Marie Antoinette

Marie Antoinette is a figure who shows great beauty and is often regarded as a fashion icon. Her extravagant dresses and hats and hair top all the rest.

Caroline Webber talks about how Marie Antoinette's fashion choices relate to her rule over france. The stereotypical people of france are unreasonably fancy and snooty. Perhaps Marie Antoinette's obsession with fashion contributed to this stereotype. She continued to buy clothes and did not do anything about her country's deteriorating economic status. Although, she also became a fashion icon of the time. People looked at her and were incredibly jealous of her. She used this as a means for power over her subjects. She dressed like no other monarch before her. She sometimes would cross dress when she went on hunts, binding her chest to look like a man. She used clothing to make herself look more powerful. "In Truth, Marie Antoinette's Clothing expenditures accounted for a negligible portion of the overall budget outlined in Necker's report, but her ostentatious image belied the economic reality." This infuriated her subjects, but as we have talked about in class, this is one of the ways one can gain power. Not only did Marie Antoinette wear extravagant clothing, she also was famous for her extremely complicated hairdos. She didn't care about what her people needed, she used materials life flour to adorn her hair, even when the peasants had a limited supply of bread and were starving in the streets. She became a celebrity of the time, and although she was not doing the best job of running the country, people were very excited to see what she was wearing and what kind of interesting things she would comment on with her fashion. Ultimately the unhappiness of her people caught up with her, and she was beheaded, but she was still concerned with her image, even on her final days.

There is also a large power struggle depicted between Marie Antoinette and her palace. She was controlled from day one. ""in this way, Marie Antoinette and her adversaries engaged in a fierce tug-of-war to control her sartorial body : a struggle she had been waging in some form or other since her first day on French Soil.This power struggle represents the life of many kings and queens. This eventually got her into trouble.

Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth is certainly an icon. When people think of power, Queen Elizabeth comes to mind. This is not only because the visual aspects of her period costume are very memorable, but also because she is one of the few female monarchs who ruled a kingdom because of her brains. Apart from her relation to King Henry and the rest, she made a name for herself through smarts and by not giving into the opposite sex. She did not want to be dragged down by men who only wanted to steal her power, she wanted the power to rule her own kingdom, and she wanted people to believe she was competent enough to do so. But ruling a kingdom is not easy. Elizabeth had to watch out for danger at every corner. People were constantly trying to poison her, to steal her throne. Queen Elizabeth was generally liked by her citizens, and Elizabeth also tried to keep on good terms with other countries. She was also revered by the protestants, for she supported the church of england. Religion often caused many conflicts. Elizabeth is a perfect example of royalty. She was loved, and hated by many, and she is still known by almost everyone today. (I was partly named after Queen Elizabeth I). The struggles she went through and her extreme intelligence make her a queen who went down in history.

Orlando

The story of Orlando takes a deep look into the differences between Gender in society. It also is a commentary on biographies. Orlando begins the story as a man, a writer, and a young child. The book spans many years (far longer than any one person could ever live). As a man, Orlando is overcome by desires for women, and there is much talk about how men become fools in front of women. They want them so much, and yet they sacrifice they're own minds to do so. Women on the other hand, have large responsibilities to be who society wishes them to be. They need to wear fancy clothes and remain innocent and chaste, yet be likable. Orlando studies both sexes, as he experiences life as both, and concludes mostly that there are few core differences. "It is a strange fact, but a true one, that up to this moment she had scarcely given her sex a thought."Orlando is the same person, as a man, and as a woman. Though the way society views him/her is quite different. This poses interesting questions regarding gender in today's society. Woman politicians are still rare these days, and men continue to dominate the work force and political world. This story relates to our kings and queens thesis mainly because we are creating a biography, and because the dynamic between the sexes has been an ongoing and ever changing phenomenon. Like Virginia Woolf, I find most biographies dry and dull, the do not peak my interest the way an exciting work of fiction would. But as an illustrator, it is my job to tell a story through pictures, perhaps more interesting than it might be had it been told in photographs. It will be interesting to see how the thesis topics differ when told by a man or a woman, and how the male and female monarchs have been portrayed through each.

Venus in Furs

Venus in Furs was in interesting tale of men's desire. The display of mental and physical power is an intriguing thought. Because men are usually in power, Venus in Furs was different. It portrayed Venus and Wendy as the powerful icons. Venus, being a goddess has always had an amount of power. She is the goddess of futility and beauty. The story opens with a dream that the narrator has of Venus herself, dominating him and telling him what to do. He enjoys this attitude and is completely devoted to her. We see the same thing in Severin's story. He worships Wendy, and although she does not want to be involved in this kind of relationship at first, she begins to realize it is to her advantage. The text states, "Man is the one who desires, woman the one who is desired." This is a clear way of saying that a woman is a man's weakness. Even though the woman is put on a high pedestal in this story, the underlying thoughts that women try to take over men's roles is still there. Women are still "the bad guy". " Woman's power lies in man's passion, and she knows how to use it, if man doesn't understand himself. He has only one choice: to be the tyrant over or the slave of woman. As soon as he gives in, his neck is under the yoke, and the lash will soon fall upon him." It is encouraged to try and dominate the woman, but because the woman is just so darn sexy, it is hard for men to take over. And if they do not take action fast, women will surely beat them down.

