Inspiration
Parody in queer culture
Queer culture has a rich history of using parody to critique and satirize the establishment. This practice subverts traditional norms and exposes societal hypocrisies through humor and exaggeration. Here are several ways queer culture employs parody:
1. Drag Performance: Drag artists often parody gender norms and stereotypes. Through exaggerated costumes, makeup, and performances, they highlight the performative nature of gender. Icons like RuPaul have brought drag into the mainstream, using humor and satire to challenge rigid gender roles and societal expectations.
2. Camp Aesthetics: Camp is a style that embraces the exaggerated, theatrical, and humorous aspects of culture. It often involves a playful and ironic take on popular culture, emphasizing artifice and frivolity. Figures like Susan Sontag have described camp as a way of undermining seriousness and revealing the constructed nature of cultural norms. It is often used in interior design.
3. Queer Cinema: Films like John Waters' "Pink Flamingos" or "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" use parody to critique mainstream culture. These films often feature outlandish characters and absurd situations that mock conventional ideas about sexuality, identity, and propriety.
4. Literature and Theatre: Playwrights and authors like Oscar Wilde and Quentin Crisp have used wit and satire to challenge societal norms. Wilde’s plays often feature sharp social commentary hidden beneath layers of humor, while Crisp’s works openly mock the absurdities of conventional society.
5. Pride Parades and Events: Pride events often include floats, costumes, and performances that parody political figures, corporate entities, and societal institutions. These events celebrate queer identity while also serving as a form of political protest.
6. Music and Performance Art: Artists like David Bowie, Madonna, and Lady Gaga have used their music and personas to parody and critique norms related to gender and sexuality. Their flamboyant styles and provocative performances challenge mainstream perceptions and celebrate non-conformity.
7. Satirical Publications and Media: Magazines like "The Onion" or shows like "The Simpsons" and "South Park" often include queer characters and storylines that parody societal attitudes toward LGBTQ+ people. By highlighting absurd prejudices and double standards, these media pieces encourage viewers to question and rethink their beliefs.
8. The Alternative Miss World is a unique and unconventional beauty pageant that has been held in the United Kingdom since 1972. Created by artist and sculptor Andrew Logan, the event is renowned for its celebration of creativity, individuality, and artistic expression, often featuring outlandish costumes, theatrical performances, and a diverse range of contestants. Unlike traditional beauty pageants, the Alternative Miss World emphasizes the imaginative and fantastical, with participants judged on criteria such as originality, personality, and presence rather than conventional standards of beauty.
Through these methods, queer culture not only entertains but also provokes thought and discussion about the limitations and contradictions inherent in societal norms. Parody becomes a powerful tool for social commentary, fostering greater acceptance and understanding.
NYC ballroom culture parodies straight culture through a variety of creative and performative means, leveraging satire, exaggeration, and role reversal to critique and challenge traditional norms. Here are some key ways this parody manifests:
Drag and Gender Performance: Ballroom culture involves drag performances where participants embody and exaggerate traditional gender roles. By taking on hyper-feminine or hyper-masculine personas, performers highlight the performative nature of gender itself, mocking the rigid binaries often upheld in straight culture.
Voguing and Dance: Voguing, a dance style integral to ballroom culture, often mimics and exaggerates the movements associated with fashion models and celebrities. These performances can parody the superficiality and materialism prevalent in mainstream culture, particularly in how society idolizes certain body types and styles.
Categories and Competitions: Ballroom events feature a variety of competition categories that parody different aspects of straight culture, such as "Executive Realness" or "Schoolboy/Girl Realness." In these categories, participants dress and act in ways that mimic the professional and academic personas of straight society, often with a humorous or ironic twist.
House Structure and Kinship: Ballroom culture's house system parodies traditional family structures. Houses serve as chosen families for many LGBTQ+ individuals, offering support and community in contrast to the often exclusionary nature of biological families in straight culture. House leaders, known as "Mothers" and "Fathers," subvert traditional parental roles, emphasizing chosen kinship over biological ties.
