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Actor response paper. To my surprise, Guys and Dolls is awesome
Actor response paper
To my surprise, Guys and Dolls is awesome! It’s different from much show when I watched before; it included musical scene, so this show Give me too much visual shock, Information from the Internet, I know the background of the show is in the 1920 s and 1920 s, in the underground world of New York.The show and see the show I ever am different, because there are so many actors perform in it, more than 20 outstanding performers. But what impressed me the most profound three actors, they are Sarah Brown, Miss Adelaide and Miss Adelaide’s boyfriend Nathan Detroit. Not just because of their acting skills, everyone deeply attracted me.
I like Miss Adelaide most, so, at here I want to talk about her. She is a very lovely girl, she has a boyfriend name is Nathan, I think she loved her boyfriend, and she is very hoping to marry Nathan, but Nathan likes gambling, and Nathan the desire for freedom. Although Nathan also deeply in love with Miss Adelaide, but, unfortunately, Nathan wants to remain single.
First of all, let me the most impressive is the Miss Adelaide like sneezing. I remember whenever she sneezes; his audience will laugh, because it is funny. Miss Adelaide sneezing show quite real and her sneeze and Nathan is alone for the first time, then Miss Adelaide told Nathan: “I told my mom I had you baby!” And than all of a sudden, Miss Adelaide hit a sneeze, this is funny, and perform quite real, at that time I thought Miss Adelaide caught a cold. But later I know it is needed to plot.Miss Adelaide performers payment Smith in this episode behaved quite anxious, because she is very wanting Nathan to marry her, so Miss Adelaide made up some lies to cheat her mother said they were married and have children. And according to the common sense says, this episode should show Miss Adelaide is very poor, she in order to get his beloved man at the expense of everything, but in the process of performance, Miss a sneeze of Adelaide instantly make the atmosphere became funnier, it makes me very admire payment Smith acting! In the show, I noticed that Miss Adelaide have three or four sneezing, and sudden, so I observed that every time her sneeze was very natural, I think it is a professional actor should have performance ability and acting talent.
In this show, there’s a place attracts me very much, that’s Hot Box, this looks like dance halls, every gentleman to enjoy all kinds of dance. When I see Miss Adelaide is Hot Box’s lead singer, I was very surprised, but I have to admit, payment Smith’s song is very beautiful! And, here, I would say that payment Smith, let me very shocked, because when she was singing, there are much dancing girls. They are tall, and every actor’s dance is very perfect. I thought Miss Adelaide is just a supporting role, but her performance won the applause of the audience. Although other dancers are very tall, Miss Adelaide looks not like a girl who can dance and sing, but payment Smith with her unique acting and funny dance, with the perfect song let herself in these dancers stand out! This is let me very shocked; I could not help again admire payment Smith’s performance!
And, I also noticed that, in Hot Box, Miss Adelaide smile in the face of the audience, each time with her best song and dance to let people happy dance halls, cheer for her. But when every time after the end, I can see Miss Adelaide grief. Because she boyfriend Nathan for gambling and freedom do not want to marry her, but in order to work, Miss Adelaide every time in the Hot Box is acted as if very happy. I noticed these details, I see Miss Adelaide expression from happy to sad, I cannot imagine a beautiful angel dance in real life is so sad and helpless, even cannot get their beloved man. Miss Adelaide every expression transformation is so real, like really! Payment will Miss Smith Adelaide this role, perfect deduce out from sad to happy, from happy to sad again. The expression of two completely different conversion very quickly, when I watch here I think I have loved payment Smith, her acting conquered me!
Everyone knows that two people who love each other will eventually together, so, when watching the show. My heart always wanted to Miss Adelaide and Nathan Detroit can together. At last, and sure enough Nathan Detroit and his colleagues are no longer gambling; everyone looks better than before. In fact, I know Miss Adelaide and Nathan Detroit love each other, so, in the end, I saw Miss Adelaide and Nathan Detroit in a wedding gown came to so the front of the audience. Miss Adelaide with a beautiful smile on her face, her lovely body to her wedding dress is like a happy angel. Miss finally realized his dream of Adelaide, got his beloved man. Payment will Miss Smith, the role of Adelaide every scene of moving, this is the most perfect ending.
