Saturday, November 30, 2019

The Exhibit Twilight Visions at the International Center of Photography

The medium of photography in the post World War I period was almost too deliciously convenient a vehicle for certain proponents of the Dadaists and the Surrealists. Cameras had been, since their invention, been shrinking to a manageable and portable size. The newly graspable medium offered these iconoclastic visionaries a range of possibilities for creating art that were available in no other way.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Exhibit Twilight Visions at the International Center of Photography specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Through photography, the Dadaists could freely exercise the randomness, transgressiveness, immediacy, and populist tendencies they espoused. The Surrealists could snatch from around them scenes of impossibility and disturbing wonder, while showing bodies and settings with stark reality. Is it any wonder, then, that photography, Paris, Surrealism, and Dadaism are terms which go together ? The ability of photography to capture scenes of the moment allowed for an uncompromising observation of the world as it was, with all its warts, and was thus very appealing to a group which gloried in calling a spade a spade. After all, in the words of Tristan Tzara,â€Å"beauty is dead† (Tzara 249). Photography could catch the unwary subject in the midst of petty deception and hypocrisy. A photographer could make art from the flotsam and jetsam of the streets, whether human or object. A photograph was almost like performance art, involving the subject and the artist in an ephemeral, spontaneous, one-time-only event, very much in line with Tzara’s thinking (Tzara 253)[1]. Additionally, photography avoided entirely the hated tyranny of the art academy (Tzara 250). Further, the cumbersome process of using models, undergoing days or weeks of sittings, was avoidable when using photography. Rather than requiring a studio and years of training in drafting and painting, pho tography could be undertaken with only a modest closet for atelier. Additionally, in that less litigious age did not even require the consent of the subject to create a portrait. Furthermore, by placing the relatively inexpensive means of production of art in the hands of almost everyone, photography was enormously egalitarian and could theoretically be adopted by the masses for their own artistic expression, which was a goal of Dadaism (Darwent)[2]. What a perfect fit with the philosophy of the Dadaists! At the same time, photography had the enormous advantage that pictures could be modified from their recording of strict reality. They could, for example, be altered by changing lenses or using mirrors, as in Distortions (1933-1934) by Andre Kertesz, a Hungarian born expatriate who made Paris his home (Andre Kertesz). Photographs may also be modified chemically during processing, by changing the exposure or by retouching, to create entirely fantastic and appealingly dreamlike effect s.Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Entirely surreal images could be produced out of a darkroom, even at the hands of a person who had no drafting or painting skills [3]. Such dreamlike effects were much valued by the Surrealists. Andre Breton wonders in his Surrealist Manifesto whether dreams are not equal in significance to waking life (Breton 434-437). He also has great respect for madness, and for hallucinations. In fact he regards hallucinations as pleasant enough to seduce the madman to remain in that condition (Breton 433). All these states of being can distort perception in the same way that a distorted photograph modifies reality. How appealing it must have been to know that one could print on paper the contents of one’s dreams, as Breton could readily have accomplished with his simple but striking personal dream image of a man being cut in two by a window (Breton 436-437). The exhibit Twilight Visions at the International Center of Photography shows a range of photos from the practitioners of this medium in the 1920’s and 30’s. One notable example, Brassai, the nom de shutter of Hungarian born Gyula Halasz, specialized in images of a very anti-establishment cast of â€Å"prostitutes, pimps, madams, transvestites, apaches, and assorted cold-eyed pleasure seekers† (Brassai). Brassai’s photo of the Angry Couple at the Bal Musette (1932), suspends the quarreling and not terribly elegant couple in suspended animation between moments of blame and insult. The unsparing picture certainly exemplifies the Dadaist view of Tristan Tzara in his Dada Manifesto, 1918; demonstrating â€Å"no pity† (Tzara). This depressing but basically realistic photo contrasts nicely with another Brassai, Bal Musette (1932) that combines the low-life grittiness of two bored prostitutes (or at least ladies of easy virtue) hugging a cheerfu l young man, with the hallucinatory surprise of finding in the mirror the image of a much older man and his companions. It is almost as if the viewer were seeing the young man’s dissolute future. Another piece, Girl Playing Snooker (1933), possesses all the dignity of an odalisque or any portrait of John Singer Sargent, but was of course snapped in a dark bistro of an undoubted prostitute. Brassai’s gaze, like that of the young woman in the photo, is â€Å"straightforward as a hammer† (Brassai). This portrait of a nameless pool hustler delivers a Dadaist poke in the eye of traditional formal portraiture. The can-can dancers move blurrily in Ilse Bing’s picture, French Cancan Dancers, Moulin Rouge, Paris (1931). Bing was unusual among this group of photographers, In that she had actually had some art and design-related training (Ilse Bing Biography).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Exhibit Twilight Visions at the International Ce nter of Photography specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In spite of the blurring of this photo, it is a vivid image, and it is interesting to compare this with the many images of the demi-monde of the dance hall from the Impressionists. No color is in the photo, of course, and we are able to see the faces full on, unlike many backstage views by the previous generation of artists. How odd it is to confirm that the Impressionists actually were accurate in portraying the cancan performers as entirely composed, disinterested and almost expressionless. The word jaded might have been invented for these faces. Perhaps, as Breton suggests, for these women, â€Å"existence is elsewhere† (Breton 439). Breton would probably have encouraged these dancers to absent themselves as much as they could from the real world, since he affirmed that Surrealism was such a potent way of dealing with daily problems (Breton)[4]. Dadaism and Surrealism embr aced photography with enthusiasm, and created some remarkable works in the medium. They recorded the realities of street life and the underclass, and their dreams and nightmares as well. They used all the unique features of the medium to look at grit and turn it into fantasy. Bibliography â€Å"Andre Kerteszâ€Å", 2010. Explore Photography. Web. Brassai, 2010. Web. Breton, Andre. â€Å"The First Manifesto of Surrealism.† Art in Theory: 1900-1999: An Anthology of Changing Ideas. Ed. Charles, and Woodll, Paiul Harrison. Oxford: Blackwell, 432-439.Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Darwent, Charles. Well-chosen works show how De Stijl – ‘The Style’ – movement led to a revolution in European art that still resonates today: Van Doesburg the International Avant-Garde, Tate Modern, London. 2010. Web. â€Å"Ilse Bing Biography.† 2010. Victoria and Albert Museum. Web. Tzara, Tristan. â€Å"Dada Manifesto.† Art in Theory: 1900-1999: An Anthology of Changing Ideas. Ed. Charles, and Wood, Paul Harrison. Oxford: Blackwell, 248-253. Footnotes Tzara expresses it thus: â€Å"Dada: absolute and unquestionable faith in every god that is the immediate product of spontaneity† (Tzara). Along with overturning everything that constituted order, the Dadaists believed that art had the power to uplift the oppressed and demoralized, and to accomplish this the art had to be accessible to them (Darwent). Kertesz certainly had little professional art training (Andre Kertesz). Breton contends of Surrealism that â€Å"It tends to ruin, on ce and for all, all other psychic mechanisms and to substitute itself for them in solving all the principal problems of life† (Breton). This essay on The Exhibit Twilight Visions at the International Center of Photography was written and submitted by user Organa to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Unit 3 Group Project Essay