Social Commentary and Satire: Through their performances and presentations, ballroom participants often offer social commentary on issues such as race, class, and sexuality. By exaggerating and parodying elements of straight culture, they highlight its absurdities and contradictions, encouraging audiences to question societal norms and values.
Fashion and Aesthetics: The fashion in ballroom culture is often extravagant and avant-garde, contrasting with the conservative and conformist styles often promoted in straight culture. This flamboyant self-expression serves as a critique of the limitations imposed by mainstream fashion and beauty standards.
Language and Slang: Ballroom culture has its own unique lexicon, which often parodies the formal and sometimes exclusionary language used in straight society. Terms like "reading" (playfully insulting someone) and "shade" (subtle insults) showcase wit and intelligence while poking fun at the seriousness with which straight culture can take itself.
Through these and other methods, NYC ballroom culture not only provides a vibrant and expressive outlet for LGBTQ+ individuals but also offers a sharp critique of straight culture, encouraging reflection and change within the broader society.
Milagro
A Mexican milagro, also known as an ex-voto, is a small religious charm or offering, often made of metal, that is used in folk religious practices, particularly within Mexican and Latin American cultures. The term "milagro" means "miracle" in Spanish. These charms are typically used to request a miracle or to give thanks for one that has been granted.
Milagros come in various shapes and sizes, representing different body parts, animals, or objects. Each shape symbolizes a specific request or expression of gratitude. For example:
- A heart may represent a prayer for love or emotional healing.
- An arm or leg might be used to request healing for a limb.
- An eye could symbolize a plea for better vision or the protection of one's eyesight.
Milagros are commonly found in churches, shrines, or home altars where they are placed as offerings. They reflect the syncretic nature of Mexican spirituality, blending indigenous beliefs with Catholic traditions.
2 exhibitions about the politics of textiles in London on at the same time. Weird
https://www.barbican.org.uk/our-story/press-room/unravel-the-power-and-politics-of-textiles-in-art
Curated by design historian Amber Butchart, this exhibition explores printed propaganda textiles over more than two centuries. Discover how fabric designers and manufacturers have responded to political upheaval from the French Revolution through to Brexit.
The mechanisation of textile industries from the mid-18th century led to the development of print techniques that could create more detailed imagery on cloth, quicker than ever before. These increasingly affordable processes ‘democratised’ textile decoration, allowing governments, regimes, and corporations to harness the power of print to communicate, from wartime slogans to revolutionary ideals.
Propaganda is usually associated with public art and monumental sculpture. Through this exhibition, explore how fabrics have been used as a political medium both in the home and on the body, through furnishing and fashion. Find out how textiles were used as a tool of the state across the political spectrum, from communism to fascism. Discover how a fraternal crisis in the monarchy played out on cloth, and how democracies promote national identity through textile design.
On display will be textiles from countries including Britain, America, Italy, Germany and Austria, ranging from French toile de Jouy to Japanese robes from the Asia-Pacific war, and Cultural Revolution-era Chinese fabrics which have rarely before been exhibited in the UK.
https://fashiontextilemuseum.org/exhibitionsdisplays/the-fabric-of-democracy-propaganda-textiles-from-the-french-revolution-to-brexit/
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
In "Breakfast at Tiffany's," Tiffany's holds significant symbolic meaning for the protagonist, Holly Golightly. Here are some key points that illustrate its significance as a safe space for her:
1. Elegance and Stability: Tiffany's represents a world of elegance, wealth, and stability, which contrasts sharply with Holly's chaotic and unpredictable life. The store's timeless quality and refined atmosphere offer her a sense of calm and order.
2. Aspirational Symbol: For Holly, Tiffany's embodies the glamorous and sophisticated lifestyle she aspires to. It serves as a beacon of the upper-class life she dreams of attaining, far removed from her troubled past and the instability of her present.
3. Emotional Sanctuary: Holly often visits Tiffany's when she feels anxious or uncertain. The store provides her with a temporary escape from her problems and a place where she can feel safe and secure. It's a place where she can indulge in her fantasies and momentarily forget her worries.
