A. I am working in the city of Albany. It's very diverse and has it's richer and poorer areas but its streets are increasingly being dotted with "For Sale" and "For Rent" signs. To put it simply, people are leaving Albany. I think that these abandoned and, in many cases, dilapidated buildings characterize the dynamism I have always seen in Albany. On one hand, there are these beautiful buildings but, on the other hand, there is massive depression.
B. I am exploring the relationship between people and their changing and struggling city and the relationship between the beauty and decay in Albany.
C. I plan to investigate this space through drawings, paintings and photography.
D. I am still in the process of discovering different artists from whom to draw inspiration. I was thinking of investigating different artists involved in the W.P.A.
E. I want to collaborate several different media at this point as a collage using Photoshop and different technologies, perhaps printmaking, or as a physical collage with different medium on the same surface.
People leaving a place is a really interesting concept to consider. Actually, with everything the way that it is it there are many for sale signs up every where. It is sad to see how a down falling economy can effect a place so rapidly. The challenge of comparing beauty and decay in Albany along with the people and their changing place has a lot of potential and makes a great concept.
ReplyDeleteI think that the idea has a lot to work with but the actual application of the idea needs to be developed at this point.
I may consider how the change is effecting the people themselves along with their environment, this may provide some further clarification on Albany's current state. It also could also spark ideas for different aspects of the collage.
I've only been to Albany once but just being there in that short time I can relate to what you're describing. Creating art with a contrasting theme such as decay and beauty could make for some very intriguing art work. Also walking around with a camera and capturing scenes of those dilapidated houses and homelessness could be very powerful messages.
ReplyDeleteI believe that you have a solid base to begin your work but things that may help more might be, talking to locals you know within Albany, or friends you know who may be moving out. Can't say I'd have the guts to go around asking people why they're moving away myself, but it may be insightful none the less. Also ask yourself other reasons why people might be moving out of the area other than just economy? ex. bad living conditions? over priced areas? good schooling? crime?
Through possible questioning of the local's you may also find people who still really love living in Albany. This spiritual beauty could add even more contrasting beliefs and feelings to your final collage, photo, painting ect..
I think you are doing a good job with conceptualizing your place. I find the idea of abandonment very interesting. What is challenging is that you ideas are different- maybe you could centralize your idea- what is most important?
ReplyDeleteHow can you define your idea better? How can you differentiate Albany's abandonment from other places? What makes Albany so valuable in that retrospect? Things that you might not have considered is social class- how does the different levels of the working class affect this?
I suggest that you make your idea more specific- how can beauty and struggle themes submerge into one concise idea?
I think artists in New Paltz may be important to consider in terms of struggle and beauty. Also, Albany artist as well.