Final Essays
1
The Taylor Swift Concert
Madison MacPherson
The Taylor Swift concert I recently had the privilege of attending in Tampa over the past weekend was an incredible experience, I have to say. Taylor Swift has been one of my favorite artists for as long as I can remember, so I was beyond thrilled to see her perform live. The atmosphere in the arena was electric as soon as she entered the stage. She had an undeniable connection with the crowd and immaculate vocal and dancing skills. I danced like no one was watching, sang along to every song she sang, and occasionally shed a tear when she sang one of her more sentimental songs.
It was absolutely a fantastic event, and I will treasure it forever. Because I think music has the capacity to unite people, inspire us, and forge enduring memories, I decided to write about the Taylor Swift concert. The Taylor Swift concert was undoubtedly one of those times. As a writer, I'm constantly thinking of new ways to capture those special moments, that impact us. In the hopes that they, too, maybe motivated to lookout for those moments of utter joy and connection in their own lives, I wanted to share my experience with others. Many people don’t think of music as an art and I would have to respectfully disagree with them.
Music is art to our ears. It reaches a part of our body, deep within, that no other art piece can reach. The Taylor Swift concert can be used in the classroom to demonstrate the value of music as a medium for bridging differences in people's backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. We can talk about how the topics in Taylor Swift's music and lyrics apply to our own lives and experiences. We may also look at how live performances and music can foster a feeling of belonging and community, as well as how they can develop compassion and understanding for others. We can make these lessons more interesting and relevant for our kids and encourage them to view the world in a more compassionate and connected way by using real life examples like the Taylor Swift performance.
2
Euphoric Ceiling
Jennifer Rojas
The artwork that still fascinates me today is the ceiling of Villa Farnesia in Rome, which tells the story of Cupid and Psyche. This ceiling was created in the 1500’s by Baldassare Peruzzi. I studied abroad last semester at the American University in Rome, and one of my classes was called “Art of Rome”. We visited many museums and churches in this class and learned about historical masterpieces. It was challenging to choose one to focus on for this paper, but the ceiling that depicts the love story of Cupid and Psyche was a surreal, almost overwhelming experience.
Most of the churches or museums have impressive ceilings, however, I did not see one as grand and yet cohesive as this one. The story flows from panel to panel, conveying every scene in great detail. The theme of the story itself has to do with being blinded by love, which is one that is common even today. The main character, Psyche, has a beauty that even the goddess Venus is jealous and she calls upon Cupid to intervene. However, Cupid ends up falling in love with Psyche and is then tasked to get the approval of the gods and goddesses for their marriage. Throughout the journey of acquiring their approval, Psyche must complete many tasks to prove her worth. The final part of the story is a grand celebration of Psyche’s completion of the tasks, which is displayed in the middle panel.
Every aspect of the museums and churches in Rome is as fascinating and as beautiful as the next. It is hard to choose a favorite or most amazing, yet this ceiling made me feel an out-of-body experience. I believe it is due to the cohesion of the story and the great detail of the artwork. In addition, the theme of love and jealousy resonated strongly with me because it is so common in our world today. It was really cool to see this ceiling having been painted in the 1500’s depict problems that are relevant in the 21st century. It shows that all throughout history, love has always been something humans desire and has driven them to do crazy things.
For an art lesson, I would first start by teaching my students about the history of the Villa Farnese and the important artists that contributed to the different rooms in the Villa. I would also have a mini-lesson on Roman mythology, highlighting Venus and Cupid since they are the main characters of the story. Then, I would create a virtual experience for my students. I would either create a power-point with every individual panel of the story or would find a video that discusses every panel individually. After having gone through the story panel by panel, I would discuss the overall theme of love and connect it back to the present day. It would be fun to have this as a lesson on Valentine’s Day; a fun closing activity would be to create Valentine’s Day cards “for Psyche from Cupid”.
3
“War” by Bob Marley
Norchad Omier
An art piece that has a lot of meaning to me is the song “War” by Bob Marley and the Wailers. This song is about fighting the war on racism and not backing down until the issue is resolved. Some lyrics of the song are “Until the philosophy which hold one race superior / And another / Inferior / Is finally / And permanently / Discredited / And abandoned / -Everywhere is war - / Me say war. That until there no longer / First class and second class citizens of any nation / Until the colour of a man's skin / Is of no more significance / than the colour of his eyes / - Me say war.” Bob Marley is saying that it is not right to make one race superior to others and treat them differently just because their skin color is different.
I am from the Caribbean coast of Nicaraguan so we listened to a lot of Bob Marley growing up. This part of Nicaragua is also where almost all of the black people in the country live. Since this song is about standing up to racism, I could kind of relate to the song growing up. However, I actually realized the real importance of it when I moved to the United States. Here I learned about racism between white people and black people, the history of racism in the United States, and how it is still very real today. This made this song come back to me. It is crazy how the song was made in the 1970s and it still holds true today.
This song could be used in a History lesson on the Civil Rights Movement era. To go deeper into the impact of racism, the teacher could show some songs from that time period about the issue. This song as well as many others can be played. After each song is played, the teacher could have the class break down the lyrics and discuss their meaning. Theme can also be tied into this lesson when looking into the songs. In addition, the teacher could connect the civil rights Movement era to the impact it had on other countries.
4
Leandro Erlich's Poster: The View (La Vista)
Heather Fanning
The art piece I dedicate this paper to is Leandro Erlich's Poster: The View (La Vista), 1997. This piece is displayed in the Perez Art Museum, where I had the opportunity to admire it. Erlich was born in Buenos Aires in 1973, where he still resides. He creates unique sculptures and site-specific installations of everyday objects. He remakes these common objects into sculptures that defy certain laws and attributes. Erlich's sculptures are surprising and unique due to the placement and representation of ordinary things. In The View, viewers look through an outlet into the windows of the apartments across the street. The apartments show 12 screens playing on a loop showcasing 12 different inhabitants going about their daily lives, unaware of the viewers peering at them. These inhabitants are each doing different activities and living their lives freely.