4. Identity and Belonging: Holly's identification with Tiffany's reflects her search for identity and belonging. She perceives the store as a place where she can redefine herself and leave behind her former self, Lulamae Barnes, and the struggles associated with that identity.
5. Dreams and Reality: The contrast between Holly's visits to Tiffany's and her real-life circumstances highlights the theme of dreams versus reality in the story. Tiffany's is a dreamlike refuge that stands in stark contrast to the gritty and often disappointing reality of her daily life.
In essence, Tiffany's serves as a symbol of hope, aspiration, and a sanctuary for Holly Golightly. It represents the life she yearns for and provides her with a temporary reprieve from the challenges she faces.
An interesting experiment is to think of Holly as a queer boy moving to NYC. The film suddenly makes a lot more sense from this perspective. Truman Capote was a queer man who moved to NYC.
Holly Golightly : You know those days when you get the mean reds?
Paul Varjak : The mean reds? You mean like the blues?
Holly Golightly : No. The blues are because you're getting fat and maybe it's been raining too long, you're just sad that's all. The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you're afraid and you don't know what you're afraid of. Do you ever get that feeling?
Paul Varjak : Sure.
Holly Golightly : Well, when I get it the only thing that does any good is to jump in a cab and go to Tiffany's. Calms me down right away. The quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there. If I could find a real-life place that'd make me feel like Tiffany's, then - then I'd buy some furniture and give the cat a name!
Amelie tin box
In the film "Amélie," the tin (or box) that Amélie Poulain discovers hidden behind a wall in her apartment holds significant symbolic and narrative importance. Here are the key aspects of its significance:
1. Catalyst for Change: The discovery of the tin is a pivotal moment in the film. It inspires Amélie to seek out its owner, Dominique Bretodeau, and return it to him. This act of kindness becomes the catalyst for Amélie's decision to improve the lives of those around her. It marks the beginning of her journey from a shy, introverted young woman to someone who actively engages with and impacts the world.
2. Symbol of Nostalgia and Lost Innocence: The tin contains childhood treasures, representing a time of innocence and simplicity. For Dominique Bretodeau, the box brings back memories of his youth and reminds him of a time when life was less complicated. This nostalgia highlights the film's recurring theme of the passage of time and the enduring impact of childhood experiences.
3. Connection and Rediscovery: Returning the tin to its owner reconnects Bretodeau with his past and sparks a rediscovery of his former self. It also illustrates the broader theme of reconnecting with one's roots and the importance of personal history. This act of returning the box serves as a reminder that small, seemingly insignificant objects can hold deep personal meaning and emotional resonance.
4. Amélie's Transformation: The act of finding and returning the tin is a transformative experience for Amélie. It gives her a sense of purpose and sets her on a path of helping others. This mission helps her break out of her shell and engage with the world, ultimately leading her to find her own happiness.
5. Theme of Small Gestures: The tin represents the power of small gestures and how they can have a profound impact on people's lives. Amélie's decision to return the tin is a small but significant act of kindness that changes Bretodeau's life. This theme is central to the film, as Amélie continues to perform small acts of kindness throughout the story, each making a meaningful difference.
In summary, the tin in "Amélie" is significant as it serves as the catalyst for the protagonist's journey, symbolizes nostalgia and personal history, facilitates reconnection and rediscovery, and underscores the film's theme of the power of small gestures to create positive change.
I have always collected small things in boxes.
Knives Out Go scene
In the film "Knives Out," the game of Go holds particular significance in relation to the theme of territory, mirroring the central conflict over the inheritance and control of the Thrombey family's assets. Here's a detailed analysis:
1. Territory Control in Go: In Go, players aim to control the largest territory on the board by strategically placing their stones. This aspect of the game parallels the struggle among the Thrombey family members to gain control over Harlan Thrombey's fortune and estate. Each character's actions can be seen as moves in a strategic game, vying for territory and dominance.
2. Inheritance Battle: The central plot revolves around the inheritance of Harlan Thrombey's wealth. Just as players in Go seek to expand and secure their territory, the family members engage in a battle to claim their share of Harlan's assets. The metaphor of territorial control underscores the characters' greed, ambition, and the lengths they will go to secure their piece of the inheritance.
