Sally's Automatist Excercise

Observations: Reading the four squares in from the top left clockwise around to the bottom left I do see the exercise as a narrative. First, there is simple, geometric, numbered order though with a slight disarrangement in the end between the circular patterns of numbering the shapes (5,4,7,6). The second square describes how the person felt when the fluke occurred; “dizzy head” and “blank…” Everything seemed fine but now something has disrupted the pattern. What is the cure? Medication. Medication in all forms, pill packs to pop, capsules in bottles, syringes to inject, and liquids to drink. Medicate to regulate, to get back to order, an effort to get back to how things were in the beginning. The results are upside down and catastrophic; “magnet, communism, toothbrush, top toy, jellyfish.” They have significantly diverged farther away from the first square. Reverting to the source has evolved into a new problem. Something along the way corrupted the original order and the means to restore it. Small signs are shown in the first square but the mystery lines in the line between the medication and the words. The diving lines are where the real investigation should take place.

Analysis: my observation was largely influenced by Lasn’s discussion of the media’s ability to manipulate our thoughts and large corporations to disrupt order. His discussion of the history or corporations really resonated with me: it makes sense that we were skeptical of large powerhouse companies and what happened? How could we let them take over and give corporations the rights of an individual citizen. Our government ruled and passed it! I really parallel this exercise to the historical growth in power of companies. Something small sent the shapes out of wack, like the civil war. It slowly happened before we got the chance to realize making us dizzy and leaving us blank. Consumerism threw a majority of the American population into a depression from the 1950’s on and as a result the pharmaceutical companies are legitimizing our distress with all their drugs. Associated words like “magnet, toothbrush, and top toy” all have to do with consumerism. I picked the words based on products I bought that resembled them. My associations with the forms that brought forth “Communism and jelly fish” were more freely associated. However something in the “Communist” form resembled enough iconography or symbolism to embody the political movement. Perhaps I chose this because Communism was largely effective through propaganda and media advertisements. The jellyfish I would like to think is my one response that went against the grain and still defines me as an independently thinking individual. Not a brain washed member of a cult.

world changing response 7 or 8

One of my favorite things to do in the whole entire world is taking showers. I can easily take up to three in one day! Although “shower time” is my favorite part of any day, I also realize how much water I’m using. In “Recycling Shower”, (page 188) they discuss alternative ways to shower, which include conserving water by recycling it. Developed by a design student in London, Peter Brewin, a system was created which filters the water once it goes down the drain, and then is brought to a comfortable temperature, and is then reused. This design is mentioned to be great in drought prone areas, as well as help individuals save money on some utilities. While this design seems to be a great idea, one that would benefit society, do we really think that bathing in recycled water would appeal to many people? I for example do not know how thrilled I would be to be showering in water that I have already used, even if I knew it had been filtered. Aside from my own opinions, if its believed that this would be a good addition to society as a creative solution to a major problem, why is this new design for a shower not being introduced into our daily lives, and our own personal bathrooms?

WR Prompt 7&8: Automatist Exercise

-Hannah Höch, Cut with the Dada Kitchen Knife through the Last Weimar Beer-Belly Cultural Epoch in Germany, 1919, collage of pasted papers, 90x144 cm, Staatliche Museum, Berlin.

Throughout this class, we have been discussing the far reaching tentacles of influence of our capitalist (production driven/ consumer oriented) society. We have contemplated the intense and pervasive nature of consumerism through the perspectives of Leopold, Diamond, Pollan, Lasn, and of course your own experiences and observations.

Although we could choose several points in history (and art history) from which to consider the roots of today's issues and REACTION to those issues, I want you to consider the revolutionary, rebellious nature of Dadaism.

Dadaism (1920s) whose disgust and disillusionment with WWI (its devastating consequences as well as the 'bourgeois' values that, they believed, led to conflict) generated a movement of opposition. Dada rejected categories, labels, and all established "values" (both in the art world as well as broader society). Techniques that were developed during this turbulent, anxious, angry time would (arguably) influence later art movements* which would all have an important role in social commentary. Throughout your response, consider the degree to which Lasn (and perhaps yourself) are influenced by Dadaist priciples. (Definition of Dada below (*) and a quick search on Wikipedia should give you a good background).

Your assignment:
1) Scan your 4 squares
2) Discuss general observations about the nature of what was written/ drawn:
How does the content of each square relate to the others? Is there an interesting repetition of a theme? Is there a narrative implied by the juxtaposition of elements? What is the aggregate effect of the 4 people's contributions?

BE CREATIVE HERE. This is YOUR interpretation, so anything you see/elicit from the image is valid as long as you sufficiently support your statements. Look at the 4 squares as an artist/ poet/ designer/ creative person. Do you see this as an overall composition? Are they chapters in a story? Is it a map? Something else?