I chose Leandro Erlich's The View because I loved the concept and got entranced while viewing the 12 screens. When taking in the art piece, I was enthralled by the different lifestyles of each apartment. Each time I looked into another apartment, I saw something different and was excited to see what the person in the apartment was doing. I was eager to see what came next in each film and felt pulled toward the window. Watching the art piece, I felt like I was in a New York City apartment, looking at my neighbors across the street. Although separated, I felt connected and familiar with these strangers. It brought me warmth and amazement while watching each apartment. The View showed how each person lived different lives but still connected to strangers, in a way, living around them.
If I use this piece to teach a lesson, I will show the video to the students. Then, I would ask the students to tell me what they see. Each student will point out a different aspect of the piece. Next, I will ask them to describe what each person in a separate apartment is doing. Each student will tell a different life story of each apartment goer. Once I have completed this activity, I will go into my lesson. My lesson will consist of how every student needs to respect each other. I will discuss how our classroom is an accepting, welcoming, and kind environment. To achieve this environment, I will describe how the art piece showcases that each person comes from a different home and lives differently. To create this welcoming environment, each student must remember that everyone is unique, but we must respect each other regardless of differences. I will explain how each student must be nice to each other and respect their fellow classmates' cultures, activities, hobbies, and families.
5
Treat People With Kindness by Harry Styles
Alexis Calixte
I chose this song because “Treat People With Kindness” is one of my favorite quotes that I strive to live by. I have it on my phone, license plate frame, and a hoodie. The act of kindness is simple, but not always performed by people. Being kind to others not only benefits the receiver but also the giver as it positively impacts both of their happiness. Another reason I chose the song is because the artist is a great role model for kids. In addition to kindness, he promotes self-acceptance, inclusivity, advocates for mental health awareness, and environmental conservation.
6
The Water Lily Pond
Julia Yu
An art piece that I really like and find very meaningful is The Water Lily Pond, which is a painting by Claude Monet, a famous impressionist painting. I have seen this painting at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City several times, and it is a painting that I always want to continue to see time and time again. It is one of my favorites because of the beautiful colors and the stunning imagery that is portrayed in the painting.
This painting comes from the Impressionist period which was an era of art introduced by the French which promoted painting using small thin brush strokes and emphasized the depiction of ordinary figures and scenes. Claude Monet was a very passionate horticulturist, and purchased the pond that is the subject of this particular piece. He bought the pond to serve as a source of “pleasure of the eye and also for motifs to paint” according to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The painting consists of bright green, blue, and pink oil paints to create a beautiful image of a bridge over a water lily pond. I enjoy this painting so much because it makes me feel happy and calm. I think that the vibrant colors make the viewer feel happy and uplifted. I also think that the idea of abridge over a calm water lily pond elicits a feeling of calmness from the viewer because it is such a tranquil idea.
If I were to base an art lesson off of this particular painting, I would have my students walk outside and pick a scene or image that they find along the way to paint. I would tell them to choose something that makes them feel happy or calm, or something that they really like. Then we could paint the images, and have art that makes them feel good, similarly to how this painting makes me feel.
7
“Soul” and its Masterpiece View
Juana Davin
The Disney movie "Soul" is a true masterpiece that not only entertains viewers but also teaches valuable life lessons. The movie tells the story of Joe Gardner, a middle-school music teacher passionate about jazz music. After a tragic accident, Joe's soul is separated from his body, and he finds himself in "The Great Before," a place where new souls get their personalities and traits before being sent to Earth. Throughout the movie, Joe learns important lessons about the meaning of life and the value of pursuing one's passions, making him an ideal candidate for classroom teaching.
One of the key themes in "Soul" is that finding one's purpose in life is not always easy, but it is a journey worth taking. Throughout the movie, Joe is shown as a character who is deeply passionate about jazz music but struggles to find success in his career. This theme is especially relevant to students needing help finding their passions and interests.
"Soul" can serve as a valuable tool to encourage students to explore their interests and find their path in life. Another important theme in "Soul" is the value of self-reflection and taking time to appreciate the present moment. Joe is so consumed with his desire to succeed as a jazz musician that he often forgets to appreciate the smaller moments in life.
This lesson can be significant for students feeling overwhelmed with schoolwork or extracurricular activities. By taking time to appreciate the present moment, students can learn to live more fulfilled lives and avoid getting caught up in the stresses of daily life.
Additionally, "Soul" teaches the importance of empathy and understanding others. Joe's journey in the movie is not only about finding his purpose in life but also about understanding and helping those around him.
This message can be particularly relevant for students who may be struggling with issues of empathy and inclusivity. By watching "Soul," students can learn the importance of putting themselves in others' shoes and treating others with kindness and understanding.
In conclusion, "Soul" is an actual work of art that teaches valuable lessons to viewers of all ages. Its themes of finding purpose, appreciating the present moment, and understanding others make it an ideal candidate for classroom teaching. By incorporating "Soul" into their curriculum, teachers can help their students learn important life lessons that will stay with them long after they leave the classroom.UMF integrates a diverse group of talented musicians, DJs and artists each year to generate buzz among the public. Attendees are willing to pay more than $450 for a three-day pass to receive the full festival experience with numerous performances. UMF has rebranded itself to Ultra Worldwide, which represents its global reach and “solidified its position as the most global music festival brand” (Cartel, 2022). Artists and DJs strive to create an unforgettable experience with their production team that manages special effects, displays, LED screens and additional technical work. The atmosphere at UMF represents inclusivity and community, which is seen by the international flags waving in the air as well as individuals in the crowd sharing their affection for dance with one another. UMF connects people globally based on their love for EDM regardless of ethnicity, race or religion.
In a classroom setting, I would teach a lesson about UMF in a social studies class. The students can learn about the history/background of UMF and its timeline from originating at Collins Park and then shifting to Bayfront Park. Additionally, the students would be educated on the different genres of music and the categories in which certain artists, bands and DJs are within. Since the subject matter is slightly more mature, it would be beneficial to teach this lesson to students who are in middle or high school. Furthermore, students will review the different sets from UMF performances to observe how the lighting and special effects are aligned and timed to the beat of the music. Students are willing to participate in lesson’s if they are engaging and entertaining; therefore, watching live performances of Ultra Worldwide will help reinforce the message.