3. Strategic Positioning: Go requires players to think several moves ahead, anticipating their opponent's actions and positioning themselves advantageously. Similarly, the characters in "Knives Out" maneuver through lies, deceit, and manipulation to position themselves favorably in the eyes of the family and legal system. The game of Go symbolizes the calculated strategies employed by the characters to achieve their goals.
4. Marta's Position: Marta, Harlan's nurse, finds herself unexpectedly inheriting the estate, shifting the balance of power. Her position can be likened to a surprising yet strategic move in Go that changes the game's dynamics. This shift in "territory" causes upheaval among the Thrombey family, who feel their rightful claims are being encroached upon.
5. Territorial Boundaries and Protection: In Go, players must defend their territory from being invaded by their opponent. This aspect is reflected in the film as characters attempt to protect their perceived entitlements and legacies. The tension between protecting one's own territory and trying to invade others' is central to both the game and the film's narrative.
Overall, the game of Go serves as a powerful metaphor for the territorial struggles, strategic maneuvering, and the complex interplay of power and control within the Thrombey family in "Knives Out." The theme of territory in Go enhances the film's exploration of inheritance, greed, and the lengths to which individuals will go to secure their desired outcomes.
In the film "Knives Out," Marta Cabrera has a notable line regarding the game of Go that reflects her approach and philosophy. The quote is:
"I'm not trying to beat you. I'm trying to build a beautiful pattern."
This line is significant because it contrasts Marta's approach with the more competitive, cutthroat mentality of the other characters. While the Thrombey family members are focused on winning, securing the inheritance, and gaining control (analogous to conquering territory in Go), Marta's perspective is about creating something meaningful and harmonious. This reflects her genuine and compassionate nature, setting her apart from the rest of the family. The quote encapsulates her integrity and the idea that there is value in the process and intention behind actions, not just in the end result.
I love this film so much I bought the mug.
Platonic solids
Platonic solids are a special category of polyhedra that are highly symmetrical, convex, and have identical faces composed of congruent regular polygons. Named after the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, who associated them with the classical elements (earth, water, air, fire, and aether), these solids have fascinated mathematicians, scientists, and philosophers for centuries. There are exactly five Platonic solids:
1. Tetrahedron:
- Faces: 4
- Shape of each face: Equilateral triangle
- Vertices: 4
- Edges: 6
- Associated element (according to Plato): Fire
2. Cube (or Hexahedron):
- Faces: 6
- Shape of each face: Square
- Vertices: 8
- Edges: 12
- Associated element: Earth
3. Octahedron:
- Faces: 8
- Shape of each face: Equilateral triangle
- Vertices: 6
- Edges: 12
- Associated element: Air
4. Dodecahedron:
- Faces: 12
- Shape of each face: Regular pentagon
- Vertices: 20
- Edges: 30
- Associated element: Aether (or sometimes the universe)
5. Icosahedron:
- Faces: 20
- Shape of each face: Equilateral triangle
- Vertices: 12
- Edges: 30
- Associated element: Water
The key characteristics of Platonic solids are:
- Face Regularity: All faces are identical regular polygons.
- Vertex Uniformity: The same number of faces meet at each vertex.
- Edge Uniformity: All edges are of the same length.
These properties make Platonic solids unique and significant in various fields such as geometry, crystallography, and art.
Cymatics
Cymatics is the study of visible sound and vibration, a term derived from the Greek word "kyma," meaning wave. It is a fascinating field that explores how sound waves interact with physical mediums to create patterns and structures. The field of Cymatics was popularized by Swiss scientist Hans Jenny in the 1960s, although the phenomena it studies have been observed and explored since ancient times.
Here are key aspects of Cymatics:
1. Visualizing Sound: Cymatics involves visualizing sound vibrations by placing a material like sand, water, or other fine particles on a vibrating surface (such as a metal plate or a membrane). When sound waves pass through the surface, they cause the material to move and form intricate patterns that correspond to the frequencies and harmonics of the sound.
