Thursday, October 19, 2006

Cultural history

Even though this week is supposed to be my fall break from school, I spent the biggest part of the past few days working on an assignment for my cultural history class. It was pretty cool: we had to choose 4 artists from different art forms, and describe their work from the following points of view:
- the artist and religion
- the artist and political and economical power
- the artist and science and technical developments
- the artist and entertainment
- the artist and different cultures
- the artist and aesthetics

The teacher told us he preferred us to write about controversial people. That's why I chose Michael Moore for film, Madonna for music and Mel Gibson for drama. Less controversial, but interesting nonetheless was Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for architecture.We had to quote at least four different sources per artist, which was pretty easy because once you get started there's lots to find.
So if you were wondering where I've been the past few days... I've watched Bowling for Columbine, Fahrenheit 9/11 (both Michael Moore) and I'm going to tell you a secret (about Madonna). I also read numerous books and internet articles. I thought it was really interesting to see the Michael Moore movies (which doesn't automatically mean that I agree with everything he says!) and to read the different articles written on him (which there are quite a few of, from lots of different points of view!). I also read lots of stuff on Madonna, who isn't any less controversial.
In case you're worried I won't get any relaxation: don't. We're heading off for three days in Copenhagen, Denmark tomorrow. So I'll definitely have my vacation!

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ohhhh ik moet je nog emailen! Heb nog wat leuke tips. Ga ik nu gelijk doen!

Anonymous said...

Controversy is interesting at all times! But first, enjoy your stay in beautiful Copenhagen!!

Anonymous said...

Veel plezier in Kopenhagen! Ik ben Denemarken fan! (Ik ga er over een maand weer een weekje heen).
Goede reis!

Anonymous said...

Leuk, Kopenhagen! Ik vond het een hele leuke stad. Veel plezier!

Dutchnic said...

@all: thank you!

Anonymous said...

Wow... That's something else to do... Very good... Enjoy the holliday in Denmark... :D

Anonymous said...

hmmz en euhh wat is het geheimpje van Madonna dan?? ;-))

en bowling voor colombine das een geweldige goede film het laat je heel heel anders naar de amerikanen kijken dus good choice....

fijne dag!

Anonymous said...

je bent druk bezig geweest zeg,hoop dat je de rest van je vakantie lekker geniet.ikzelf ben een nieuwe log begonnen door omstandigheden en zou t leuk vinden als je me daar blijft bezoeken
groetjes natasja

Anonymous said...

And don't forget helping me with my wedding-shopping thing :-))

En eigenlijk ben ik het vrijwel helemaal eens met Michael, wat betreft zijn Columbine 'docu'. Maar dat wisten we al, levert altijd weer interessant gespreksmateriaal op, toch?

Anonymous said...

Dit lijkt mij ook wel een leuke opdracht, daar had ik me ook wel mee vermaakt! Ik heb ook beide films van michel moore gezien en ik heb een boek van hem gelezen. Zeer interesant.
De architect die jij noemde kende ik niet, maar de rest wel...Mel heeft goede films gemaakt!