9
“Meat Truck” by Banksy
Haley Galante
This art piece is a painting by Banksy from 2013. Banksy is a popular street artist that creates art pieces based on political issues; his identity is rumored to be hidden which is extremely powerful because he focuses on controversial issues. Instead of being in the center of attention, his work is the center of attention with no person to put the blame on. People are often scared to address certain issues, but his paintings do the talking which can explain a deeper understanding of certain issues without the back and forth debate of extreme views on different ends. This specific art piece: Meat Truck is a painting of a truck of stuffed animals on their way to the slaughterhouse to represent the meat industry and consumption. This is their last moments in their lives – crammed into a truck fighting for their lives. It is also showing a critique of how animals die for human consumption.
I chose this art piece because I went to a Banksy exhibit, and I loved all of the pieces I saw; but this was the first time a piece spoke to me. I could feel this painting sucking me in to be mesmerized by every detail and feeling a connection grow stronger the longer I looked at it. People ask me all of the time why I’m vegetarian, and no matter how I explain it, there’s always some argument or debate. This painting not only made me feel seen, but also validated the topic without using words that someone can argue with.
In a classroom, I would use this piece carefully. I could use it in Art class to talk about different artists or different styles of communicating art pieces. I could also use it in an English class; Mysterious Possibilities is a type of strategy lesson for teaching content area literacy – this painting will be presented before a reading and students will make assumptions about the corresponding reading associated. This may be about Banksy as an artist or the topic of animal cruelty. This is a controversial topic so it would be targeted to more mature audiences: high school students. This can also be a lesson for different interpretations of the same art pieces with a classroom discussion of what students see and what meanings they derive from that initial look.
10
Alexander Hamilton: The Song
Daniel Guthart
“The ten-dollar Founding Father without a father, Got a lot farther by working a lot harder”. Those are the lyrics of the song Alexander Hamilton, just one of the many songs of the musical Hamilton. The musical incorporates a soundtrack that is driven by rap. Its soundtrack is truly an artform and takes the production to the next level- and perhaps even music in general.
As someone who typically does not watch musicals and especially does not listen to the music in them, the music of Hamilton caught my attention after I decided to watch it on Disney+. The blend of history in a hip-hop style was delightful to my ears. In fact, my Spotify listening time was almost 500 hours in 2021. After every listen, I begin to think more clearly and positively. Not to mention, when I found myself in the hospital for almost two weeks, my blood pressure finally lowered after listening to the tunes.
I would use the piece to teach about history while using the arts. Of course, I could also use the Hamilton soundtrack to teach the arts while using history. When the stress of students needs to be lowered, the music could simply be played alongside meditation.
11
"Ride"
12
Drive-By Truckers Concert
Cormac O'Brien
This past Friday I had the opportunity to see one of my all-time favorite rock bands, Drive-By Truckers. Ever since I was a little kid, my family loved playing this type of music in my house. I guess you could say I was forced to like rock music. Whenever I was playing video games in the house, making food in the kitchen, or playing basketball outside, I always heard some type of rock music playing. Once I saw the opportunity to see them in Fort Lauderdale, I knew it was an opportunity I could not pass up. I called my mom right away and she could not believe what I was doing. As soon as they came on stage, fans were going crazy and could not wait for them to perform. Though I was with a crowd unlike me, it was an unforgettable experience that I will never forget.
Listening to this rock group play, you can tell how much work they put into their songs.The lyrics, the sounds of the instruments, these things all play into making their music incredible. As I watched lead guitarist Patterson Hood play right in front of me, I can see how in love he is with music. Music to me is like art. I tend to notice all the little details in every song I listen to. I think music has a tremendous impact on me because it inspires me every day. People do not realize how much time and effort is put into making music and the dedication it takes to make a hit song. After thousands of times listening to Drive-By Truckers, I never get tired of it. I think this is because of how unique their songs are. My ears pick up something new every time I listen to them. I always notice something new and say to myself, “Wow, how did I not pick upon that!”To have the opportunity to listen to them next to a couple of my good friends, was an incredible experience. The music was sinking into my body, and I felt like I could listen to them forever.I think it is unreal how much music can impact people. Even though it is just sounds created by people, it can touch you on a whole new level. People play music like a work of art, and it is incredible to see it happen in person.
Overall, I think music can play a huge role in the classroom. From listening to the Ted Talk in class on Thursday, the way we learn today is pointless. School is not teaching kids real-life situations and it is basically just teaching kids how to be good test takers. This is not a valuable life skill and is something we should not plant in kids' brains. It is sad to see the way schools are taught here in the U.S. and I hope it changes. I think music can impact kids on a whole new level. For me, Drive-By Truckers teaches me no matter where you come from, you can find the light at the end of the tunnel. I think everyone can relate to an artist they like and can learn so much about life and how to handle problems they encounter. Music can teach people the deeper meaning behind things. Whenever you listen to a song for the first time, you never understand what it is really saying. You must listen to it repeatedly to get an idea of what the artist is really trying to say. That is why I love music so much. It is such a work of art that takes time and skill to develop. I hope I will get the opportunity to see Drive-By Truckers again with my family as I can never get enough of their music.
13
Ratatouille
The piece that I chose is a movie about an unexpected chef who, despite challenges,becomes one of the top chefs in Paris. The movie is Ratatouille. The main character, Remy, is a rat that thinks much differently than the rest of the rats in his colony. He does not understand why they steal and eat trash even though that is the basic nature of a rat. He is quoted saying “If you are what you eat, then I only want the good stuff.” After a series of events, Remy finds himself in Paris and meets Linguini, a trash boy at one of the best restaurants in Paris. Even through the language barrier, the two become friends and create a system where Remy controls Linguini’s actions by pulling his hair. This allows Remy to use Linguini and cook. In the end, Remy and Linguini impress the best food critic in Paris and go to create their own restaurant.