2. Chladni Patterns: Named after Ernst Chladni, an early pioneer in the study of acoustics, these patterns are formed by placing sand on a metal plate and then vibrating it with a violin bow or another instrument. The sand moves to the areas of least vibration (nodes) and forms geometric patterns.
3. Water Cymatics: By using a shallow dish of water and subjecting it to sound waves, researchers can observe complex wave patterns on the water's surface. These patterns change with different frequencies and amplitudes.
4. Applications and Significance:
- Scientific Research: Cymatics helps scientists study the effects of sound waves on matter and has applications in fields like acoustics, materials science, and fluid dynamics.
- Art and Music: Artists and musicians use Cymatics to create visually stunning representations of sound, merging the auditory and visual experiences.
- Healing and Therapy: Some practitioners believe that Cymatics can be used for sound healing therapies, as the patterns and vibrations might influence biological systems and promote well-being.
5. Educational Tool: Cymatics provides a visual and intuitive way to understand sound wave properties, making it a valuable educational tool for teaching principles of physics and acoustics.
Overall, Cymatics reveals the hidden beauty and complexity of sound, showing how vibrations can shape and influence the physical world in remarkable ways.
Cut glass
Installation of The Dauphin's Treasure
I saw this exhibition in Madrid when I went to be filmed for my Domestika course. it was exquisite.
1920s, Kay Nielsen
The 1920s was a significant decade for maximalist art, marked by a variety of movements that embraced bold, elaborate, and often opulent styles. Here are some key points highlighting the significance of the 1920s in the context of maximalist art:
1. Art Deco Movement: One of the most prominent maximalist styles of the 1920s was Art Deco. Characterized by rich colors, bold geometric shapes, and lavish ornamentation, Art Deco was a reaction against the austerity of World War I. It embodied luxury, glamour, and exuberance, reflecting the economic prosperity and technological advancements of the decade.
2. Surrealism: Surrealism emerged in the 1920s, led by artists like Salvador Dalí and René Magritte. This movement was maximalist in its imaginative and dreamlike qualities, often featuring intricate, detailed compositions that defied logic and reality. Surrealism aimed to unleash the unconscious mind, resulting in fantastical and elaborate artworks.
3. The Jazz Age and Cultural Explosion: The 1920s, often referred to as the Jazz Age, saw a cultural explosion that influenced all forms of art. Jazz music, with its complex rhythms and improvisational style, paralleled the maximalist tendencies in visual arts. The era's vibrant nightlife, fashion, and entertainment scenes also contributed to a more opulent and expressive artistic culture.
4. Influence of Modernism: Modernist movements, including Futurism and Constructivism, continued to evolve during the 1920s. These movements, while varied in their approaches, often embraced complexity, dynamic forms, and a break from traditional artistic norms, aligning with the maximalist ethos of innovation and expression.
5. Technological Advancements: The 1920s was a period of significant technological advancements, including the widespread use of electricity, the advent of radio and cinema, and innovations in transportation. These advancements influenced artists to experiment with new materials, techniques, and mediums, leading to more elaborate and multifaceted artworks.
6. Political and Social Context: The post-World War I era was marked by a desire for change and progress. The Roaring Twenties was a time of social liberation, economic growth, and a break from past conventions. This societal shift was mirrored in the art world, where maximalist art thrived as a form of rebellion against the minimalism and restraint of previous eras.
7. International Expositions: The 1920s saw numerous international expositions, such as the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris, which showcased the latest in art, design, and technology. These events promoted the maximalist aesthetic and facilitated the exchange of ideas across different cultures and artistic disciplines.
In summary, the 1920s was a pivotal decade for maximalist art, characterized by movements and styles that celebrated complexity, opulence, and innovation. The cultural, technological, and social dynamics of the era provided fertile ground for the flourishing of maximalist tendencies in art and design.
