to retail stores was frustrating as the security bars kept beeping when I entered. One associate said she was concerned for me and asked if she could help. I have never experienced this in the states. Have you?
Everyone speaks English so communication was a breeze. In Germany where cash is king, Amsterdam is all about the plastic.
I took very little photos. Too cold. Not too many people out. No one was standoffish about it but I was taking the time to enjoy my surroundings rather than consistently having a camera in front of my face. I was lucky enough to snap this one:
Berlin
I am at a lost for words on how I can explain why I like Berlin. If you are looking 'charm' and 'European' style architecture you will not find much of it here. WWII left the city in ruins, but Berlin through culture art, and its residents is pushing themselves into the new age.
Berlin is not stuck in the past visually and culturally like Paris or Prague. Any emerging artist should jump at the opportunity to showcase their talent here. The C/O Berlin's exhibition on Meyerowitz is a prime example of how serious they take art. I stayed in the charming neighborhood of Kreuzberg known for its prestigious art galleries and social clubs. Yes, I am talking about the infamous Kit Kat Club. Once the place closes down at 8 AM any local will gladly take you to another club that will be open till 11 AM. Party on.
Germans are not fond of credit cards so be sure to take cash with you. I found a Burger King that would not even accept credit cards. Are Germans friendly? Yes, once they get to know you. They are consistent in their charms and behaviors. Blunt and succinct, but are open to hear about your thoughts and perspectives. Finding someone who speaks English can be tough so be prepared for some humorous interactions.
Many shops are closed on various days and the city itself virtually shuts down on Sundays. The mall is not even open! I told my Uber driver and he was stunned when I said American Malls are only closed one day a year. Germans work hard but they firmly believe in rest.
I am not a huge fan of ISO but my photos this leg of the trip had other plans. ISO can give a photo a little more character and a somewhat film effect to the final products. Agree or Disagree? Take a look and send me your thoughts!
Henry Taylor Art Talk
Two Takeaways -
- Do not take this [art world] so seriously
- Create. Just Create.
PRAHA
A city with visual color and warmth. Old. A scene. Tourists everywhere.
Prague, Czech Republic. A little like Budapest but not quite.
The locals are a mix bag - the men exert their dominance or the woman will sass anyone who crosses them. On the other hand, I encountered some locals that were very kind and friendly. For winter there tourists EVERYWHERE. The city is on the water and for the time of year it was surprisingly not frigid. One unique activity I did manage to fit in was a houseboat party on the river. The club was open till 8 AM and some locals came to the club alone. Women even. I do not know anyone who would do that in the states.
I was not wild about my Airbnb. You definitely need to be cautious when booking accomodations abroad. It was cheap (25 dollars a night!) but the place was much more run down than I expected. I could barely see when trying to get ready each morning! I have a small obsession with my hair. HA!
Meat lovers - this is your spot. Any type of meat + potatoes. The staple cuisine. Ick, please bring me a salad.
I STILL cannot get over people will make reservations for tables at coffee shops! Ah...and then the staff will reserve the best table. Sigh.
I have no tips, no pointers, nada. Enjoy. Bridges that are built in the 11th century...colors everywhere. Visit the local art galleries. Get lost in the gothic quarter. Dance. Watch the sunrise.
Take it all in. You will miss when it is time to go.
MCA Instameet
I never posted about this but I just discovered it. I attended an event around Murakami's exhibition last fall with 400 guests. My Instagram was featured in the post. Yippee!
From the MCA:
On June 22, we welcomed more than 400 of our friends from the Instagram community when we again paired with @igerschicago to bring the world of Takashi Murakami to the social media masses. We welcomed Instagrammers from throughout Chicago to an empty MCA so they could explore the galleries freely. We also provided Murakami merch for selfies, MCA artist-guided tours, and a special all-MCA Bingo game—post 5 photos in a stack post relating to the series of clues to get a Bingo—with photo-focused prizes from the MCA Store. Below are some of our favorites. Follow Instagramers Chicago to find out about their next meet.
