When discussing the Arts in NYC blog in our Honors 125 class, this video immediately came to mind. I was never aware that a form of art called “Sand Animation” existed, until someone in the YouTube community decided to share this video with me. After falling in love with its charming and aesthetic features, I now wish for more people to do the same.

This video features Kseniya Simonova, a sand animator, who shares a visualization of the impact World War II had on the Ukraine and Russia. Her tale begins by lighting a candle – a symbol that a journey through the country’s memory has begun. Through the different scenes she “paints,” repeated emotions are reflected: hope for loved ones to return from war, devastation from unanswered letters and endless battle, and immortal affection for family and the homeland.

We can learn about history from reading textbooks and online articles, but we can learn so much more through those who experienced it firsthand. Not only does the human contact give us different approaches to historical situations, but it also unveils emotions that perhaps could not be detected through text. Artist, such as Kseniya Simonova, can do the same through visualization.

More information about the video can be found here.

– Alexandra Nicoletti

For people that have become bored with the seemingly redundant nature of Hollywood, mumblecore is a perfect antidote. Mumblecore is a growing American independent film movement that centers around interpersonal relationships. These movies focus on mundane and everyday events. They star unprofessional actors and are noticeably low budget. Most of the characters are in the “in between” and transitional parts of their lives. They experience events which at the time seem average but in hindsight are monumental. The filmmakers are not tied to a big production company and are therefore not burdened with the pressure of box office success. They make their films to express the authentic emotions of normal life which are rarely portrayed in mainstream movies. They wish to create a perfect fusion between art and life. I personally have seen only a few mumblecore films find them refreshing. Their strength and power comes from their intimacy and accuracy. They are definitely not for all, especially those who find it hard to sit through slow moving film.
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For anyone interested in checking out a mumblecore film i recommend “Cyrus.” It came out pretty recently and is a little bit more mainstream then other mumblecores.
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