Dorothy O'Connor, 'Tornado' Artist's statement: This image came from a dream I had in which the very thing that was saving me was also threatening to crush me. In the image, the tornado, which is an incredibly destructive force, is being both created, and ostensibly controlled, by the woman in the picture. Looking at it in a political context, the image could be equated to our government and the electoral process. We create our own democracy and attempt to control it at the ballot box. However, given the influence of corporate donors whose interest in their own profits supersedes any compulsion toward the common good, it is hard to overstate the extent to which individuals and even collective actions are rendered powerless. In the aftermath of a tornado there is, eventually, a time of rebirth when people begin to reclaim their lives and destinies. It remains to be seen whether or not we can reclaim our democracy from the forces that seek to undermine it.

                                                                           

                 

Jason Shawn Alexander, 'Larger in Life' Artist's statement: Art is rooted in perception. At a time in this country when racial strains are heightened and social media encourage a certain level of human separation and disconnect, direct interaction can appear intimidating -- even in a painting. The original concept of power was in taking my sweet, confident, hilarious friend and presenting his strength and confidence. Once the piece was complete, however, viewers would describe a "God-like figure" -- immense and judging, with an intimidating stare -- neglecting the second face with its sense of concern and thoughtfulness -- a vivid example of the enormous weight in perception without context. It's all up to you, the viewer. The gentlest of souls, in a culture where too much value is placed on knee-jerk reactions and preconceived notions, can be perceived as intense and threatening. The journey of this painting helped me to understand that I've been guilty of this myself. That awareness, coupled with a desire to change, is power in and of itself.  

 

             

Marcus Kenney, 'The Red Telephone' Artist's statement: The "red telephone" was a direct hotline linking the White House with the Kremlin during the Cold War with the former Soviet Union. After the Cuban Missile Crisis, in which communications between the two nuclear powers took many hours to receive and transmit, it was clear that a direct link was necessary. During my childhood in the '70s and '80s, "the red telephone" became the symbol of power for the president's office. In my fantasies as a child, all the president had to do was pick up "the red telephone" and order a strike against the USSR. When I imagine the Oval Office, I see "the red telephone" sitting on the desk just waiting for that urgent ring. The president of the United States is often referred to as the most powerful figure in the world, and I cannot help but think that the power is in that mysterious red telephone that sits on his desk. The red telephone has been referenced in popular culture many times in art and music. It also has been used in the Batman series, James Bond movies, "Dr. Strangelove," "South Park" and more recently in an advertisement for Hillary Clinton's presidential run in 2008.  

   

                     

   

Seb Jarnot, 'The War of Smiles' Artist's statement: In these over-smiley portraits, I wanted to show that the smiles don't express joy or confidence, but rather violence and power in a fight between two candidates, two different energies, media images, financial powers.  

 

     

                 

   

Molly Crabapple, 'Big Fish Eat Little Fish Eat Big Fish' Artist's statement: 2011 was a year of ecstatic rebellion. From Arab Spring to Occupy Wall Street, people were shaking the foundations of power. But in 2012, we get to see what happens after that. In my "Big Fish Eat Little Fish Eat Big Fish" piece, I drew a metaphor for revolution and counter-revolution.  

Abdi Farah, 'We Can Do Much More' Artist's statement: With a political system that can best be described as acrimonious, I believe we can learn a lesson from the sports teams and athletes that represent the best of what America contains to the larger world. Their strength is in their unity. They are motivated by their love for their country and their sport, and not by fear or hatred of their competitors. Our athletes realize more often than our civil servants that what is best for themselves as individuals is what is first best for the larger group.

               

Advanced Art 1st Quarter Outside Assignment

Power Make: This is an out of class assignment. All work is to be done on your own, not during class time. Create a piece of art that illustrates the

word POWER. Be specific about what kind of power your work explores. It’s a giant word with many meanings. Write: Write a one page 250 word typed statement explaining what type/aspect of the word POWER your art explores and how your imagery

illustrates it. This will be your portfolio piece for English dept so make it count! Requirements: Must be at least 12x18 inches.

Must be 2D. Can have 3D elements but it must be able to hang on a wall. Any materials permitted. You may borrow/check out materials from the art room. MUST spend at least 15 hours on this. I can tell what has taken 15 hours and what hasn’t.

Project Proposal Date: Tuesday, October 2 On this day you have a conversation with me about your plans, materials, and progress. Due Date: Thursday, October 25 Disclaimer: If your imagery bears any resemblance to the google image search for the word power, you will do very poorly on this

assignment. Be creative. Think about what the word means to you, your family, community, age group. Something!