Unit 3 Group Project Essay Unit 3 Group Project Essay Title: Do Advertisements Really Cheat? You Decide! Author: Leah Amber Lopez Contact Email: leahlopez2010@live.com Story: The story I am about to tell you is by World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Brazil, and it focuses on the World Trade Center. The caption is â€Å"Let US†, which is basically a re-enactment of September 11, 2001; however, the ad has a large number of airplanes and jets. This ad shows several airplanes and jets pointing towards the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. This same ad has already been created by DDB, and also made into a commercial. Each ad depicts how the tsunami that hit Eastern Asia killed over one hundred times more individuals than that of the September 11, 2001 attack on the Twin Towers. In my opinion, this shows the lack of morals and ethics of the Brazilians. To go along with this, it has been proven that the WWF was aware of this ad, and they approved it. The ad was actually printed out one time in a local newspaper. The honest reason that this ad was printed in the local newspaper was to see if it would qualify to win any types of awards. I know, th is must be upsetting to you, as I know it is for me. The ad actually did become eligible for one award in New York, but the name of the award show, I honestly do not know. In my opinion, WWF, which enjoys an international reputation, should have known better than to approve of this type of advertisement. An ad of this type only makes them look bad, and makes its viewers wonder what their true intentions were. The true goal of an ad campaign is to position a brand in such a way that it pleases management and consumers. In the case with the WWF, they should have exhausted ad campaigns to position their brands as sensitive, ethical, and above any doubts; however, in this case, the WWF positions their image in a fashion that would definitely cast doubts