I chose this piece because, although childish, it carries an incredible message. A line that is repeated throughout the film is “Anyone can cook, but only the fearless can be great.” I think this is an important message because anyone can do anything, but the ones who are fearless are the ones who change the world. I believe being fearless is something that we do not see enough today with others' opinions holding us back. Another line that demonstrates the message of the film is “Not everyone can be a great artist, but a great artist can come from anywhere.” I love this quote because it compliments my last quote. If you are fearless, you can do it no matter what your background is. That is why I chose this movie, it is about an unlikely hero who can inspire us all.
14
La Vista: first monographic survey exhibition
Alexa Persico
The art piece I chose to write about is a poster titled La Vista (The view) by Leandro Erlich. I discovered this artist on my recent trip to the Perez Art Museum in Miami. Argentine artist, Leandro Erlich, has been creating sculptures and installations since the 1990s. The original poster was created in 1997. The art installation at the Perez Art Museum is actually very significant for the artist himself because it's the first monographic survey exhibition of his work in North America, containing sixteen unique art pieces, a collection that has been in the works for two decades. This art piece places the viewer behind a window, looking into the apartments across from them. In each apartment, people are going about their daily lives, some are happy, some are mad, some are sad, yet it is almost impossible for the viewer to look away. Leandro Erlich's ability to have you question what is real and what is not through his art is one of the many reasons for his success.
The reason why I chose to write about this piece is because of how it actually makes you feel as a viewer. I knew I wanted to write about an art piece that I have seen in person, and this is the one that stood out to me. This was the hardest piece to walk away from as I was walking through the exhibit at the Perez Art Museum. As you're standing there, you feel as if you're actually placed behind a window, looking out into the personal lives of your neighbors. Some people are watching TV, some are cleaning, some are fighting, some are playing games, etc. and it really puts things into perspective when you realize how hard it is to stop looking. This piece places the viewer in a very familiar place, yet it raises so many questions. As we're standing there looking out, so much is going on that we begin to drift off into a different reality, which is one of the main characteristics of Erlich's work.
What first came to mind when I thought about using this piece to teach a lesson was to use it to demonstrate how everyone is living their own lives, and sometimes when we focus too much on others or compare ourselves to them, we tend to drift into a false sense of reality. This exhibit as a whole can also be used to teach an elementary or middle school art class about optical illusions, which was one of my favorite lessons that I recall from art class as a child. Overall, this art piece and the exhibition as a whole can really make you question your perception of what is around you and can be used to teach young children how impactful art can be and the influence it can have on us, as the viewer.
15
Looking Deeper
Alejandro Rosario
The piece of art I chose is “The Scream," a composition created by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch in 1893. The Norwegian name of the piece is Skrik, and the German title under which it was first exhibited Der Schrei der Natur. With its vibrant and unrealistic colors, "The Scream" shows a new way of creating art. The piece is a turning point between the symbolist and expressionist movements. In 2012, one of the versions of The Scream was sold at auction at Sotheby's New York for $119.92 million!
The reason why I chose this piece of art is because it catches one's attention. It makes one want to look deeper into the piece of art and learn the meaning behind it. The more one stares at it and tries to understand it, the more one starts to notice things one didn’t see at first. The piece of art makes one want to look at it from different angles. It explains how many of us humans have experienced fear and anxiety as well just by being humans. After many years, the piece still has an impact on peoples' lives and has a very high value price on it because of its historical features and meaning.
"The Scream"also connects with people and helps people if they are going through a tough time. It helps people to understand that it is okay, and they are not the first person to be experiencing hard times. Thus, the reason why I chose this art piece was because it stands out. I asked others about the painting if they knew what it was and everyone I asked had heard about it and had seen it. They all agreed that it has a very powerful message. I also chose this art piece because I feel like you can look at this piece of art anytime in your life and see something new and see something that you didn’t see at first.
I would use this piece of art to teach many different lessons in life and in the classroom as well. One would be to ask students to share what they see and what they got from the piece of art without looking for the meaning online. It would be interesting to see if they can understand the meaning behind the image. Another lesson that I would teach students is that it is okay to experience different types of feelings. It is normal to feel in different ways through out different stages in one's life. I would teach them that it is not wrong to be scared and feel anxious because the same person who painted "The Scream", Munch, perhaps did this piece of art because he felt that way too. Many years after, "The Scream" is still being spoken about and people are still trying to learn something new from it.
16
A Powerful Reminder
Andrew Walters
One of my favorite pieces of art is Vincent van Gogh's "Starry Night." The painting depicts a peaceful night sky over a small village. It shows swirling clouds and stars shining bright. The painting is full of emotion and movement. The colors used by van Gogh convey a sense of depth and mood.
I chose "Starry Night" because it is a beautiful and iconic work of art that has captivated people for generations. It is a testament to the power of art to move and inspire, and the fact that van Gogh created it during a time of great personal turmoil only adds to its emotional impact. The painting is a powerful reminder of the beauty of the natural world, and it serves as a reminder to appreciate the simple things in life.
If I were to use "Starry Night" to teach a lesson, I would focus on the importance of mindfulness and being present in the moment. I would encourage my students to take a few moments to really look at the painting, to appreciate its beauty and to let their minds quiet down. We would talk about the importance of taking time to appreciate the world around us, and how doing so can help us feel more connected to ourselves and to others. I would also use the painting to encourage my students to explore their own creativity, to take risks and to express themselves in their own unique way.
17
A Chance for People to Connect
Yohandy Morales
Baseball is a big spectacle and as such it is a performance where players perform their abilities. The WBC USA vs Cuba game refers to the World Baseball Classic, which is an international baseball tournament featuring professional players from around the world. The tournament is held every four years and is organized by the Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA). The USA vs Cuba game in particular is significant as it is often considered a rivalry match, with both countries having a rich history in baseball and a competitive streak that has spanned several decades.