The music dance drama makes me feel too much, I like the Guys and Dolls this unique music dance drama, this is one of my favorite show at Indiana university! At the same time Miss Adelaide this role also gives me so much joy and memories.
Activity Based Costing (ABC)
Activity Based Costing (ABC).
Introduction
Accounting has always been a fundamental part of any business. It seeks to determine the profitability of a business by ensuring that all entries are posted at the right place so as to give a clear idea or picture of the position of the company. Needless to say, there exist various modes of accounting and assigning costs and expenses. These modes have continued evolving, with some accounting methods being relegated to the periphery and some new modes coming up as a reflection of the growth that the field has been experiencing. Nevertheless, one of the most popular methods of accounting is Activity Based Costing (ABC).
ABC refers to a methodology of costing that is mainly used to directly mark overhead costs to costs, thereby assisting managers in making the appropriate decisions pertaining to the product mix, as well as competitive strategies to use. The methodology can drastically alter the way in which managers price their products, determine their product line’s mix, evaluate new technology or identify sourcing components’ location (Narasimhan & Thampy, 2002, pp. 99). The use of this technique has been rising steadily as far as enhancing the accuracy of information pertaining to product cost is concerned (Drury, 2006, pp. 362). Traditional costing methods are known to allocate overhead costs in an arbitrary manner, often on the basis of direct labor hours (Yin, 2009, pp. 48). It is worth noting, however, that direct labor hours are not usually an adequate representation of the percentage indirect resources that certain cost objects may have consumed within a certain period. This, therefore, breeds distortion of product cost. Nevertheless, ABC technique solves this problem by examining the manufacturing system as being made up of activities. The technique allocates the activities’ costs to the cost objects via utilization of cost drivers that embody the use of indirect resources through cost objects, in a more accurate manner that the arbitrary methods used by traditional costing methods.
This system allocates costs to activities on the basis of their utilization of those resources and allocates costs to objects on the basis of their utilization of the activities (Viavio, 2008, pp. 67). The technique has been depicted as a full-absorption method of costing that has gained more use than conventional methods, thanks to its incredible tracing of costs, as well as an accurate assessment of costs (Viavio, 2008, pp. 67). It allows organizations to follow costs that are associated with activities carried out to deliver services or produce products. It is not merely a new set of techniques or rules for allocating overheads to value inventory rather it underlines a way of looking at operating costs, and offers techniques to divide the underlying activities that result in the existence of the costs (Turney, 1996, pp. 33).
This technique of accounting has varied benefits. First, the technique allows for scientific and equitable pricing of products that utilize less activity resources, as well as increase the cost of products that use more of the activity resources of a firm (Popesko, 2010, pp 13). In addition, it assists organizations to offer top-ups or value-added services to the existing products based on the actual costs incurred. Third, the technique is known to get rid of unprofitable items from the line of production, in which case it increases the profitability of an organization without increasing the prices (Drury, 2006, pp. 362). This comes as a valuable option especially during times of recession. On the same note, it allows for the elimination of the cost of running or maintaining non-remunerative activities, something that increases the overall profitability of the organization (Cowton et al, 2008). This technique also allows for the allocation of resources to items that utilize fewer resources or profitable items. In addition, it safeguards compatibility with scorecards of performance management through revealing the contribution of every person to the cost of the products, and, therefore, the profits accruing to every person (Partanen, 2000, pp 134). The technique has been cited as effective in exposing inefficiency and waste thereby productivity. In addition, it allows for the identification, as well as the elimination of non-value adding activities such as duplicate processes and needless inspections.
According to Stratton et al (2009, pp. 31), the technique, however, has been giving significantly less than the desired yields. ABC technique has been abandoned by most companies, which cite the fact that it does not capture the intricacy of their operations (Partanen, 2000, pp 134). In addition, it takes significantly long to implement and is costly to build, as well as maintain (Kulmala, 2002, pp 37). On the same note, other companies have criticized it as impractical as it mainly involved the definition of activities and attempting to make a subjective judgment on the amount of overhead that has been used (Dandago, 2003, pp. 53). This had to be carried out on a regular basis, in which case companies relegated it to the periphery and adopted other techniques. This led to the drop of the technique to the 22nd position from 11th position in a period of seven years (Stratton et al, 2009. Pp. 31).