Hurricane Sandy

I don't know if Sandy was the 'Queen of Hurricanes', but she sure took over New York City and New Jersey quickly. Her powerful winds, and high storm surges destroyed many homes and businesses, knocking out power for thousands. It beat New York City into they're houses, and beat some out.

My family and pets were evacuated from lower manhattan right before the storm hit. When we returned to our house, a massive mess met us.

The damage to New York was similar to the violent takeover of any king or queen. As my house was only 3 blocks away from the east river, the water came into our lobby and flooded our elevators. The building is still not fit to inhabit, and my family and dogs are staying with my grandmother in New Jersey. We are not sure when we will be allowed into our house again. 

Durring Sandy's siege, pictures flooded televisions and the internet, which horrified people all over the states. 

Presidents

The Presidential Candidates : As our modern monarchs

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 The presidential election is a time of fighting and conflict. Candidates are constantly trying to pull the other down. They lie, and make promises they plan to break, all to get elected in the end. I know in my family, there is a large amount of talk about politics, both within my immediate family, and with my relatives. Luckily I don't have any who fear Obama simply because he is black. This country is so preoccupied with race it is scary. it may be hard not to see race in this day in age, but it is easy to not let it matter.

It is easy to complain about the way our election system works as well. A bunch of old, white guys making decisions in a large room is not exactly the most settling thought. The lying and cheating that goes on is also not appealing. The electoral college is an old and long-standing way of voting, and America doesn't look like it is going to change any time soon.

A lot of creativity comes out of the campaign. Graphic design, political cartoons, comedy sketches, and video adds. They say politics brings out the worst in people, but sometimes it is just the opposite.

Macbeth

Perhaps popular among shakespeare fanatics (I couldn't say), the version of Macbeth we viewed in class was certainly a different way of looking at the play (compared to the main stream version we looked at in high school). The play harbors themes of power, guilt, and the supernatural. Perhaps visually unique, the play still didn't do it for me. The 'world war II-ish' costume was a choice I found random instead of helpful or intriguing. The movie 'Looked' like a play, with it's scene changes, and low-key sets, but was staged like a film. The witches (nurses) who open the film, although quite scary, did not convey the same message that the witches in the play. The witches in the movie were simply creepy, but did not strike me as 'Magical'.

Cleopatra

Cleopatra is an often-used monarch when talking about woman-rulers. Her rule was mighty, and firm, even though most of the monarchs of her day were men. She ruled because she was smart, not simply because she was pretty. In the article/essay, 'Becoming Cleopatra' the author decides to introduce race and symbolism into the world of cleopatra. The Author opens the essay by talking about a video involving Eddie Murphy, Michael Jackson. She speaks about the symbolism involved in the video. Then the author begins to read very heavily into race. She speaks about Cleopatra possibly being black and how this would 'Change' History. How publications would fight to have Cleopatra on their side, for an example of a successful icon of their race. Who cares if cleopatra was black? Except for records of science and perhaps a little of racial history. In the essay, the author explains that both white's and blacks play off of cleopatra's 'racial ambiguity'. It is true that no one REALLY knows what cleopatra looked like, but it is preposterous that one race is trying to 'Take' cleopatra as a point for their 'team'. Both 'White' and 'Black' culture is something that totally turns me off. I see culture as something that divides, rather than something that unites. If one becomes engulfed in "white culture" for example, than they are more divided than if they involved blacks in this culture as well. I agree that blacks and whites are different, but I dispose culture either way. I believe it excludes and divides.

Henry VIII

Henry VIII by William Shakespeare, can easily be related to any love affair of modern times. Although a bit more violent, jealousy and a lust for power are common traits in both Shakespeare's man and the modern man. Like most dramas of the today, this play displays a complicated web of dramatic relationships. Between Wolsey, King Henry, The Pope, Katherine, and all those under Cardinal Wolsey. There are many men in history that get bored with their wives, and there are some now labeled as 'Murderers' who have them killed. Henry is no exception. His secretive relationship with Ann is conflicted because of the relationships they have genetically, but Henry's mind overcomes this. Henry's royalty allow him to get away with many things that could have gotten killed had he been someone lower on the food chain. The power Kings and Queens possess in King Henry's day is almost absolute. This is a scary thought weather one is Queen Catherine, or a peasant of this day. This power is a large factor in what makes a king or queen. The fact that Henry is able to go against the pope's wishes shows that even though the(supposedly) highest being, or being closest to God, can be thwarted. The pope was a very important figure, and King Henry was simply able to thrust him aside.

