- Map of “Arts Crawl” Event
Congratulations! Bates is presenting its first “Arts Crawl“. Like the smattering of paint onto a blank canvas, the velocity with which arts events are happening also represents the school’s next step in following through with its palate to the art pallet more than ever before. Previously, I felt that the arts had been presented separately (for instance, a dance performance would occur on a different weekend than a poetry reading). But with this junction of venues coming from all of the written, visual, and performing arts, it’s a whole new recipe on the bobcat menu.
What stuck with me the most was the “More than a Rap Sheet” project, featuring an eagle-eye on the life of imprisoned women. Before I formulate my own interpretation of the double message of incarceration via these narratives walking the plank of reality, it hit me how both the camera and the pen liberated these women (and I mean, really hit me- I admit, I got a little wet-eyed after seeing the entire exhibit).
Here are some snapshots (I apologize for the lack of optimal quality; feel free to click on the images):
- Cindy Kirlin
- Cindy Kirlin’s narrative
- Jody Miller
- Jody Miller’s narrative
Of course, those would question the validity of this exhibit- bringing it yet again back to the ultimate eternal debate of “What is art?” For me, the raw emotion that triggered my response said enough. It is reality, and imperfect as it may seem, there is nothing more artistic than it gets as this.
Unfortunately, as I was unable to “crawl” any farther due to sickness, I didn’t catch the rest of the events. Let’s just say- I can’t help feeling indebted to this exhibit, and maybe just, a glint of contentment knowing that I contributed to this new movement at Bates (and, this as well).