In spite of the negative reports pertaining to the utility of ABC, there are numerous case studies and reports of companies and organizations that incorporate ABC techniques and even reported satisfaction. These include DB Schenker AB (Austria), AstraZeneca AB (London) NCC Construction AB (Nordic Region), and Indian companies.
DB Schenker
DB Schenker is a leading passengers and Logistics organization based in Vienna Austria. It offers its customers with solutions for logistic services in air, rail and road transport, as well as storage and consulting services ( HYPERLINK “http://www.schenker.at/english/company/history.html” http://www.schenker.at/english/company/history.html). In a 2007 interview with its chief accountant named Jan Saarsoo, it was revealed that the working method of the company mainly revolves around delivering items from one point to another, operations that would not be considered complex. Schenker mainly involves direct costs, which make up the largest part of the company’s total cost as the company rents equipment that is used in carrying out the duties from lumpers. The company makes use of standard cost so as to estimate the amount of expenses that should be incurred in carrying out a certain service (Majid & Sulaiman 2008, pp. 47). Mr. Saarso states that the company’s expenditure mainly results from resource consumption. As much as the traditional methods of cost allocation were serving the company in a satisfactory manner, they were unreliable in decision making decisions. The company applied ABC in the form of a project so as to evaluate the amount of expenses that went in carrying out a certain order. This was done in 2006 as a project rather than a full implementation of the model. The company observed that the model was effective in the provision of information pertaining to the consumption of resources, as well as the expenses that go to the production of an output. In addition, the ABC model has come in handy as a communication tool where the company communicates with employees in clarifying the amount of any service activity would cost to carry out. The company also noted that the ABC model was an effective tool for communicating when negotiating with customers as it gives a clear view of the amount of material, money and time consumed by an activity. On the same note, the company realized that it had been carrying out some activities for free, whereas it was paying for the same activities (Majid & Sulaiman 2008, pp. 47). However, the model presented a number of challenges for the company. For example, the company could not update the model, thanks to its resource and time commitment, as well as its complexity. The company considered the numerical data as challenging to align in the appropriate manner.
AstraZeneca AB (Sweden)
AstraZeneca Company was established through the amalgamation of two large companies that dealt with pharmaceuticals, which were British Zeneca Group and Swedish Astra. The two companies are known for their developments and innovations in the pharmaceutical industry, as well as their science-based cultures and vision ( HYPERLINK “http://www.astrazeneca.com/About-Us” http://www.astrazeneca.com/About-Us). The company produces different products extending from syringe to pastille, the manufacture of which demands machines of varied types. It is worth noting that there are variations in the products of the company from one country to another, which makes the process complex. According to Eva Markstrom, the company’s process manager, direct costs make up the largest percentage or component of the total cost of the company and are only incorporated in the process of manufacture. Other costs considered direct include marketing and energy (Cowton et al, 2008, pp. 27). The company sets the products’ prices in line with the manufacturing costs, thereby making it independent of the prices in the market. ABC makes up the key cost system in Astra Zeneca. The production of a single process involves about 9-10 activities. The fundamental reason for using the ABC model is that it allows every product to bear its own expenses. In essence, the model is mainly used in making decisions pertaining to products including product outsourcing and setting prices of products. In some instances, for example, it is less costly to purchase components of a certain product than to manufacture it, in which case the model supports these decisions thereby assisting the top management in making these decisions (Cowton et al, 2008, pp. 27). Apart from product related decisions, ABC is used in the making of strategic decisions since it offers the management with all-inclusive reports pertaining to the cost of manufacturing medicine of certain types. The company, however, does not use this model to make customer-related decisions such as customer segmentation. Nevertheless, the company uses the model in inventory valuation and comparison of prices between the years.
However, Eva notes that the model is challenging especially considering that it takes a considerable amount of time, and it must be controlled. In some cases, the data must be entered manually in cases where the right data is not obtained. Eva also rues the complexity of calculating the cost of products from the raw materials to finished products, which may take a long time. Nevertheless, the company does not see the model as expensive to maintain.
