Semester Reflections

Semester 3

Art can reshape or recontextualize and help us  understand our learned history, biases, and beliefs by acting as a mirror and bringing to light societal expectations. Art helps us learn about past experiences, such as the Renaissance, and current issues, such as art’s relation to public spaces. Art can recontextualize how we view different cultures, traditions, history, and people’s stories. For example, learning about hostile architecture helped me understand how art is subtly used to hinder people’s choices but that there are ways to break these barriers. Some theoretical models and practical strategies for initiating the creative process include issue mapping, inspiration boards, and initial background research. In Arts Scholars, we used issue mapping, inspiration boards, initial question creating, and an annotated bibliography to help initiate our creative process. Feedback can be effectively incorporated by actively listening, asking questions, and focusing on actionable ways to implement suggestions. 

A news-related item that I encountered was the release of the Sean Combs documentary. It received a lot of media attention because it used a medium of art, documentary, to express the turmoil caused by Sean Combs and highlight those who were affected by his impact. Engagement in Arts Scholars helped me understand how art reshapes our societal and individual values, beliefs, biases, and history. Without Arts Scholars, I would not understand the societal importance of art’s contribution to the world.

In my MUSC204 - Popular Music in Black America course, I learned about the influence of Black popular music, such as spirituals, ragtime, blues, Jazz, etc., in the American music industry. We explored the importance of Black female singers who highlighted storytelling in their work. For example, the song “Freight Train Blues” by Clara Smith highlights migration and how men would leave their wives on freight trains and not return. As seen in the West African Djembe workshop, music helps us explore community building, storytelling, and cultural understanding. Popular Music in Black America explored similar themes through music in Black communities.

Through Arts Scholars, I learned about the depth of art. I used to see art as beautiful but never truly looked at the more profound meaning of it. After being in class with my classmates and hearing about their capstone projects, I feel more connected to art. For example, one of the workshops highlights drawing, but specifically it focuses on healing through drawing for hospital patients. I believe that this shows how art can contribute to better health outcomes and deeper connections with oneself and the world. Art can be healing, inspiring, and deep.

I have not done much to contribute to the Arts Scholars program this semester. I participated in the welcome event at the beginning of the semester and attended every colloquium, but I have not made much of an impact outside of the space. I wish I had taken advantage of the opportunity to be an Arts Scholars Peer Mentor or Ambassador. I wish I was able to be a part of the Scholars media team as well.

Arts Scholars has brought me into contact with many individuals that have challenged my previous beliefs or opinions. I used to believe that there was a difference between good and bad art but people, such as Colin's workshop, have challenged the notion of what low art and good art are. His workshop made me see how work viewed as less than can be made beautiful, such as graffiti. Exploring different perspectives and viewpoints helps to improve decision-making, increase empathy, and build stronger relationships overall. When exploring other perspectives, you become more understanding of how art can reshape beliefs, perceptions, and history.