Friday, November 22, 2019

Clichés Dont Belong in Professional Writing

Clichà ©s Dont Belong in Professional Writing Clichà ©s Don’t Belong in Professional Writing Clichà ©s Don’t Belong in Professional Writing By Mary Some of the common clichà © phrases that we find ourselves using every day do not belong in professional writing. This has become abundantly clear to me as it has become more commonplace for me to work with international clients. As an American, I am familiar with the intended meaning of a number of common sayings that really don’t make much sense when interpreted literally or translated into another language. I was writing an e-mail message to a client in another country, and I found myself typing something to the effect of making sure we were â€Å"on the same page.† I stopped and look at what I wrote, and realized that what I wrote wasn’t really what I meant. The next day, I found myself writing an e-mail to a co-worker that said that I wasn’t â€Å"at the top of my game† that day. Hmm †¦ another phrase that really doesn’t make sense if you don’t know the implied meaning. Someone not familiar with American vernacular would not be likely to understand these phrases. Even if my clients and business associates do know what I mean when I use clichà ©d phrases like these, they might find it not professional. Look at the phrases that you use when you write and see if they make sense when translated literally. If they don’t, replace them with language that is clear and direct, with no room for misunderstanding. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Business Writing category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:100 Mostly Small But Expressive InterjectionsConfused Words #3: Lose, Loose, LossWhen to Spell Out Numbers

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

The Canterbury Television (CTV) Building Incident-Case Analysis Assignment

The Canterbury Television (CTV) Building Incident-Case Analysis - Assignment Example One such earthquake occurred on 22nd February 2011 in New Zealand causing 184 deaths with property worth billions of dollars being destroyed. This happened when an earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale hit Christchurch. The fact that only the Canterbury Television (CTV) Building collapsed following the earthquake have raised a lot of questions regarding the design and construction of the building. Investigations have since shown that the collapse occurred due to poor design and construction, several parties drawing blame for the collapse of the building. Several role players have been blamed for the collapse of CTV building which has affected several stakeholders. Many of the role players in the building double up as stakeholders. The main role players in the building include David Harding, Alun Wilke Associates, Alan Reay Consultants Ltd., Alan Reay, Gerald Schirtcliff, Bill Jones, David Coatsworth, CCC, and different inspectors. Other stakeholders include tenants, the build ing owner, shareholders of the company that owned CTV building, staff members working for CTV building tenants, and members of public. It is worth noting that some of the management issues that emerge from the CTV building event are corruption, favoritism and lack of professionalism. It is recommended that all role players and stakeholders in the construction industry should take their work/roles seriously to avoid similar incidences. Table of Contents Table of Contents 3 Introduction 4 The Key Role-Players and Stakeholders 5 Management and organizational factors associated with the incident

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Ethcis of Stem Cell Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Ethcis of Stem Cell - Research Paper Example Anderson looks at the ethics and religious points of view on the subject. He describes how different religions have different views as to when life begins. Some Hindus for instance take the stance that life begins at 3 months after conception. Other individuals would differentiate between an embryo concieved in a human relationship and this laboratory act of creation. Ideas have altered over time. Thomas Aquinus for instance held the view, put forward earlier by Aristotle, that life began 40 days after conception.. Anderson goes on to point out that there are a number of different ideas involved. First , purely biological life which begins at conception. Secondly animation, i.e the point at which an embryo begins to move independently. Thirdly what he describes as ‘ensoulment’ i.e. the theological point at which an embryo can considered to have a soul. He also discusses such things as value - does an adult invalid have more ‘value’ than a few cells in a pert rie dish? Anderson points out the Roman Catholic Church’s stance which is that government’s have an obligation to protect the vulnerable. Surely this obligation should extend to the severely ill as well as those groups of laboratory bred cells? Duffy, D., ( 2002) Background and Legal Issues Related to Stem Cell Research, Congressional Research Service, Almanac of Policy Issues, Duffy claims that human embryonic stem cells (HESC) from embryos in their earliest stage of development are believed to be capable to transform themselves into differing body cell types than any adult stem cells. Research has therefore centered upon the potential that these cells have for the treatment to treat or mitigate the effects of various diseases as well as generating tissues which could be used to replace faulty cells or even organs. Duffy describes various sources for such cells. These are one week old blastocysts created via in vitrio fertilization; embryos of from 5 to 9 weeks obtained through elective abortion processes; embryos created in vitro purely for research purposes; embryos created by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) i.e. cloning; and finally adult stem cells such as those from bone marrow ore the umbilical cord.. Because the harvesting of such ‘master ‘cells involves the destruction of human embryos it has met much opposition by those who feel i t is unjustified slaughter of potential human beings. It must however be pointed out that these are embryos bred in a laboratory and which whould never have come into existance otherwise, so this is very different from an abortion done perhaps only for reasons of social convenience. In 2002 , according to Duffy, the American Government announced that, with a number of restrictions, federal funds would be made available for stem cell research, but this would be with established strains.