NCC Construction AB (China)
NCC Construction has distinguished itself as a leading company in property development and construction in the Asia , with emphasis on China. It is mainly involved in the building of commercial and residential properties, public buildings, industrial facilities, civil engineering structures, roads and other categories of infrastructure (Lana & Fei 2007, pp 249). Its operations are considered complex as concerning the volume, number of articles and technical equipment. Different materials are used for different projects, with the company renting certain machines depending on the project. Renting the machines is considered indirect cost, while direct cost is made up of material cost, which makes up about 70%-80% of the entire cost depending on the manner in which the company undertakes the project (Lana & Fei 2007, pp 249). The company has been using ABC system for more than two decades. According to its IT-operator, the model satisfies the company’s need for the accurateness in the process of calculating costs via assigning costs of activities to the cost objects. This helps the company to set its prices appropriately, as well as budget and plan well. However, the company does not depend on ABC entirely for budgeting as there may be changes in the working process. The model is also used in the making of strategic decision as it allows for the estimation of the amount to be charged for every project. This calculation forms the project’s foundation irrespective of any changes in the magnitude of the project. The awareness of the cost and the amount to be spent on a certain project gives the company competitive advantage in the construction industry (Lana & Fei 2007, pp 249). As much as the company finds the model as time consuming, requiring regular maintenance, as well as resources, it does not face problems in maintaining it as the model has been integrated in the data system of the company for a long time.
Indian companies
In a study carried out in 2011 on Indian companies, it was revealed that there existed a high inclination towards implementing ABC model among the respondents. This was especially for companies in the trading and manufacturing organizations. The companies undertook behavioral classification of their costs by categorizing them into variable and fixed costs, with marginal recognition or acknowledgement of semi-variable costs. All the companies had clearly defined direct and indirect costs with overheads being allocated on the basis of predetermined rates. The shift to activity-based costing from the volume based costing was triggered by the over or under allocation of costs (Sharma, & Gupta, 2012, pp. 61). The researchers, in this study, underline the need for a cost management system that would give the true cost of services and products. In addition, the researchers noted that conventional costing methods and ABC models were inefficient in locating constraints, in the manufacturing process that may reduce the throughput. Both systems incorporated inherent limitations that may lead to systemic problems in decision-making pertaining to throughput. As much as ABC comes with a number of constraints, the researchers noted that it assists companies to price their products appropriately. It comes in handy in providing information pertaining to product profitability, thereby enhancing sound decision-making by top management (Sharma, & Gupta, 2012, pp. 61). On the same note, it assists enterprises to enhance their efficiency, as well as reduce costs without compromising on the value for consumers.
In conclusion, ABC has been extremely popular as a method of costing in many companies. However, its popularity has been reducing thanks to some limitations especially pertaining to complexity, time consumption, and the need for regular maintenance (Karolefski, 2004, pp 18). However, as the research on companies from different companies shows, it is still extremely relevant in making decisions among the top management, especially thanks to its provision of product profitability and customer profitability (Rajaramn, 2000, pp. 575). In addition, the technique allows for scientific and equitable pricing of products that utilize less activity resources, as well as increase the cost of products that use more of the activity resources of a firm. In addition, it assists organizations to offer top-ups or value-added services to the existing products based on the actual costs incurred (Geri & Ronen, 2005, pp. 139). Moreover, the technique is known to get rid of unprofitable items from the line of production, in which case it increases the profitability of an organization without increasing the prices (Thyssen, 2005, pp 252). This comes as a valuable option especially during times of recession. On the same note, it allows for the elimination of the cost of running or maintaining non-remunerative activities, something that increases the overall profitability of the organization (Ozbayrak et al, 2004, 57).
References
Sharma, G.L 7 P.K. Gupta, P.K, 2012, Activity Based Costing : Strategic Implications for Indian Companies. LBS Journal of Management & Research, pp 58-63
DB Schenker AB webpage, 20th December 2012 from HYPERLINK “http://www.schenker.at/english/company/history.html” http://www.schenker.at/english/company/history.html
AstraZeneca AB webpage, 20th December 2012 from HYPERLINK “http://www.astrazeneca.com/About-Us” http://www.astrazeneca.com/About-Us
Yin, R. K. (2009). Case study research: Design and methods (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, pp. 47- 57
Viavio, J. 2008. Qualitative Management Accounting Research: Rationale, Pitfalls and Potential. Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management, 5 (1), pp. 64-86.
Thyssen, Jesper, Israelsen, Poul & Jørgensen, Brian, 2005.”Activity-based costing as a method for assessing the economics of modularization – A case study and beyond”, Elsevier, pp.252.