As a Cuban-American, the USA vs Cuba game is important for several reasons. Firstly, it showcases the talent and skill of the players from both countries. Baseball is a sport that is deeply rooted in both the American and Cuban cultures and has played a significant role in shaping the identity of these two nations. Thus, when the players take to the field, they are not just representing themselves but also their countries and the legacies of those who have come before them. Secondly, it provides a platform for citizens from both countries to come together and celebrate their shared love of the sport. As tensions between the two nations have historically been fraught, events such as the World Baseball Classic provide a chance for people to connect over a common interest and bridge any divides that may exist.
As a teacher, I would use the USA vs Cuba game to teach students about the ways in which sports can have a effect on communities and nations. I would start by providing some background on the history of baseball, its cultural significance, and how it has been used in the past to bridge divides between nations. Next, I would use the game as a case study, dissecting the ways in which it brings people together and discussing how this can be applied to other areas of life. Lastly, I would encourage students to think about the ways in which they can use their own interests and passions as tools for creating connections with others and building more inclusive communities.
Along with this piece was the most recent movie I have seen in theaters, “Air” gave an exceptional depiction of the start of Nike’s reign in the basketball market. It uses different cinematic styles throughout the film and concludes with a more documentary style short clip of what came for Nike post the Michael Jordan deal. It highlights the work and determination of the team at Nike to sign Jordan without making Michael Jordan the focal point of this film. It shows ways people can be successful in the workplace without needing to be the CEO like Phil Knight or the star athlete like Michael Jordan. Highlighting Sonny Vaccaro and the rest of the team he used to aid in his efforts made me realize that getting help and really putting your effort into what you believe in can go a long way. This movie gave me a deeper insight into what I value and what I would want to pursue in the future.
The movie highlights the value of taking risks. Sonny put his job and the entire basketball department's jobs in jeopardy for the potential to sign one player who he believes would completely revamp Nike basketball as we know it. He was right and luckily it worked out in the end; Founder Phil Knight even makes a comment about how it reminds him of the old Nike days where he was selling running shoes out of his car and taking many risks to build what is now the world’s largest athletic company. This revolutionized the idea of marketing and business dealings with athletes. With this movie, you can introduce the different types of contracts an athlete can sign for a company and what each piece of the contract will mean. We see how important the value of the Jordan image and likeness negotiation is, and I think it would be a great intro to a sports administration class about contract dealings. However, showing this to a group of 8th graders can also entice young students to understand the different aspects to a career in sports followed up by a quiz on the different positions in a company. Exposure to knowledge like this can be very beneficial for children especially some who may not be familiar these kind of transactions.
19
Appreciating All Types of Music
Sami Chernawsky
The piece I chose is a photo of Calvin Harris performing at Coachella. Coachella is a music festival held once a year in Indio, California. Music artists from all over the world congregate here to share their art. Rock, indie, hip hop, EDM, and country performances are featured here. This diverse line up of art is appeals to a variety of music lovers from all over the world.
I chose Coachella because of my love for music. Ever since I was younger, I would attend as many music festivals and concerts as possible. My music taste varies from country to pop and rap to house music. Although these are my favorite genres, I appreciate all types of music. This year was my first time at tending Coachella, and I had the absolute best time. I decided on this photo because I wanted to share my amazing experience and spread awareness about the different types of music.
I would use Coachella to teach a lesson on the various music genres. At the festival, I was able to watch sets and listen to different singers and bands from all types of genres. I would start the lesson by showing my audience videos of performances demonstrating all different musical categories. Then, I would have the students pair up, choose a specific genre, and put together a small presentation. The presentation would include:
●History
●How the music is created(instruments)
●An example of a song
I would then end the class with the students sharing out loud what they’ve learned, as well as go back to the videos I showed at the beginning of class and see if they can determine the genre of each song. I hope this lesson will introduce the students to diverse genres, deepen their music knowledge, and learn to appreciate all types of music.
20
"Silenced"
Hao Yu
"Silenced" is this powerful Korean movie about a group of deaf kids who get sexually abused by their own teachers. It's based on a true story, and it's heart-wrenching to see how these kids get treated by the people who were supposed to protect them. The main character is a lawyer who takes on the case and tries to get justice for the victims. But, of course, there are lots of obstacles in his way, and he has to fight against corruption and bureaucracy to make things right.
I picked "Silenced" because it's such an eye-opening movie that tackles some really tough issues. It's not just about child abuse; it's also about discrimination and power dynamics and all sorts of messed up things. The actors are all amazing, especially the kids who play the victims. I couldn't help but feel angry and sad and inspired all at the same time. This movie will make you think and feel, and that's why I think it's worth watching.
If I were teaching a lesson using "Silenced," I would use it as a way to start conversations about justice and empathy and inclusivity. We would talk about how messed up it is that people in power can get away with doing awful things, and we would brainstorm ways to stand up to that kind of injustice. We would also talk about disability rights and how important it is to create safe spaces for everyone, no matter what their abilities are. Basically, we would be learning about some heavy stuff, but would also be reminded that there are people out there who are fighting for what is right, and that will be darn inspiring.
21
Exercising Their Free Writing Muscles
Amanda Fisher
This photograph is taken by an artist named Danie Franco who lives and works in Mexico. While she hasn’t provided any backstory to the photograph’s context or meaning, she has a collection of black and white portraits of older men and women in her country. The photos in this collection all depict beautiful faces, full of wrinkles and scars, with subjects that make direct eye contact with the camera. The close-up, direct eye contact with the lens makes the viewer feel as if the person in the photo is looking at them, which brings the subject to life.
I chose this piece because I admire the natural aging process, especially for women, as much of the world is becoming obsessed with “anti-aging” everything. I think the fear of aging, particularly in western civilization, has created an environment in which wisdom, old age, and life stories lack deserved celebration, and I find that incredibly sad. Success has been redefined by recent generations, which is shaping current and future generations to think that old people’s lives are over and no longer have the type of value they had when they were young. This is ironic when thinking about how Americans live for retirement, planning for it for most of their lives, idolizing the “freedom” they’ll have, and wishing away their working days.