Barbarella
"Barbarella," directed by Roger Vadim and released in 1968, has had a lasting impact on popular culture, fashion, and the science fiction genre. Here are some key points highlighting its influence:
1. Cult Classic Status: Although not a major box office success initially, "Barbarella" has since achieved cult classic status. Its unique blend of campy humor, sexual liberation themes, and psychedelic visuals have garnered a dedicated fan base over the years.
2. Fashion and Style: The film's costumes, designed by Paco Rabanne, became iconic. The futuristic and avant-garde designs influenced fashion in the late 1960s and beyond, inspiring designers and pop culture representations of futuristic fashion.
3. Female Empowerment and Sexual Liberation: "Barbarella" was notable for its portrayal of a strong, sexually liberated female protagonist, played by Jane Fonda. The film reflected and contributed to the changing attitudes toward sexuality and women's roles during the 1960s sexual revolution.
4. Visual and Special Effects: The film's imaginative set designs, special effects, and visual style were ahead of their time and influenced later science fiction films. Its use of vibrant colors, surreal landscapes, and creative visual storytelling set a precedent for the genre.
5. Pop Culture References: "Barbarella" has been referenced and parodied in numerous other works of pop culture, including television shows, music videos, and other films. It has become a touchstone for the depiction of space-age and camp aesthetics.
6. Comic Book Adaptations: The film was based on a French comic book series by Jean-Claude Forest, and its success helped to bring more attention to the medium. It also paved the way for other comic book adaptations in film.
7. Influence on Music and Art: The film's influence extended into music and art, with various musicians and artists drawing inspiration from its themes and visuals. Notably, the band Duran Duran took their name from a character in the film, Dr. Durand Durand.
Overall, "Barbarella" had a multifaceted impact, shaping aspects of fashion, film, and cultural attitudes towards gender and sexuality, while leaving a lasting legacy in the realm of science fiction and popular culture.
Glitter
Glitter has a fascinating and varied history that spans from ancient times to the modern day.
Ancient Beginnings
The use of reflective materials can be traced back to the Upper Paleolithic period (around 40,000 BCE), where mica flakes were used in cave paintings to create a glowing effect. Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Chinese, Greeks, and Romans also utilized natural materials like crushed beetles and stones to achieve shimmering effects in art and cosmetics
https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/brief-history-glitter-where-it-originated-1643341
https://guiaprime.com/the-incredible-history-of-glitter-from-ancient-egypt-to-today
Renaissance and Baroque Eras
During the Renaissance and Baroque periods in Europe, glitter became a symbol of wealth and luxury. Artisans mixed ground glass and metal flakes with adhesives to decorate clothing, accessories, and religious art, creating dazzling effects that captivated audiences.
https://guiaprime.com/the-incredible-history-of-glitter-from-ancient-egypt-to-today
Industrial Revolution
The industrial revolution saw the mass production of glitter, making it more accessible to the general public. It was used to embellish textiles, household items, and festive decorations, transitioning from a luxury item to a widely available decoration
https://guiaprime.com/the-incredible-history-of-glitter-from-ancient-egypt-to-today
Modern Glitter
The modern version of glitter was invented in 1934 by Henry Ruschmann, an American machinist. He developed a process to cut scrap plastics into small, reflective particles, thus creating the first commercially available plastic glitter. This innovation came about during World War II, when German glass glitter was unavailable.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glitter
https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/brief-history-glitter-where-it-originated-1643341
Popular Culture and Environmental Impact
Glitter gained prominence in the glam rock era of the 1970s with artists like David Bowie using it to create flamboyant, gender-blurring looks. Today, it is ubiquitous in fashion, cosmetics, and arts and crafts. However, concerns about its environmental impact have led to the development of biodegradable alternatives made from plant-based materials like cellulose and eucalyptus.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glitter
https://guiaprime.com/the-incredible-history-of-glitter-from-ancient-egypt-to-today
For more detailed exploration, you can refer to the full articles from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glitter
https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/brief-history-glitter-where-it-originated-1643341)
https://guiaprime.com/the-incredible-history-of-glitter-from-ancient-egypt-to-today
https://www.vice.com/en/article/3dxmp3/the-history-of-glitter