3) NOW, I want you to look at your Automatist Exercise and consider Lasn's main arguments: Consumer society, we're all in a cult, we don't think but do what we're told, etc. In a way, this exercise embodied that relationship (I told you to do something, and you all obeyed...) BUT each of your contributions was unique and came from you. In addition, you all knew, (and "agreed"), to go along with the instructions, whereas Lasn argues that you are unaware of your actions/choices being manipulated. So now, the MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION is: How much of the content of your 4 squares could you interpret as being influenced by the broad reaches of CONSUMERISM? Do any of the shapes make concrete reference to production/consumption? How about more abstract associations?

IMPORTANT last notes:
- Remember this week's response is worth double.

- If you want to respond to the prompt visually you may, as long as you include an artist statement addressing how the visual work addresses the questions I've asked.

- You will need to post under "New Post" instead of in the comment section under this prompt. Please title your post: "(your name)'s Automatist Excercise"


* "Dada is the groundwork to abstract art and sound poetry, a starting point for performance art, a prelude to postmodernism, an influence on pop art, a celebration of antiart to be later embraced for anarcho-political uses in the 1960s and the movement that lay the foundation for Surrealism."
—Marc Lowenthal, translator's introduction to Francis Picabia's I Am a Beautiful Monster: Poetry, Prose, And Provocation

Surrealism, (a contemporary of Dadasim which was greatly influenced by Dadaist priciples) is Pure psychic automatism, by which one proposes to express, either verbally, in writing, or by any other manner, the real functioning of thought. Dictation of thought in the absence of all control exercised by reason, outside of all aesthetic and moral preoccupation.

Weekly Response # 6

Ekta Shah

Response #6

ADP III: techonology and the environment

When Lasn states that the consumerist, capitalist, and materialist tendencies of “ American” culture are unhealthy, he means that gap between people and nature is constantly growing as technology and materialistic goods become increasingly important. We are becoming more interested in technology that is faster and more efficient, so we companies cater to that need while consumers are drawn into these rapidly improving product. By using the adjective “ Unhealthy” Lasn is explaining how much of an obsession we have with objects, and how they have become an overwhelming part of our life to the point where our perception of what nature is, and our ability to enjoy as well as appreciate it have been skewed. One of the examples Lasn gave was families watching television during their dinners, instead of spending that time out of their days to have conversations and spend time together. I find that this varies in cultures, and is more prevalent in the American culture. When I spend time with my relatives in India, no one even thinks of having the television during meals, and because my parents grew up this way the same rules apply to our family at home. There is no television in our kitchen, and we are not allowed to eat meals in our living room. But when I see other families, many have televisions within view of their dining tables, and for others it is a tradition to eat on their couches while watching different tv shows. One example that I do not think is not completely accurate is the idea of “ the end of the American dream”. Overtime the increase in technology has created a change in our daily actions and perceptions of how we want to lead our lives, but I do believe that now in 2009 with the effects of global warming and other environmental destruction becoming apparent and well-known, there are many people that are trying to disconnect themselves with these things and live different lives. We have classes that teach us about the environment, and how to use sustainable materials. We have developed new concepts such as biomimicry and come up with new inventions to help solve our problems. Professor Trumpey has his own farm, while my other professor Jan-Henrik Anderson chooses to lead a lifestyle without a cell phone or car. I have become more aware of food packing industries, vegetarianism, veganism, eating local etc. So with the increase in consumer culture, I think there has also been a recent increase in the awareness of how this culture can negatively affect our lives and what we can do to improve.

Lasn, Kalle. Culture Jam: The Uncooling of America. New York: Eagle Brook, 1999

Weekly response 6

ADP III Discussion 005

 

When Lasn uses the word “unhealthy” to describe tendencies of “American” culture I think he means exactly that. One definition for the word unhealthy states, “(of a person’s attitude or behavior) not sensible or well balanced; abnormal and harmful: an unhealthy obsession with fast cars. I do think Lasn means that we are obsessed with material things to the point where the objects are almost controlling how we live as Americans. The main obsession that I believe Americans have is with technology. So many people are constantly using computers, TV’s, I-pods, buying new cars & the latest gadgets. It is scary because we don’t need all of these things in order to live happy successful lives.  We have lost touch with the environment and the natural world.  Many people were oblivious to the environmental problems until it was publicly addressed and action was then taken. From the discussion last week and in this text I was drawn to the issue of not having as much face time with other people, even within specific families. It is important for individuals to have live conversations and be connected without having to use a form of technology to do so. I feel like that is a bigger issue now than it was 10 years ago, but since then has progressively gotten worse. People are now watching television while eating dinner rather than discussing how their days were with a family member or a friend. Statistically that has caused people to eat more, and essentially gain weight which leads to a more unhealthy lifestyle.