Jumbo Himself!

Jumbo the Elephant

Jumbo the African Elephant, was believed to have been born in the Sudan, and captured by animal traders. His mother was killed, and he was kept in poor conditions until sold to The Jardin des Plantes.
This was a zoo in France. Although they were quite a large and popular zoo, they did not treat Jumbo the way he should have been. He was housed with the zoo's two asian elephants in a cramped enclosure. As Jumbo was already sick when he arrived at The Jardin des Plantes, the lack of knowledge of African Elephants did not help his health. He became lethargic and malnourished. The Zoo soon acquired a new African Elephant calf, and Jumbo was all but forgotten.

Jumbo was then sold to The Zoological Garden's in England. There, he was better cared for and met his trainer and long time friend, Matthew Scott. The Zoo in England became quite attached to Jumbo, despite some disagreements they may have had with some of his actions. Jumbo quickly gained weight and height, with his new and dedicated caretaker. Jumbo gave rides around the Zoological Gardens to children for a penny, and soon became a popular attraction at the zoo. He was also given a 'Mate' named Alice (Also an African Elephant) although no chemistry was seen between them.

As Jumbo aged, and became larger and larger, he was getting a bit hard to handle. He would have bouts of rage associated with adolescence and a fear of small spaces. PT Barnum was in the market for a large African Elephant, and heard of Jumbo's massive size. He had to have him. So he wrote Mr. Bartlett (the head of the Zoo) and offered a large sum of money for Jumbo. The offer was accepted, and Jumbo was packed away in a large crate.

(I haven't finished Jumbo's Biography... So I don't know the details of what happened next... But I will know =D And I will update my blog when I find out

-- So long =)

Switching Thesis Themes!

After Woodruff scared one of the pictorial problems teachers by saying "They're not kings or queens unless they had power over people" -- that scared teacher told my teacher, and of course she got panicked, and actually Called Woodruff.

He was not thrilled with the idea of me doing my thesis on Charles Darwin, and suggested another King for me to do my thesis on.

Thus, my new thesis topic was born.

Jumbo the Elephant as : King of Elephants

Trajal Harrell

The ideas behind The performance by Trajal Harrell that I saw on monday night are far from simple. The couple that can be found are "What would have happened in 1963 if someone from the voguing ball scene in Harlem had come downtown to perform alongside the early postmoderns at Judson Church?" and "Can a Greek Tragedy such as 'Antigone' be done by voguing?". Because I have little background knowledge in voguing, postmodern dance, or Greek tragedy, it is hard for me to discuss the ideas behind the performance.

What I can take from this experience is the way in with Trajal experiments with different dance media to convey a story. As an Illustrator, I am constantly surrounded by competition, and it is important to be innovative and creative. People will always be looking for "the next big thing" and simply doing what you've done before won't cut it. The experimental nature of the performance was the aspect that captured me the most.

Although it was hard to understand with no background knowledge of the tragedy of Antigone, it is also possible that because I did not see or read about Trajal's other performances in the series (Large, Ex Large etc.). They were talked about as more elaborate than the one I watched in St. Marks' Church.

King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table

This is Ambrosius, he is my rat -- He was named after King Arthur's grandfather! And now on to my essay...
"King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table" by Roger Lancelyn Green is a compellation of tales from the life of King Arthur. It includes what are believed to be “real” accounts and fictional accounts of his life. Because the thesis theme for this year is “Historical” kings and queens, it is hard to relate this week’s reading to our thesis themes. Although it is difficult to relate to our actual thesis projects, the novel has some interesting themes including, chivalry, brotherhood, magic, and adventure.

In this adventure we call thesis, nothing is irrelevant. Ideas can be taken from all parts of life to help us grow and develop as people and as artists. One of the important themes mentioned above is brotherhood. My peers will be an excellent resource in working through my thesis. They will not only be able to provide me with useful feedback on my artwork, but different takes on my story etc. Thinking about thesis as a competition to get into a show, or impress the department chair will get me no where. Simply rejecting ideas is not an option. Not only should I be open to the ideas of my peers, but I should also be willing to help them in return.

Charles Darwin

The Sword in the Stone

Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Henry Bergh

ASPCA History

New York City, April 1866: The driver of a cart laden with coal is whipping his horse. Passersby on the New York City street stop to gawk not so much at the weak, emaciated equine, but at the tall man, elegant in top hat and spats, who is explaining to the driver that it is now against the law to beat one's animal. Thus, America first encounters "The Great Meddler."

OH BEHAVE!