Turney, P. (1996): “Activity-based costing the performance breakthrough”, CLA, London. Pp.33
Stratton, W. O., D. Desroches, R. A. Lawson and T. Hatch. (2009). “Activity-based costing: Is it still relevant?” Management Accounting Quarterly, Vol.10, No. 3, pp.31-40.
Popesko, B. (2010), Utilization of Activity-Based Costing System in Manufacturing Industries – Methodology, Benefits and Limitations. International Review of Business Research Papers, Vol.6, No.1, pp. 1-17.
Partanen, V.; Järvenpää, M. & Tuomela, T. (2000): “Wisapaper: the role of management accounting in managing customer relationships”, in Cases in Management Accounting. Current practices in European companies, Prentice Hall, London 126-146.
Karolefski, J, 2004. “Time Is Money: How Much Are Your Customers Costing You?” Food Logistics, 15 June, pp.18.
Majid, J.A. & M. Sulaiman (2008), Implementation of activity-based costing in Malaysia: A case study of two companies, Asian Review of Accounting ,vol. 16(1): p. 39-55.
Lana, Y.J.L. & P. Fei (2007), The implementation of activity-based costing in China: an innovation action research approach, The British Accounting Review, vol.39 (3): p. 249.
Dandago, K, I, (2003), Advanced Accountancy: Theory and Practice, Adonis&Abbey Publishng Limited, London. 45- 67
M. Ozbayrak, M.Akgtin, and A.K. Ttirker(2004), “Activity-based Cost Estimation in a Push/Pull Advanced Manufacturing System,” International Journal of Production Economics, Vol. 87, pp. 49-65.
Geri, N., and Ronen, B. (2005). “Relevance lost: The Rise and Fall of Activity-based Costing”. Human Systems Management, 24(2), 133-144.
Rajaramn N. (2000), “Activity Based Costing & Its Implementation Aspects”, The Management Accountant, ICWAI, Calcutta, July:575-581.
Narasimhan, M. S. & Thampy, A. (2002), “Activity Based Costing in Banking Service: A Case Study of a Large Indian Private Sector Bank”, Prajnan, 31(2):95-110.
Kulmala, H.I., Paranko. J., Uusi-Rauva. E, (2002),The role of cost management in network relationships, Int. J. Production Economics 79 (1), pp.33-43
Drury, C., 2006, Cost and Management Accounting, 6th edition, Thomson Learning, London. pp. 362-363.
Cowton, C. J., Brierley, J, A. and Drury, C, 2008, Investigating activity-based costing in manufacturing industry. Cyprus International Journal of Management, 13 (1). pp. 21-33.
Activism in Visual and Media Culture
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Activism in Visual and Media Culture
Question1:
It can not be disputed that globalization trends have in most instances alienated aboriginal societies by undermining their ability to participate actively in social activities. This can be attributed to the inherent technological developments and disregard of various cultural aspects that are native to such populations. Seemingly, aboriginal visual culture has played a critical role in making aboriginal people a presence and not an absence. This has been attained through appreciation of the historical roles that they played in shaping the current future. From Belmore’s point of view, taking visual performances in aboriginal lands is instrumental in acknowledging their presence (Belmore 171). In particular, this arouses the dead spirits that are often remembered and mourned by the native societies. Notably, this is an active involvement of modern communities in the cultural lives of the aboriginals. Also, staging such performances in aboriginal lands allows for the participation of the locals in such activities. In the long run, their presence in the society is not only felt but also acknowledged by specialists in aboriginal culture.
Further, incorporating aboriginal culture in current documentation forms such as written forms, photography, use of compact discs, painting and sculpting gives the modern societies a chance to not only appreciate the role that traditional societies played in shaping the current way of life but also triggers the responsibility to incorporate them in their day to day activities. Thomas in this regard appreciates the role of photography in understanding the way of life of the aboriginal societies (Thomas 1). According to him, photographs of aboriginal societies that were taken in the past can be stored for future reference. This certainly maintains the presence of aboriginal societies. This is particularly attained when the respective photographs are employed in modern day graphics.
