"Change"
The first visual essay asks students to use both images and texts to interpret or elaborate on different notions of change -- the most "abstract" of all assignments.
Requirements: 1) Incorporate aspects of Merced or the university into the pictures; 2) Each photograph needs to have contrasting elements (rough vs. soft, bright vs. dark, etc.); 3) The accompanying passage, creative in nature, should not explain the meanings of the pictures but should aim to enhance or complicate the viewer's reading of the images; and 4) People cannot be the main subjects in this visual essay.
As the very first assignment, students are only beginning to explore the possibilities and complex relationships between imagery and text. Some already did a good job, but all will improve and grow, as the online and in-class feedback, and course readings and lectures, will help students develop their eyes and skills.
Feel free to leave encouragement or criticism for these students. Please be constructive; we are all learning to do better.
(Note: the texts and comments have not been redacted, edited, or corrected for typos or errors)
The first visual essay asks students to use both images and texts to interpret or elaborate on different notions of change -- the most "abstract" of all assignments.
Requirements: 1) Incorporate aspects of Merced or the university into the pictures; 2) Each photograph needs to have contrasting elements (rough vs. soft, bright vs. dark, etc.); 3) The accompanying passage, creative in nature, should not explain the meanings of the pictures but should aim to enhance or complicate the viewer's reading of the images; and 4) People cannot be the main subjects in this visual essay.
As the very first assignment, students are only beginning to explore the possibilities and complex relationships between imagery and text. Some already did a good job, but all will improve and grow, as the online and in-class feedback, and course readings and lectures, will help students develop their eyes and skills.
Feel free to leave encouragement or criticism for these students. Please be constructive; we are all learning to do better.
(Note: the texts and comments have not been redacted, edited, or corrected for typos or errors)
James K.
As he took heed to the seemingly vast and desolate wasteland that harbored his existence, he couldn’t help but realize the potential that this land sought to withhold from its part-time gazers. Although he was a man of separate birth and separate kin, he too could relate to those that resided in this place. He began to feel at home. A feeling he hadn’t known for some time. It seemed to be a land of new beginning, a place that begged for change; a place that had all the makings of something spectacular, but dwelled on the lacking of a certain catalyst that would make it so.
As he took heed to the seemingly vast and desolate wasteland that harbored his existence, he couldn’t help but realize the potential that this land sought to withhold from its part-time gazers. Although he was a man of separate birth and separate kin, he too could relate to those that resided in this place. He began to feel at home. A feeling he hadn’t known for some time. It seemed to be a land of new beginning, a place that begged for change; a place that had all the makings of something spectacular, but dwelled on the lacking of a certain catalyst that would make it so.
James K.
He gazed at this land starey-eyed. He knew that he and this land shared a common fate. His soul ached. It ached for something new, something extraordinary, but he was not alone. He and this land were one. So what of this epiphany? So what of this fresh realization? He didn’t know, nor had he any desire to know. The thirst for self improvement can drive one into a frenzy of sorts, not just men of course, anything can embark on the journey; even a pile of shit in your backyard. It’s enough to make you old.
He gazed at this land starey-eyed. He knew that he and this land shared a common fate. His soul ached. It ached for something new, something extraordinary, but he was not alone. He and this land were one. So what of this epiphany? So what of this fresh realization? He didn’t know, nor had he any desire to know. The thirst for self improvement can drive one into a frenzy of sorts, not just men of course, anything can embark on the journey; even a pile of shit in your backyard. It’s enough to make you old.
Karlo B.
As a youth I only knew two colors. White and red encompassed my entire life. I remember clutching my mother’s hand tightly thinking to myself, white. Please white, I’m hungry and you are being lazy. Red is too inhibiting. I was young though, so inhibiting was not in my dictionary yet. Instead red meant stand. Move a second more and a sudden pull of the arm was all you were ever greeted with. Living in a city this situation was just too common. Living in a city also meant no green. Not until I was ready for it.
As a youth I only knew two colors. White and red encompassed my entire life. I remember clutching my mother’s hand tightly thinking to myself, white. Please white, I’m hungry and you are being lazy. Red is too inhibiting. I was young though, so inhibiting was not in my dictionary yet. Instead red meant stand. Move a second more and a sudden pull of the arm was all you were ever greeted with. Living in a city this situation was just too common. Living in a city also meant no green. Not until I was ready for it.
Karlo B.
So I bided my time dealing with the red, making games for myself to play while I stood still. Count to three as many times as I can, find someone wearing orange, and guess what is under the metal disc. Now, though, four years after my life took a dramatic change for the kinesthetic, I have no challenges. Sort of. When I though my problems had ended new ones emerged. Green has become white, red remains the same, and yellow is just indecisive. Also, my mom usually doesn’t clutch my hand anymore. She is usually too busy telling me to pull over.
So I bided my time dealing with the red, making games for myself to play while I stood still. Count to three as many times as I can, find someone wearing orange, and guess what is under the metal disc. Now, though, four years after my life took a dramatic change for the kinesthetic, I have no challenges. Sort of. When I though my problems had ended new ones emerged. Green has become white, red remains the same, and yellow is just indecisive. Also, my mom usually doesn’t clutch my hand anymore. She is usually too busy telling me to pull over.
Nino P VE1 bw
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