Plexus no. 29

Walking into the MOA, one’s eyes are quickly drawn upwards; Plexus no. 29 spans the entrance. 80 miles of colorful thread, stretched back and forth across the ceiling. Sudden changes in sound cause the tightly pulled threads to vibrate ever so slightly. The use of thread gives the installation a light and peaceful feeling. The rainbow gradation also gives it a familiar feeling, an artwork that is safe to approach. In addition, the choice of medium gives the artwork life as our eyes travel along individual threads and groups of threads. As the prism of color spirals towards the top of the room, we are led to spin ourselves around and follow the movement. Size plays an important role in Plexus no. 29. The magnitude of the installation causes the viewer to be actively engaged in the artwork. A conversation occurs between the artwork and the soul, as movement and questioning are interweaved in order to gain meaning. Even from the lowest point on the ground, laying flat on one's back, one is unable to take in the entire artwork; one's eyes are forced to move about along the threads. 

1. What message is the artist trying to carry through the installation? 

2. Would the artwork have a similar impact if it was placed somewhere else in the museum? 

3. What if there was no light around it? Walls constraining? 

4. Is Plexus no. 29 part of a series? 

5. What effect would the artwork have if a different medium was used?

ART 21 Kara Walker response

Kara Walker video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRkP5rcXtys

How people are portrayed

How information is presented

http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/gun-deaths/

We do not present ourselves accurately on social media.

Similarly, much of the information on social media is inaccurate or biased.

It seems that Kara Walker is depicting the representation of African Americans in society, the way they are viewed.

Not because that is who they are, but that is who we have made them.

It's as if she is saying,

"Our lives are important, but this is not who we are."

Questions to consider:
How are minorities represented online and through social media?
More specifically, how are African Americans protrayed online and through social medai?
What do you know about African Americans?
What is your gut reaction when controversial issues are brought up?

How are you portraying yourself online and through social media?
What do others know about you and your "race"?

What percentage of your life is TRULY represented online and through social media?

Art response

My life matters

This is not my life

I have been thinking a lot about my project and my presentation. 

I am wondering if I took the right approach or if I interpreted it in too much of a different light. 

Did I stay safe in my conversation?

Did I stay safe with my response? 

Did I create a controversial situation? Or did I just talk about it lightly? 

Did I steer away from things that cause me stress? 

Did I challenge myself enough?

Not sure. 

Cornel West, Bell Hooks and Michel Foucault

Who are Cornel West, Bell Hooks and Michel Foucault. What do they have to say about postmodernity, deconstruction, and race? 


Cornel West: Cornel West is a social activist. The majority of his thought focuses on "race, gender, and class in American society and the means by which people act and react to their 'radical conditionedness'. He is often featured on the media as a commentator on political and social issues."West believes that "white America" dominates today's culture, and that "white supremacy" continues to define everyday life. West spoke up after 9/11 stating that it was a wake up call for most Americans. It gave most citizens a glimpse into the fear and uncertainty that African Americans face on a day to day basis. Cornel West has little trust in any form of authority. West is very vocal in his beliefs. 


Bell Hooks: Her full name is Gloria Jean Watkins. She is an author, feminist, and also a social activist. "Primarily through a postmodern perspective, she has addressed race, class, and gender in education, art, history, sexuality, mass media, and feminism."Bell Hooks often writes of adversity related to segregation. She challenges the definition of feminism and racism and how they are commonly perceived.Her more recent publications and presentations focus on a loving community. Communities with strong relationships are crucial to developing understanding and equality. 


Michel Foucault: A French philospher whose theories addressed the the relationship between power and knowledge. He believed that these were used as a form of social control. He rejected the term of postmodernism and prefered "a critical history of modernity". Similarly to Cornel West, Michel Foucault questioned authority and domination of certain parts of society.