I often wonder how idolatry of retirement and disdain for aging can coexist in the hearts and minds of so many people. I don’t think Danie Franco thinks this way about aging, as I see the way her photographs admire and romanticize the faces that have life written all over them. When I look at this photo, I see a face of a million stories because there are lines there to tell of their memory. I think this photograph in particular paints a beautiful picture of old age in womanhood, and I wish I could spend time talking with this woman to learn about the stories her wrinkles tell.
To teach a lesson with this photograph, I would focus on the art of storytelling in creative writing. My prompt/instruction would be the same, regardless of the age group I was teaching. Before giving the prompt, I would talk to the class about stories, ask them to brainstorm reasons they are valuable, and to share details about what components of their favorite stories make those stories so impactful to them. After the discussion, I would put this photograph on the board, and I would point out the woman’s wrinkles, making note of how they are an indicator that she has lived a long life with many stories to tell. Then, I would have each student create a story about one of this woman’s memories. This would give them the opportunity to be as creative as they want, all while paying
22
“Dile el amor” by Aventura
Ramy Berberena
I wanted to pick this song to reflect on because this saying means a lot. Not only to me, but to my mother as well. I wouldn’t trade anything in this world for the relationship I have with my mother. This is our song and every time it plays both of our faces light up. This is what art is supposed to do. Connect people and strengthen relationships like nothing else can. This is exactly what this song does for me and my mother.
It’s funny because randomly when I was younger I asked my mom why every time I hear this song I get chills. It was so strange. Every single time this song came on I would randomly get chills. When I brought this up to her she said “it’s because before you were born when you were in my belly, I would play this song and you would kick around. You loved it.” This shocked me. That was a really crazy concept for me.
Till this day me and her love that song. It makes me realize that so many people overlook what art really is. The meaning behind things are so much more than what people see at face value. People are so superficial now and have to find meanings in things that are tangible. This song will always lighten up me and my mom. Whenever we are, whatever we are doing. If this song comes on the first thing we think of is each other.
23
Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Roméo et Juliette
Geneavive Sloan
In 2014, the Atlanta Ballet performed Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Roméo et Juliette, a beautiful and unique portrayal of the classic Shakespearean story. Jean-Christophe Maillot is a French choreographer and director, distinguished in the world of ballet for his time at Les Ballet De Monte Carlo and his magnitude of ballet creations (Maillot). Maillot was bold in his take on Roméo et Juliette as he chose to eliminate the elaborate sets and costumes typically used to assist in the storytelling. Instead, he opted for a simple, modern set and relied on the choreography and body movement for the narration.
His first creation of Roméo et Juliette was in 1996 (Maillot); however, the Atlanta Ballet’s interpretation was exceptional. The chemistry between each of the dancers was unmatched. Christian Clark, who played Romeo, and Alessa Rogers, who played Juliet, embodied Romeo and Juliet’s childlike characteristics while remaining powerful and mature (Wessel). The performance allowed the audience to forget about the simplicity of the set because the dancing encapsulated every emotion of the classic tragedy. It was ultimately a profound and moving show.
This performance of Roméo et Juliette is special to me because it is the first professional ballet I went to aside from The Nutcracker. I was enamored by all of it from the music to the choreography to the emotion, and my dream was to perform this ballet one day. The following year, I had the opportunity of being part of the Atlanta Ballet’s Pre-Professional Company. Each day while waiting for my rehearsals to begin, I observed the principal dancers’ rehearsals and recognized those who performed in Roméo et Juliette. Rachel Van Buskirk, who danced the role of the nurse, taught my Monday ballet classes, and I was in awe of her skill and grace each week. The performance played an integral part in my decision to audition for the Atlanta Ballet’s Pre-Professional Company, along with my appreciation for the Shakespearean story, and my passion for attending the ballet
There are two ways in which I would use this piece of art in a lesson. The first is to teach Shakespeare’s story of Romeo and Juliet in a creative and inspiring way. Students typically learn Shakespearean plays by reading them in their English courses. However, I believe that a play is meant to be watched. If a ballet company nearby is performing Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Roméo et Juliette, I would take my students on a field trip to see it so that they can experience attending a ballet and become exposed to the story in an interesting way. If not, I would find a tape of the full ballet and show it to them in class. The second lesson to teach from this performance is that our bodies can effectively communicate and convey a story. As mentioned above, Maillot chose to rely on the choreography rather than the backdrops, props, and costumes for the narration. This lesson is valuable for students because it demonstrates that their creativity can shine through even with a lack of materials.
24
The Circle of Life
Ally Gaddy
This piece is the opening number of The Lion King on Broadway. “The Circle of Life” is one of the most impactful musical pieces in history. It sets the tone and highlights the narrative of the story. Young Simba- the son of the tribe’s leader grows throughout the musical and goes through hills and valleys of navigating his life. “The Circle of Life” foreshadows what Simba would go through in the next hour and a half. It sets the playful, musical, and timeless tone of the musical. The Circle of Life for stage was composed by Elton John and Hans Zimmer with Tim Rice and Lebo M as lyricist. It is 4:29 in duration.
Having a lot of experience in musical theater, I chose this piece from The Lyon King. When I saw this opening number in person- I was in awe. I believe that was the intended effect. Witnessing the music, the visuals, and the dance to all come together in one cohesive piece was magical. That is what musical theater is supposed to do. After that 4 minutes and 29 seconds of music, my life had changed. I still think about it. I had never been so in awe about a performance before. It was immersive and I still feel the impact of it.
If I couldn’t take the kids on a field trip to see the show, I would use this video to talk about creativity and integrated art. I would have the kids watch the musical. Then, I would ask students to point out the different art forms used in the musical. I would have a worksheet where students can describe, as they watch the video, examples where they see dance, music, costume, sets and acting.
