My Cultural Passport Portfolio: Cover Statement - Yan Davydov
Cultural Passport Portfolio: Cover Statement
I think that my Cultural Passport Portfolio is limited in the sense that it only features two of the many articles and reviews that I wrote during the IDC Arts in New York City course. It would be nice if the Portfolio encompassed more than just two, because I feel like I have developed considerably as a critical writer. All works considered, my Portfolio is like a time capsule for me, where my progress as a writer from early September right up to this statement is documented. But, more importantly than developments as a writer, the Portfolio chronicles my development as a patron of New York arts.
Nonetheless, I think that my two chosen Cultural Passports, I Served the King of England and Break Out, are two excellent examples of how I’ve changed because of this class as a whole. Both were useful in teaching or reinforcing some type of lessons for me. On the simplest level, I Served the King of England was important because it exemplified the importance of giving new things a chance, as this was my first time seeing an independent film. Break Out, on the other hand, allowed me to see a different, laid back and comedic side of New York for my first time. My writing was appropriately jovial as well. Through the varying types of performances we’ve seen in this class, I’ve learned to adapt my writing depending on what it is I’m writing about, such as a play, gallery, concert, one man show, dance presentation, or even an opera.
I’ve noticed that about the only thing that has remained throughout my reviews and responses is a general positive approach to the performances. I don’t know if it’s because I’m a generally optimistic person or if I was lucky enough to see good show after good show, but my reviews followed a trend of satisfactory responses. I think, as an open-minded person, I found it easy and natural to like and enjoy most of the performances. Also, having been on stage many times in high school, I can honestly say that I appreciate what actors and performers go through.
Apart from improvements in writing, this course, and the freedom of choice granted by the Cultural Passport assignment, has been so helpful in increasing my appreciation of the arts. From the successes I’ve enjoyed with my choices to see I Served the King of England and Break Out, I feel much more inclined to continue taking advantage of New York arts and culture on my own, which is the main point of my Portfolio.
