My project: Juan Miguel Marquez
The first idea I had for my project came to me randomly and out of nowhere, I was at home when the visuals for my piece suddenly hit me, the image felt so powerful to me that I understood that I had to bring it to fruition, because as an artist I should use my skills to communicate and share what I believe in.
I'm extremely unhappy with the current state of America for multiple reasons, I feel hopeless, upset and betrayed by the people in charge, it has been like this for a long time and I'm not the only one. Once the Epstein case became of public interest I was beyond disgusted, but at least I thought that its discovery might bring some much needed change, At the time I thought that the things that were said about the whole situation were so inhumane and immoral that It must surely spark disgust in every person, no matter their beliefs.
As we all know that hasn't been the case, no real tangible change has been enacted, and the whole case seemed to have been forgotten by most people, it's disregarded as news of the past and a rumor that got out of hand by the people in power. In a way my project is a protest, a scream and a cry for change if you will, with it I hope to inspire people to see the evil that is trying to hide in power. We must realize that we are many and we have the power to act and change the world as a group, we can't forget, WE MUST KEEP THEM ACCOUNTABLE.
Now, highlighting a problem and criticizing it is only the first part of activism, other than just pointing something I dislike out I should also be able to offer some real change. As an individual with no resources I don't really have many options, so how do I turn this into something positive?. Trough what makes us human, trough connections.
I plan to display my work in a public setting and 'Interview' people, break trough the noise and directly ask them how they feel, I want to ask them how they feel about current events and what their HOPES are for a better world. Hope is the most important thing we must keep in mind to enact real change in our world.
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Quotes from the book
"Making rational decisions based upon informed and reasoned discussions is a worthy ideal. this is something we should aspire to, not only as artist and activists but through our societies". Pg 23
"We can’t change the world alone, we need others. They will join us, but only if they, too, are inspired by the dream we are working toward". Pg 337
"Our work needs to come out of love:. Pg 59
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Inspirations:
Hirohiko Araki: Despite being an illustrator myself i never had a favorite artist growing up, that was until i discovered the manga series Jojo's Bizarre Adventure and it changed how I ought about the world and my art. I am not exaggerating when I say that the story and illustration of Araki made me the artist that I am today, if it wasn't because of his amazing work I don't think i would take illustration as serious as I do. I owe my passion for observing and creating to him.
The two Steve's: I have to recognize the two Steves themselves. the one that wrote our main book for this class 'The Art of Activism'. Our weekly readings and note taking of their book have given me a space to sit down and meditate on what I want to accomplish with my art and how can I effectively do it. For the longest time i felt in a bit of a dilemma as an artist, because I always felt that I had nothing to say despite my technical skill; thanks to their writings I have felt more inspired to create works that actually say something about the world and how I interpret it.
Coffeezilla: Stephen Findeisen, known online as Coffeezilla is a journalist that reports on current events, he has closely reported and discussed the Epstein investigation, it is in part because of his constant reporting that i have maintained an interest on current political topics. By watching his content i have also learned about how important journalism actually is and how powerful people affect our lives trough narratives that benefit them.
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Extra Thoughts:
My project consist of an acrylic painting on canvas. The project will be displayed in public, both for passive observation and active engagement discussing it.
MY message is one of rebellion, of hope and strength. I want to turn those negatives feelings, that anger and disgust into a reason for unity and change. I have been painting for a couple years now, I hope that a public and controversial project like this one can bring some eyes on me and make me more of a "legit artist" who has something to say about the world and is willing to speak about it.
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