25
Emancipation
Edgardo Villegas
I chose to talk about the movie Emancipation. The leading role of this story is played by Africa-American actor Will Smith. This movie is about racism and how a slave could escape and join an army. The army was against racism and its soldiers were killing every slave owner they found. The reason why I chose this movie is because I like to learn about racism. Also, I like to know about history and see what people used to go through in the old days.
Emancipation is a movie that can help people reflect and feel guilty if they feel prejudice towards those who are different. There are also some scenes that can make you cry. The abuse that the African slaves used to take from their owners moves you to tears. Thus, the movie helps viewers see how bad people used to be with other people. Just because of their skin color they were enslaved?
I would use this theme to teach a History class. I will teach awareness to my new generation of 4th graders coming up. I would explain and show how slave owners used to be and why slavery is wrong. Also, I would invite my kids to find solutions for this problem. I would assess what they think about the subject. After that, I would discuss Emancipation with the whole class. By doing that I would be able re-assess what my students think about slavery.
26
"Knife Behind Back"
Yunqing Liu
"Knife Behind Back" is a painting by Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara, created in 2000. He is my favorite artist in the world. Knife Behind Back sold for an astounding 195.7 million HKD, or about $24.9 million, at Christie’s Hong Kong’s auction. The painting depicts a young girl with a mysterious expression on her face while holding a knife behind her back. The background is a bright and cheerful pink, while the girl's face and clothing are rendered in a more muted color palette. The knife and the girl's expression create a sense of tension and unease in the viewer, leaving them to wonder what the girl's intentions are.
I chose "Knife Behind Back" because it is a thought-provoking work of art that challenges our assumptions about childhood innocence and trust. The painting is both playful and ominous, inviting us to consider the darker aspects of human nature that we often prefer to ignore. Nara's work is known for its childlike simplicity and a subversive edge, and "Knife Behind Back" is no exception.
"Knife Behind Back" could be used to teach a lesson for an art class in painting. Firstly, I will introduce Yoshitomo Nara to the students. Then, I will tell students about this piece’s background and why it is famous. Students could analyze the painting's composition and subject matter, considering how the girl's facial expression and body languages relate to their own. After that, I will let students draw their own girl or boy in their mind to analyze their own facial expression and body language.
27
Mount Rushmore
Tom Orlic
The piece of art that I decided to go with for my final paper is the famous Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Carved in the Black Hills region of South Dakota, four colossal head sculptures can be seen on the side of Mount Rushmore. Each head stands are sounding 60 feet tall and represents four iconic presidents who lead our country. From left to right it is George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
These four influential American leaders were selected to symbolize the first 150 years of the United States. Washington represents the country’s founding. Jefferson is for the expansion across the continent. Roosevelt is developing domestically and as a global power. And Lincoln is with respect to preservation through the ordeal of the civil war. This master piece was completed in 1941 by American sculptor Gutzon Borglumand has been a national attraction and a sight to see ever since.
I chose this sculpture as the art that I wanted to focus on because of its deep and rich history. This gigantic rock depiction of four astounding presidents is more than just sculpted granite. The back story and process that Mount Rushmore possesses is an American inspiration and has the ability to inspire many people in various ways. I have always wanted to visit Mount Rushmore as a kid and even to this day. Being located in South Dakota makes things a little bit difficult, but if I ever find myself in or around that are a I will have to go see this sculpture with.
28
"Art of Kickline"
Ally Weiss
Dance is the body's movement in a rhythmic way, usually to music and
within a given space, to express an idea or emotion, release energy, or simply take delight
in the movement itself. I chose to hone in on a specific type of dance, Kickline.
Kickline is a show dance figure consisting of dancers who throw their legs synchronized up to eye level in the air, forming a straight line. It incorporates jazz dance styles, pom, and sequences of various kicks. Kickline is a style of dance inspired by the Radio City Rockettes, whose signature move is an eye-high leg kick performed in perfect unison.
It is an iconic form of dance because all dancers are expected to execute the same choreography for the duration of the routine. Along with high kicks; fans, hitch, and killer kicks are performed. Killer kicks are where dancers kick one leg to the side, bring the kicking foot into a pass and kick it straight up again. Other elements of the Kickline includes jump splits, heel stretches, and at least five formation changes. For the Kickline to be visually pleasing, each dancer must exhibit a kick with proper form. In a kick with the correct format, the working leg leaves the floor with a straight knee and pointed toe, and the kicker keeps her back and supporting leg straight and her chin and eyes focused upwards.
This style of dance is associated with leg strength, stamina, and flexibility, along with cooperation and blending as a team. The secret to a super successful kickline routine is a strong team bond, where all girls make themselves look like one dancer. The piece of art I chose to write about is the Syosset Varsity Kickline 2020 routine titled "Power of Love." I chose this specific piece because I am one of the kickliners in this dance. Ever since I was a young girl, I have always had a passion for dance.
I started dancing at 3 years old and began competitively dancing at 8 years old. I participated in various dances: tap, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and lyrical. When I got to high school, I had the opportunity to join the Syosset Varsity Kickline team. I have always loved trying new dance forms, so this was the perfect opportunity. Getting involved with my school's dance team was an incredible experience because I made lifelong friends while doing something I was so passionate about. This piece was my favorite kickline routine in all 4 years of high school performances. My team participated in two local competitions in Long Island, New York. Then we flew to Orlando, FL, to compete in the National Dance Alliance performance with schools from all over the United States.
We worked extremely hard after school to perfect our dance routine to successfully showcase our performance on the national stage. After countless hours of learning, stretching, team bonding, and perfecting the dance, we took the stage and placed 3rd nationally. It was an incredible experience that I will never forget. I would use this piece to teach my dance arts students a lesson. Incorporating a kickline routine into a lesson plan can be an exciting and engaging way to teach young students about the artistry of dance.
The most important thing I would emphasize while teaching would be teamwork and coordination. A kickline routine requires everyone to be in sync and work together as a team, so I would discuss coordination in achieving a common goal. Additionally, I would explore the history of Kickline. Kickline has a rich history, dating back to the early 1900s. This would be an excellent opportunity to teach my students about the history of dance and its evolution over time. Then, I would discuss the importance of costumes, makeup, and music in dance, as they are all important elements of the performance. I would explore how these elements contribute to the overall artistic expression of the dance. For instance, the costumes are designed to complement the movements and accentuate the lines and shapes of the performers' bodies.