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Poverty In United States Essay Example for Free

Poverty In United States Essay United States of America being among   Ã‚  the richest and most developed nations one would expect poverty to be a vocabulary that only exist in the national policies of third world countries.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   By comparison Americans can be described as wealthy but there are some pockets of poverty in this vast and rich nation This paper attempts to explore poverty situation in United States highlighting its causes and characteristics, digging deeper to understand which group of people consist the poor.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A report released in 2002 shows that there were 35 million poor Americans, this represented roughly 10% of the population, and this figure has been rising Presently 12% of Americans are living below the poverty line.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   By definition poverty is described as that condition where one is unable to meet the basic need in life, that’s one, can not afford a well balanced meal, decent housing and clothing. Poverty in United States is somehow different from the one experienced in least developed nations where living on less than a dollar qualifies one as poor. The poor in America constitute people who depend on state welfare since they are unable to provide for themselves, every year people fall in and out of poverty.   In a period of 10 years 40% of American fall in and out of poverty, this is attributed to fall of their income, when one of the family member moves out, among other situations (Fisher, G.M., 2003)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Some groups of people are more prone to poverty than others. This depends on their economic social or cultural position they occupy in the society. There are those who are unemployed meaning they do not engage in any income generating activity. Crime on one hand is a result of poverty or it can breed poverty. Poor tend to engage into criminal activity or they are driven into it by poverty. Apprehended criminals in correction centers rarely engage in economic activity while victims of crime e.g. thefts have to replace the stolen property eating on their savings. (Zweig, Michael, 2004)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Households headed by women on average tend to be poor in comparison to those with both spouses. In this type of a family woman is the sole bread winner. Most of her income goes towards provision of basic needs with less or no savings therefore making it difficult for this family to rise beyond poverty line (Martin N.,2008).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The size of the family affects family income, large families have more mouths to feed, more household bills to clear, huge spending in insurance, education and healthcare. If this type of family income is not enough they will for ever be trapped in poverty cycle.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Other groups that are likely to be poor are the unskilled, the less educated substance abusers immigrants and children.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Causes of poverty in America are several they range from economical, cultural, and geographical to social. . Distribution of resources largely affects people ability to produce. This also determines employment opportunities available which by and large dictates people incomes. States endowed with resources will have low poverty rates than those with little or unexploited resources. (Adams, J.Q, Pearlie S.A, 2001)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Economic condition which is not favorable will result to increased poverty rate, recessions leads to rise in inflation which means people pay more for the same goods they were buying but their income remains constant, and this means savings are curtailed. For example recession in 1982 led to rise in poverty rates from 12% to 15%   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Education equips Americans with skills that enable them to gain employment or venture into business. On average Americans with a college diploma have access to high paying jobs compared to the less educated. To a greater extent educational level determine ones income, less educated are likely to earn less making it impossible for them to afford a decent living. On the same line education level dictates opportunities available to an individual. Unskilled labor attracts low pay making unskilled laborers more prone to poverty than their skilled counterparts.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Rural and urban settings provide greater disparities as far as living standards are concerned. Americans living in urban areas have higher incomes when compared to their rural countrymen. There are more opportunities in urban areas due to high population with disposable income and better infrastructure. In rural areas opportunities are few and are limited to primary production e.g. agriculture, mining e.t.c.This means income generation activities and employment opportunities are fewer and only attract the less skilled   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Regionally, most of the southern states have higher poverty rates especially the rural areas .This is due to few employment opportunities and historical background.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Children are more prone to be poor than any other age group. According to the information released from population survey by census bureau in 2004, 21% 0f children were considered as poor. A greater disparity is seen when it comes to racial lines, almost half of African Americans and 40% of Latino kids are trapped in poverty circles. (Harrington, M.,1962).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Immigrants are great victims of poverty .Those with low education earn their living in low paying jobs. Illegal immigrants are even more disadvantaged as they can not gain any meaningful employment, therefore remaining in poverty circles for a long time   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In conclusion, poverty in United States is dynamic, one may be in and out of poverty throughout their lives. Though there are conflicts as to who is poor, there is a common understanding that those who live on an income that is below what an average American earn is living below poverty . What constitutes poverty in United States may be middle class in some parts of the world especially in least developed nations. Poverty is a limiting factor in the society as it denies some Americans decent lives curtailing their freedom to enjoy lives. Policies need to be implemented to lower the poverty rates so as to rid United States of poverty. Reference Adams, J.Q.; Pearlie Strother-Adams, 2001. Dealing with Diversity. Chicago, IL: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company. . Harrington, Michael ,1962 The Other America. Macmillan. Fisher, G.M. ,2003 The Development of the Orshansky Poverty Thresholds. Macmillan Zweig, Michael ,2004 Whats Class Got to do With It, American Society in the Twenty-first Century. ILR Press. Martin N. ,2008. Social Inequality: Patterns and Processes, 4th ed.. Boston: McGraw-Hill