At this point therefore, aboriginal visual arts can be commended for giving the aboriginal societies an opportunity to participate in the presence rather than in the past. Of great reference however has been the role of mass media storing important historical information and presenting the same to the public through reviews. In order to have a greater impact and ensure that quality is upheld, this is usually done in collaboration with artists that specialize in aboriginal culture (Candice 135). In the long run, the entire public is informed about the various cultural aspects of aboriginal societies. More often than not, they tend to purchase the visual arts and store them for future reference. Ultimately, aboriginal persons are constantly remembered by modern societies and incorporated in important social and political processes such as governance and policy formulation and implementation.
Through the development and maintenance of cultural museums, galleries and reserves, the visual arts have played an integral role in maintaining the presence of aboriginal societies in the current lives. In order to attain the highest degree of quality, visual artists work in collaboration with native societies. The collaboration gives them a chance to appreciate critical factors such the value systems of the aboriginal societies. These mutual relationships enable each of them to benefit immensely from each other. Further, development of films about different aspects of lives of the aboriginal cultures exposes them to modern technology and gives them a chance to participate actively in social activities and art (Thomas 2). Perhaps the most important way through which the presence of aboriginal societies has been enhanced by aboriginal visual culture is the incorporation of this discipline in the education system. This has played a leading role in not only enhancing awareness about these persons but has enhanced frequent interaction with these persons by students taking the respective course.
Question 2:
The appropriation of art can be commended for being influential in political, social and economic decision making in the past. President Reagan’s reign during the 1980s was characterized by a hostile conservative climate that shunned the activities of civil right groups, feminism and homosexual activities. This was also coupled with the worsening of the spread of AIDS. The government that was responsible for addressing these concerns underestimated the seriousness of this situation and implicated homosexuality for the spread of the epidemic. This triggered the emergence of a new form of political art that was defined by the ACT UP of 1987. The main aim of this group was to struggle towards ending the AIDS crisis through non partisan means. It mainly comprised of various groups of artists that disregarded the conventional aesthetic criteria. Instead, they synthesized various artistic strategies as well as commercial advertising to attain their propagandistic ends.
Basically, their art was influenced by the concept of appropriation of art. They employed ideas from various artistic practices of renowned artists such as John Heartfield and Barbara Kruger. Also, they used a wide range of Pop Art graphics and the outrageousness that characterized performed art. In particular, they employed different techniques and mediums in creating an impression. This was depended on the type of the occasion that their arts were expected to be used. For instance, they created bold posters containing appropriated images as well as invented texts and used these for certain demonstrations. Furthermore, they reworked a host of corporate advertisements and various newspaper pages and circulated these to he general public. Also worth mentioning was their tendency to develop video cameras that primarily sought to counter the abuse of the police and the misinterpretations of the media regarding their activities.
One of the graphics that addressed retrograde politicians and popular state figures was the use of the president’s image in Let the Record Show site. This comprised of a Triangle that was pink neon in color. It also contained the “Silence = Death” phrase and was placed alongside the Nuremberg Trials photograph (Speretta, Andrea & Claudia 2). The six positions of the accused Nazis were then occupied by Six AIDS culprits including President Reagan. The real quotes from the six men were also placed in the background of this photograph. Also targeted by these boycott campaigns were the pharmaceutical companies. The ACT UP activists reportedly broke in various pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies and attached stickers that implicated the companies for profiteering from the AIDS epidemic. In addition, the stickers with the phrase “AIDS! It’s a Big Business” were placed on the packaging of pharmaceutical products (Speretta et al 2).
Further, the media was also not spared form widespread criticism from the activists. In particular, the New York Times was accused of misinforming the public about the gravity of the epidemic. Specifically, activists were angered by the fact that the media did not make serious efforts to bring to the fore the suffering that the population was going through as a result of government negligence. The stickers with the phrases “out of order” were placed on the kiosks that were found in major cities.
Perhaps the most important contribution to these efforts was made by the Canadian Art group that developed the popular general idea. Among the trio was AA Bronson who developed an AIDS symbol in the mid 1980s (Speretta et al 3). The letters resembled the love logo that had initially been developed by Robert of Indiana. This acted as a precursor for launching the imagevirus that improved public awareness regarding the then state of affairs. The image virus was placed in the media and it implied that the given epidemic was prevalent in the urban regions. The general idea used the threat viral infection as well as the poetic language for ideological struggle and artistic production. Its contribution to the struggle to push the government to adopt viable intervention measures towards preventing the epidemic can not be overstated. This also played an important role in countering the inherent inadequacies pertaining to the unfairness and blame that the homosexuals were being accorded by the entire society.