In this piece,
the costumes were bedazzled to feature a heart to emphasize the song's title, "Power of Love." Makeup is used to enhance the performers'
facial features and to create a cohesive look that complements the overall aesthetic of the dance.
Additionally, the music is carefully
selected to create a mood and complement the dancers' movements. Along with
that, I could use the lyrics of the song to teach a lesson. The lyrics of
"Power of Love" by Celine Dion
can be used to introduce a lesson on the importance of perseverance, determination, and believing in oneself.
My students could reflect on how the lyrics relate to their lives and encourage them to never give up on their dreams. Finally, I would teach body awareness to my students. Kickline requires a great deal of physical strength, flexibility, and endurance. I can use this as an opportunity to teach students about the importance of physical fitness throughout their entire life. Kickline can be a fun and engaging way to teach young students lessons. By incorporating elements such as teamwork, history, artistry, and physical fitness, I can create a well-rounded learning experience that appeals to various interests and learning styles. By addressing the physical and mental skills required to perform a kickline routine and the themes conveyed in the music and lyrics, students can learn valuable lessons that can be applied to various aspects of their lives.
29
“Flower Boy”
Myles Caba
This is the album called “Flower Boy” by Tyler, the Creator. Now, the name of this album is a metaphor for a flower because flowers bloom in even the darkest times. We as humans can relate to this because of the daily struggles we go through in life. I have gone through some and then I listen to this album to remind me that things as such are only temporary.
I chose this piece because I remember stumbling across this album on social media and thought “lets give this album a listen, why not.” The music that comes with this album is some of the best I have ever heard. This album is what really started my liking for Tyler’s music.
Now I teach people about this album as to how people can connect to it, and it is a popular album. I hope people would enjoy this album as much as I did. I would teach my students about the significance of this album and how they can connect to it and what songs to pay real close attention to for them to understand that the struggles they may go through in life are only temporary.
30
Bridgerton
Michelle Alvarez
Bridgerton is a tv show that is about a family set in the Regency era London’s town during the social season in which youth is thrown into society in hopes of finding a match. There is so much that went behind this show that works to depict what London society would have been like in this time period. The costumes align with the era but we also see the Queen dress in Georgian era. Additionally, the show has multiple balls which show how they danced in this time period as well as classical music but with a spin as they are covers of modern day songs.
I chose this series because the meaning behind the show really made me interested in the history of London during this time. I loved the costumes, set designs, dance choreography, and music. Bridgerton also hired dialect coaches to ensure each family, although having an English accent, would speak with the same vocabulary. The details of this show really intrigued me and there are so many different components of art throughout the show that go unnoticed.
In my classroom, I could pull from different parts of the show. For example, while the family in the show is fiction, there are many aspects that model history and how society worked in those days. This could be a great way to introduce a history lesson on London during the Regency or Georgian era. Additionally, students could learn about the types of dancing they do and classical music. I could also teach them about textiles and clothing during this time and they could create their own Bridgerton inspired outfits based on what they learned is historically correct. Overall, there are so many different topics that could be covered and taught using this series that I believe can be really engaging for students.
Bohemian
Rhapsody
Madison McAvoy
One piece that brings me happiness and joy is the song "Bohemian Rhapsody" by the British rock band Queen. The song was released in 1975 and is one of the most popular songs in the history of rock. It is about a young man who has committed a murder and is now facing the consequences. Throughout the piece he reflects on his life and struggles with his guilt and fear of the unknown.
I chose this piece because it is a classic and has strong meaning behind each lyric. The song is not only catchy and musically inclined, but also has a compelling storyline that draws the listener in. The composition features multiple sections and styles that seamlessly blend together, including operatic and hard rock elements. The lyrics are thought-provoking and emotionally charged, adding to the depth of the song.
If I were to use this piece to teach a lesson, I would focus on the theme of consequences. The song's main character makes a bad decision that leads to tragic consequences. I would use this as a starting point to discuss the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and considering the potential outcomes before making a decision. We would explore the concept of cause and effect and how every action has a consequence. Additionally, we could discuss the importance of forgiveness and redemption, as the song's character ultimately seeks redemption for his actions. Overall, "Bohemian Rhapsody" is a great example of how art can be used to explore important life lessons and start meaningful conversations.
Carlos Cruz Diez: COULEUR ADDITIVE
Andrea Vallenilla
The work I chose is the one
by Carlos Ruz Diez that he has at the Maquetia airport in Venezuela. This work is
located on the floor of the Guaira airport in Venezuela. Carlos Cruz-Diez projected
a unique and unrepeatable art work in this terminal’s corridors encompassing 31484sq.
feet (2925m2), by transforming a transit zone into art. Due to the fusion of art and architecture the corridors become a place of permanence and enjoyment
for the senses.
This artwork, which builds on the Couleur Additive investigation, produces color ranges not physically present in it as the viewer walks in sectors or perceives it as a whole. I chose this art because it is symbolic of me as a Venezuelan. Being at the airport where many of us had to emigrate and leave our country, life, family, and comfort, this piece of art became that representation of our hopes for a better future. I see this work and it transports me to my country immediately and specifically at the time when I had to say "See you later." But it also means that when I see that piece of art on the floor again it means that I have come home again. It is the most pleasant" welcome" that I will receive. This mixture of colors represents a lot of hope in our hearts as Venezuelans and a lot of joy to see when we return to our country.
As the New York Times said:
"He made us see and experience color as a pure and sensuous pleasure; a participatory, interactive experience open to everyone, regardless of age, class, culture or social standing.”
Thus, I would use this piece of art to teach about colors and their mixtures. I would discuss with my students about monochromatic color combinations and their effects on the eyes. I would explain and assess how my students can use color theory to their advantage.
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