Thursday, November 14, 2019

A Comparative Analysis of “Cry Freedom” and “Island in the Sun” Essay

Racism and racial segregation are forms of discrimination based traditionally on unmerited economic, social and political orders. These principles transform and re-invent and continue to manifest themselves in modern societies causing severe mental scars and perpetuating deep inequality and poverty. Colonialism in the British Caribbean illustrated by the film â€Å"Island in the Sun† which is chronologically first, and Post Colonialism in Africa illustrated by â€Å"Cry Freedom† have similarities and stark differences. Both films are used to portray society’s social-political issues. From the marginalization of black people socially, politically and economically to the notable use of laws that exploit, ostracize and impede the advancement of blacks while dividing them in the process. The films are set apart by their notable differences, in â€Å"Cry Freedom†, apartheid laws which were developed after the 20th century were codified which set legal barriers of white domination and racial separation. Racial discrimination was systemized and banned marriages between blacks and whites, and sanctioned certain jobs for whites only. â€Å"Island in the Sun†, on the other hand attempts to trade unionize the workforce to help blacks to become empowered because up to that point blacks could not work in certain areas. While both films reflect different time periods they simultaneously reflect the clutch of colonial mindsets on mental realities within The Bahamas. In â€Å"Island in the Sun† we see the Caribbean in the 1950s, historically during this time there was ‘de jure’ racial segregation between the two diverse groups – blacks and whites. What black people could and could not do was very present in this film. Here we see the character David Boyhe a mixed-ra... ...uld result in a movement whose final triumph would be majority rule and the dismantling of the system of apartheid that inhibited Bahamian blacks socially, politically and economically (Martin and Storr 21). Works Cited Barlas, Robert. The Bahamas. TarryTown: marshall cavendish Benchmark, 2000. Bethel, Nicolette. "Engendering the Bahamas." College of The Bahamas Research Journal XIII (2003). â€Å"Cry Freedom†. Dir. Richard Attenborough. Perf. Denzel Washington. 1987. Martin, Nona. "I’se a Man. Political Awakening and the 1942 Riot in the Bahamas." Journal of Caribbean History, 41 (1&2) (2008): 3. McCartney, Donald M. Bahamian Culture and Factors Which Impact Upon It. Pittsburg: Dorrance Publishing Co, inc, 2004. Wolpe, Harold. "‘Capitalism and cheap labour-power in South Africa: From segregation to apartheid'." Economy and Society 1(4) (1972): 425-456.