Judith Halberstam wrote QUITE the analysis of Drag Kings in Media. As Halberstam explains, parody of masculinity is subtly hinted at in movies, and comedy acts today. Unlike Drag Queens, for whom the popular culture today is to loudly express their femininity to the world through Drag Balls and flamboyant outfits, the culture of the Drag King today finds itself nestled in popular comedy. The desirable traits for a male in today’s society could be similar to the desired traits of a King. The same way political cartoonists parody the politicians of today; drag kings tend to parody the crises that face the modern man. In relating Kings and Queens in general to this essay on drag kings, one can look into the social status of men and how they wish to be perceived. Even though we are living in a much more equal society than the one of 50 years ago, women are still considered inferior by many. Men get better paying jobs, and are considered to be stronger, and ‘even headed’ by many. Men also have their fair share of obstacles. They are expected to be (for lack of better word) masculine. If men do not fit the culture’s mold for success, they are often tossed aside. It is disappointing that the professional world still believes in some of these stereotypes, but it is something both men and woman have to work through. So called, “King Comedy/Humor” is large topic of Halberstam’s essay. She picks out the examples of king humor that can be found in pop-culture today, and proves that it is just as relevant as the humor in Drag queen performance.

Walt Disney

Walt Disney could Certainly be called the King of American Animation.

He also created a vast kingdom that lived on even after his death.

His royal subjects worked long hours to complete his projects

Charles Darwin

The King of Evolution

The British naturalist, Charles Darwin, could be called the "King of Evolution". His theories on Evolution laid the foundation for modern teachings of Evolution. The basis of his theories was the thought that humans and animals share a common ancestry. The Victorian society he lived in did not take these theories well. Upon the HMS Beagle, Darwin embarked on a 5 year journey. When he returned from this journey, he had brought back specimens of all kinds (bones, fossils, animals etc). After observing life on his journey, he cave up with the theory of Natural Selection. This was a major break through.

What do you think of when you think of Darwin?

Perhaps finches? Other animals?

He published the Origin of Spieces

What do Kings and Queens mean to Me?

What do Kings and Queens mean to me? I'm not actually sure. The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of Kings and Queens, is similar to what comes to my mind when I think of just about anything. Dogs. I am a self-proclaimed Dog Nerd, and although I may not be able to do my thesis on "Dogs" they are no doubt running around in my mind.

Afghan Hound

This old breed is often referred to as the "King" of dogs.

King Charles Spaniel

This is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These small spaniels were made popular by their appearances in paintings of King Charles the 2nd, and now they bear his name. The King Charles Spaniel (English Toy Spaniel) looks similar to the Cavalier, but has a more pushed in face. Both Spaniels were favored by British royalty for many generations.

Airedale Terrier

This is an Airedale Terrier. They are the largest breed in the Terrier Group and are often referred to as the "King" of the Terriers.

King Shepherd

This is a King Shepherd. They look rather like a German Shepherd, but much larger and with thicker fur.

Queensland Heeler

This is a Queensland Heeler, otherwise known as an Australian Cattle Dog.

Thoughts on 'Paris is Burning'

The film “Paris is Burning is an interesting look into the world of Drag queen culture. As in any culture, the queens in the sense of the drag queens, have a strict hierarchy. The mothers, the newcomers, the dreamers, etc all have their place.
The film begins by describing “balls”. These pageants, are used to help the queens feel better about their social or economic status. Almost like a Cinderella story, but just like any fairy tail, there are always evil stepsisters, and witches to spoil a good time. With competition, comes jealousy, and reputation.

Just like kings and queens of the past, drag queens don’t usually come from the most humble of backgrounds. The style of the ‘now’ entails that they buy designer brands and labels to show their status in society.

           

Opinions and fashions of the day change though the generations; they do the same in the world of the drag queen. Constructing one’s own costume and creative clothing with boas and loud, hand-sewn outfits were popular in the 70’s. Later, designer brands and labels became the popular attraction.

            Power is very important in any monarchy. The struggle for power, the greed that comes along with it, are all factors in how a monarch deals with their position. King Louis the XIIII, and Napoleon wanted (and received) an insane amount of power, and dreamed of even more. Similarly, but perhaps not as realistic, so do the drag queens. A queen interviewed in the film said, “I wanna’ be a big star all over the world.” Although they may not be the monarch to a country, their ambitions are of similar

On another note --

            A large part of the beginning of the film was used to explain the queen’s need for acceptance both in the gay and straight worlds. This is not only a problem for the queens but also for most people in the world today. The queens used the ‘Balls’ to have a time where they felt accepted and ‘normal’. Acceptance and groupings of common interests, heritage, etc, is ground deeply into human nature and has been around far longer than any monarch can be traced. From the beginning of human culture, people have been breaking into ‘family groups’ and other such sections. Even the political parties of today are far more diverse than they were 100 years ago. People long to find their niche in society, and sometimes that means creating a new group.