Question 3:
Essentially, art plays a critical role in underscoring and reflecting the different statuses of the society regarding various aspects. From a conventional point of view, dialogue in art has been imperative in suggesting and emphasizing the need for problem resolution. Since it is not an independent discipline, it reflects the welfare of different societal sectors. The underlying aim of such alliances is to foster unity and at the same time diversify the discipline. In addition, this has greatly transformed the different sectors as the respective artistic features have been on the fore front in identifying the weaknesses in the existing features. In the long run, the quality of development processes has been enhanced accordingly. Adrian Blackwell and Sharon Hayes are artists that have mainstreamed the processes of dialogue and collaboration in their urban art experiments. This has enabled them to communicate critical messages to the audiences and appreciate the progress and development of other sectors at the same time.
Adrian Blackwell is a renowned artist and an urban as well as architectural designer. His work lays emphasis on the aspects of spaces and forces that are apparent in uneven development that resulted from postfordist urbanization. Emergent research indicates that since 1996, his photography, sculpture, mapping and intervention projects have played a leading role in altering existing spaces and have as such encouraged common uses of these. The most recent projects have been integral in opening up private enclosures that are found in the city.
Seemingly, these have led to the growth of new locations that are then employed for public discourse and activities requiring collective action. The main objective of these initiatives is to use art in providing communities that are threatened with displacement with inclusive and supportive open spaces. In order to attain this, Blackwell has brought together or collaborated with efforts form multiple disciplines including art, urban design and architecture. Perhaps the most pronounced efforts have can be accredited to activism. All these have been directed at employing creativity to develop cities that are sustainable, beneficial and viable (Blackwell 1).
Equally important in this respect has been the work of Sharon Hayes. She is an urban artist that uses video, photography, sound installation and text to explore various issues pertaining to politics, feminism and gender. The main aim of her art is to provide insights in the inherent dynamics that characterize personal activities and collective identities. This she attains through a thorough interrogation of a wide range of normative structures that has various implications on public opinion, political rhetoric, language and historical writings and documentations. In general, her work focuses on the social and political welfare of the society and can be considered to have been influenced by the traditional conceptualism.
Haye’s art explores the intricate and multifaceted relationships that exist between politics, history and personal as well as communal relationships. Her work has been identified to dwell on historical parallels and their connection to the present day social conditions. The characteristic themes are artistically explored using staged protests, speeches, demonstrations and interviews (Hayes 1). Further, she employs artistic media such as performance, installation and video. Certainly, she employs collaboration to source for vital information from different fields. Dialogue on the other hand plays an important role in presenting the information to the different audiences. At this point, it can be contended that the use of collaboration and dialogue has enabled the artists to benefit the society in different ways. Despite identifying various weaknesses that undermine performance, such processes have complemented efforts geared towards enhancing and maintaining social harmony.
Works Cited
Blackwell, Adrian. Adrian Blackwell. Retrieved 4th August, 2010 from www.cca-actions.org/user-contributions/173.
Grant, Kester. Community and Communicability. In Conversation Pieces. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2004.
Hayes, Sharon. Sharon Hayes. Retrieved 4th August, 2010 from: www.shaze.info/.
Hopkins, Candice. How to Get Indians into an Art Gallery, In Making a Noise, (ed) Lee Ann Martin. Banff: Banff Center for the Arts, pp. 193-205.
Rebecca, Belmore. Video of Performance, Gone Indian. Retrieved 4th August, 2010 from: HYPERLINK “http://www.ccca.ca/nuitblanche/nuitblanche2009/artists.b6.html” www.ccca.ca/nuitblanche/nuitblanche2009/artists.b6.html
Speretta, Tommaso, Andrea Goffo and Claudia Zini. ACT UP: Notes for a History. Retrieved 4th August, 2010 from: http://www.fondazioneclaudiobuziol.org/docs/Act_Up/NYM_History.pdf
Thomas, Jeff. Scouting for Indians. Retrieved 4th August, 2010 from www.scoutingforindians.com.