Lead Arts Editor: Jovana Ulysse
Lead Arts Editor: Jovana Ulysse
BY: Kaydence Brown
Be yourself, love yourself
This image can be viewed from different perspectives. The phrase “ love yourself” is a message of self-acceptance and positivity. This can also show the empowerment in mental health. Street art itself is where artists express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences, which you can see in the next two pictures.
Ramblers history
This type of graffiti is not street art but school art. This picture was taken in the very hallways of our school, Carteret High School. People pass by this graffiti every day and never acknowledge it. It might just be a picture, but a word or phrase can hold a lot of power to its meaning.
The public eye
This is what street art looks like when the artist doesn’t have a message or experiences that you could relate to. Many types of streets can look like this as well. Some street arts can convey the emotions of inspiration, self and community empowerment, self identity, beliefs and others don’t.
Made by Emilia L. Sowa
BY: Rayhanatu Diallo
Creativity runs through the Carteret youth. The following are many art pieces made by members of Reflections Literary Magazine Club:
These are just a few of the many beautiful art pieces our peers made. The whimsy in these drawings really shines through the paper. Expressive and eye-catching is what I have to say.
And I can’t go on without recognizing the beautiful photos students took all around Carteret.
Made by Emilia L. Sowa
Taken by Noor Huda
Taken by Fahhama Fatima
Taken by Fahhama Fatima
Taken by Fahhama Fatima
Taken by Noor Huda
Taken by Noor Huda
All of these photos, though they may seem simple, are very meaningful and show the beauty of Carteret. These photographs and pieces of art are a few of the amazing art pieces out there.
If you want more masterpieces like these, make sure to support
Reflections Literary Magazine Club.
If you are interested in submitting an Art Piece/Poem/Story for Reflections Literary Magazine Club, scan the QR Code on the right! →
Taken by Khyla Best
BY: Darlene Langomas & Karyl Luarca
From the chaotic and complex graffiti on abandoned brick walls to Leonardo da Vinci’s perfectly calculated strokes of realism in the historical painting, the Mona Lisa, art takes hold in many forms. Yet, whether it’s a classic piece of art or a mark of rebellion, the power it has to intrigue and inspire remains the same. Art is a subjective matter that can be comprehended differently, with its ability to be visually interpretive. But what is it that festers inside these masterpieces that makes them so extraordinary? Will viewers ever truly understand the authentic meaning and symbolism in a work of art, or will the meaning forever remain unknown? These questions could go on indefinitely; so in this Article, we’ll explore these questions and the key elements that make certain artworks universally captivating...
To illustrate, an artist's ability to make their art attractive is the key factor behind the viewers' descent into mastering the conception of their art. By utilizing personal conflicts and origins, artists allow consumers to resonate with a creator’s work of art. For example, artists like Frida Kahlo express their struggles and heritage through emotionally powerful pieces with vivid colors and shapes. These intimate elements invite additional diversity and curiosity about the story the artist pours out. Overall, it leaves a lasting impression that compels the viewer to crave more. To continue, when student Gumun Badwal was asked the question, “How do you define good art?” She replied with “Good art is something that has a good meaning behind it, and when people look at the art, they can feel the same emotions as the creator felt while making it.” Her context describes the perception of art’s worthiness, the primary components being the ability to connect with the work and the underlying story. What makes Art so compelling is the emotional resonance that it promotes, becoming more than a visual; it becomes a conversation between the author and viewer.
From the beginning of intellectualism, art has been one of the primary sources historians turn to when seeking information about the cultures around the globe. From the rough cavern walls painted over 50,000 years ago that encapsulate the essence of that era, to the Ancient Greek Sculptures that influenced Western art, art is a mirror reflecting the cultural beliefs, practices, and values of the time period and region that impact modern-day practices. The preservation of the arts is undoubtedly vital to society, as it transmits an understanding of history, traditions, iconography, and stories from one generation to the next. And when given time and leisure to understand it, it brews an appreciation for differences around the world and a better understanding of the world around us—connecting those from across continents through various art forms. The sharing of these preserved arts, rich in meaning and diversity, will shape cultures and future generations for years to come.
Furthermore, when disregarding the context of when or where the art piece was created, it can challenge beliefs and stereotypes through the message it conveys; its execution sparks thought, influencing social and political issues within a society. One example of this is “Uncle Tom's Cabin” by Harriet Beecher Stowe. It was published in support of the abolitionist movement, challenging the normalcy of slavery in the 1850s. The elaborate and thought-provoking literature within this book changed the perspectives of Northern readers; many converted to abolitionists due to the book's emotional portrayal of the brutal yet authentic depictions of slavery. Thus, furthering the movement that paved the way for the Civil War, which continues to shape political and social rights for centuries to come. In modern day, many continue to use this influential piece of literature to shape their belief systems and use it as an example to understand the past.
When all positive and negative aspects are taken into account, art is its own entity; not only can it be visually appealing, but it is also a form of acquiring knowledge from the past and exhibits cultures and beliefs that are to be embraced and remembered for eons. Additionally, many forms of art embody messages that aren't directly spoken or given to the consumer. Most artists craft elaborate pieces with the intention of sparking thoughts and emotions that resonate within one, creating something memorable that would shape morality or beliefs. It could affect more than just one's mindset, but also help shape policy and mass beliefs. The great impact art has on the majority of individuals helps us understand the importance and appeal of these different forms of expression. Art is timeless and will continue to appeal to a multitude of generations, regardless of when or where it was thoughtfully crafted into a masterpiece.
Student Opinion: Gumun Badwal
Interviewer: “What makes art so appealing?"
Gumun: “Art is interesting because it expresses someone's perspective of the world.”
Interviewer: “Can certain art be good or bad?”
Gumun: “Art is subjective and can be anything; it can never be good or bad; it's about the meaning behind it.”
Interviewer: “How do you define good art”?
Gumun: “Good art is something that has a good meaning behind it, and when people look at the art, they can feel the same emotions as the creator felt while making it.”
Taken by Khyla Best
Taken by Khyla Best
Taken by Khyla Best
Taken by Khyla Best