 

Work Cited

 

Lasn, Kalle. Culture Jam: The Uncooling of America. New York: Eagle Brook, 1999. Print

 

http://www.merriam-webster.com/unhealthy

 

Weekly Response #6

Yu-Jen(Chris),Tsai
ADP3
Discussion 005

Weekly Response #6

In the autumn chapter in Culture Jam, Kalle Lasn discussed mostly about the prevailing capitalism created by the society and how it has been affecting us globally. The author talked about how our global situation either environmental or economical and even psychological is going downstream. He believes that out of all communication mediums, media plays a huge part of the consumerism. While Mr. Lasn is describing his experience of proposing his television commercial idea, the “Mystical Forests” commercial, which reveals the truth the advertising company tried covering up with their commercial called “Forest Forever” on what was really happening to the forest in Britain. However, the corporation wasn’t even close to accepting the proposal; “In today’s media environment, advertisers rule––the sponsor is king (Lanse 35)” Lasn stated in the last passage in the Media Virus chapter. Even though some part of what Kalle tried to explain to me seem reasonable and makes me aware of our behavior as consumers. However, I don’t think that it is completely up to the sponsors’ choice to decide whether an ad should go on air or not, especially information that concerns the safety of our planet earth like the “forest issue”; message like it shall never be overlooked since it has always been our responsibility to look after our eco system. Humans have been severely consuming resources provided from our land ever since the industrial revolution. Humans have the right and obligation to fully understand and grasp issues occurring in the eco world.
Another point the author brought up that I would like to touch on would be the “product placement” situation that has gotten a lot worse compared to ten years ago, when the author wrote this book. This shows that some problems never got solved despite the fact that people knew it all along. It’s just like watching television or eating junk food, people know that they’re bad for their health, but they still keep on doing it anyhow. For instance, I once bought a pair of New Balance sneakers at a high price simply because the main character in one of my favorite movies wore the sneaker throughout the entire movie. So what does this mean? “What this means is that we’re now ripe for manipulation. We can be buzzed by logos without noticing.” (Lasn 38) the author stated; this reminded me of professor Trumpey’s very first lecture while he showed us the Mercedes logo and a picture of poison ivy for us to identify; from that particular test, we can see how drastically the media has manipulated the minds in our generation. It is crucial for us to focus on the environmental facets by discovering them by ourselves instead of incessantly retrieving messages sent by the media without even filtering them.


Work Cited

Lasn, Kalle. Culture Jam. New York, Page.35 third paragraph & Page.38


Trumpey, Joseph. Art Design Perspective 3: Technology and the Environment. Stamps Auditorium, Ann Arbor, MI. First Lecture.

Weekly Response 6

Levester Williams

ADP III

Reed-Esslinger-Payet, GSI

Lasn Takes on Consumerism…

Lasn critiques capitalist consumerism and analyzes its effect to instill a vivid image of its degradation on our culture. He states that a cult of consumerism has been integrated into our lives. The transition of Americans from citizens to consumers is relevant since we either blindly follow the rules set by the media or acquiesce but maintain our role as blind consumers (Lasn 63). Moreover, we are “governed [by] a corporate state” (Lasn 69), which “embraces the value of More” (Lasn 11). We, as cult members, are being programmed to fulfill the roles that corporations demand us to be. For example, I possess more than ten pairs of sneakers. Even though I still wear my worn-out shoes, I purchase new shoes since it has been embedded in my mind that more can never be enough. I momentarily feel content after the purchase, yet it always fades away into a dull void that is resolved by buying more sneakers. This plea for more derives from the cult “promising a kind of boundless contentment”(Lasn 54). However, this idealism of plenitude is detrimental to our growth as a nation since our ecosystem and our personal lives are impinged by it. Ecological economists claim that the world cannot expand more without having an ecological apocalypse (Lasn 86). For example, the world cannot sustain when First World countries and some developing countries are operating at a First World level, creating a plethora of ecological problems as seen in China (Diamond 376). Within ten years, this obsession with consumer capitalism seems not to have receded, yet people are becoming more concerned about their consumption—not only due to the current recession, but to conserve our environment and save energy.

Lasn generalizes our relationship with our possessions by assuming all people have a relationship with their products that identify us. For cars example, he explicates our relationship with cars as a complimentary asset to ourselves: “…they reinvent us” (Lasn 81). Yet, not all people buy cars to complement their self-image. Some may buy cars only to have transportation. These people may only look at the quality of the car, price of the car, warranty, and gas mileage as a referral to buy it. The type of car brought is to accommodate their roles in society, and the corporation may be minute factor in its purchase. For example, I may only buy a Macbook Pro due to its capabilities to create high quality designs and not due to its ability to reinvent my self-image. However, within these ten years, products are being created to match the diverse personalities of people by becoming equipped with more functions or having a variety of custom-made elements. For examples, Ipods are introducing numerous applications to satiate the personality of people.

Works Cited

Diamond, Jared M. Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed. New York: Viking, 2005. Print.

Lasn, Kalle. Culture Jam: The Uncooling of America. New York: Eagle Brook, 1999. Print.