Author: gunjan07

A stroll around the galleries of a museum can lead to thoughtful and uplifting moments for the community. Museums are vital centers for creative thinking and important conversations about art. They offer a secure environment where guests can engage with a variety of artistic forms, broadening their perspectives and enhancing their sense of awareness of the outside world. I had wanted to pay a visit to the MoMA for a while, but I was unable to make time for it. But because the assignment required me to visit whatever museum I pleased, I chose to visit the MoMA. What is modern art? Are these standards of realism and classical depiction? I was immediately captivated by the different rhythms of an innovative exhibition called “Emerging Ecologies: Architecture and the Rise of Environmentalism” at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), which seeks to rethink the basic principles of structure and its connection with the environment. While roaming around the museum, I did hope to learn more about the role that museums play in encouraging new viewpoints and the long-term influence that they can have on knowledge as well as individual growth through this research.

Considering that buildings contribute over 40% of all greenhouse gas emissions each year, this show provides a thorough examination of how architectural ideals are evolving in response to a severe environmental situation.  The idea of “emerging ecologies” comes to existence within the walls of MoMA through challenging artworks that illustrate the changing character of our social, cultural, and natural contexts. Looking around the exhibitions, I note the complicated connection that exists between art and the ever-changing environment around us. The pictures there captured my attention when I went since they depicted increasing environmental issues.  Through a range of mediums and forms of expression, artists shows the connections between different parts and the effects of actions taken by humans in order to capture the essence of changing environmental pollution. The MoMA is showcasing an array of artworks that symbolize the concept of creating ecologies and invite viewers to reflect on how we affect the planet in which we live. These works of art span a variety of mediums, from digital pieces that illustrate climate change and the impact of humans on environments to artworks that examine development and its effects on the natural world. After looking around for a while, I came to the conclusion that it offers an overview of the helpful connection between ecological and architecture in the US, which is crucial given the urgent issues about pollution, climate change, and pollution that are harming the world today. I was immediately captivated by the vast variety of artworks that covered the walls and filled the halls as I walked through the museum. Every piece seems to have a unique story, inviting me to discover more about its history.  A variety of creative works were on show at the museum, including beautiful models that created the impression of proving something different and fascinating artworks that inspired a range of feelings while expressing ideas about the environment and people.

I was shocked to see the reality that every exhibit about ecological problems is a call to action as much as a work of art. The architectural designs and models work as plans for an environmentally friendly future in which buildings support the protection of nature in addition to living peacefully with it. The exhibition’s underlying language conveys the gravity of the climate problem and serves as a major reminder to visitors that the decisions we make now about architecture will have a significant impact on the state of our world. Bangladesh, the nation where I was born and raised, is widely known for its pollution, changing climate, and natural disasters. Nobody in my nation gives any thought to the environment or how we damage it. Bangladesh has industrial emissions to be concerned about in addition to vehicle emissions because of the country’s dense urban areas, which are home to many factories and small local companies. In our nation, natural disasters are like frequent acquaintances. We are cutting down trees, destroying the greenery, and not giving the future any thought. The hazardous greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide, is rising and posing a threat to the planet. We are also introducing a new and harmful entity into our lives: COVID-19, which ought to serve as a major warning to us all.

The MoMA has built several models that illustrate the need for us to plant more trees next to our homes and the architectural framework. “Forest Building, Best Products Co. Inc. Showroom, Richmond, Virginia” by James Wines and “Green Poetics” by Emilio Ambasz are the two best examples of artwork that support my arguments regarding pollution and environmental change. James Wines’ major thoughts about this artwork were that we should keep all the trees and make buildings around them so we don’t have to cut any trees for architecture. It was something unusual for people to do because they often cut forests just to make buildings, malls, or houses. But he did something unlike what other people will do: he thought about the trees and beautiful architecture without hurting the environment. I am attaching a video in which he talks about his weird architecture and it is definitely inspiring.  Another amazing architect, Emilio Ambasz, truly made my point more visible. His buildings felt unique and like they were surrounded by vegetation. I had the impression that the greenery was the subject of the structure, which is the king. My perception of the architecture is that the greens were growing because the king was kind to his subjects and the buildings weren’t cruel to the plants, which is eco-friendly.

“Emerging Ecologies” presents an interesting and inspirational opportunity that should not be missed. This exhibition asks us to imagine a future where architecture coordinates with nature, where buildings are not simply constructions but environments in and of themselves, in a time defined by ecological disasters. We must engage with the past to enlighten the present and influence the future because of the urgency of the global warming crisis.

The effect that the artworks I saw in the museum had on me was serious, and it made me think carefully about my own viewpoints. My assumptions and interpretations were called into question by the layers of importance of each artwork I saw. I came to understand the value of asking questions, stepping outside of my comfort zone, and accepting fresh perspectives through the medium of art. A visit to a museum can have a major impact on one’s development as a person, expanding one’s perspective and fostering a closer bond with the complexities of the world we live in. I loved visiting museums, and this visit truly opened my eyes to the unknown beauty of nature and the environment.

Desdemona struggles with the severe disagreement between her parents’ conventional assumptions—symbolized by the requirement that she enroll in Princeton University—and her own desires, which originate in a desire for self-discovery, innovative independence, and the creation of an unusual career path—in Lauren Yee’s “Ching Chong Chinaman.” This disagreement is a reflection of the broader social dispute between multigenerational beliefs and emerging notions of what it means to succeed in the context of the American Dream. Desi’s story reflects the larger conversation about cultural identity, family relationships, and the variety of paths to success in the United States, highlighting the importance of understanding the complexities of the American Dream and appreciating the importance of personal interests and self-realization in addition to conventional measures of success. I can readily draw comparisons between the play and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” which is often regarded as a negative indictment of the American Dream. In the book, Jay Gatsby rises above his impoverished origins to acquire an incredible amount of money and a modest bit of social cache in 1920s New York City, only to be shunned by the “old money” set. Fitzgerald is critical of the idea that anyone can achieve success in America if they work hard enough.

Like many other parents of immigrants, Desi’s parents see an Ivy League education as the ultimate level of accomplishment. Their desire for her to realize the American Dream in its entirety—a prestigious school, a stable career, and financial security—is represented in the pressure they put on her to get accepted to Princeton University. This parent’s desire that their child attend Princeton University reflects a widespread American immigrant family expectation. It expresses the idea that receiving an advanced degree from reputable schools is crucial for securing a brighter future. For many, enrolling in a prominent university represents not only professional success but also a means of overcoming social and economic restrictions. My parents share the same philosophy as Des’s parents: they believe that if you work at a reputable company and attend an accredited school, you are successful. By virtue of our success, they will get recognition from the community and be recognized by others. Because my parents had great expectations for me, I applied to Ivy League schools during the admissions process even though I knew I would be rejected. Why?” they inquired. When I informed them, they would reject me. “Are you not smart enough to go there, or what? Everyone can, even you.”

Desdemona’s awareness that she might not be “Chinese enough” emphasizes the prevalent pressure from society to fit into an established ethnic group, which is connected to the popular idea of the American Dream. The ideal part was frequently at the center of the American Dream, where success was associated with belonging to the majority social standards. Desdemona’s journey, on the other hand, disproves this idea by highlighting the significance of accepting one’s own unique heritage. Desdemona’s realization that she is adopted and actually Korean serves as an effective metaphor for the delicate issue of identity in today’s America. The American Dream has grown to include people from an array of backgrounds and experiences, demonstrating that success can be measured by a person’s sincerity and enlightenment rather than by cultural uniformity.

In a moving way, “Ching Chong Chinaman” eloquently explains the intricacies of modern-day family dynamics, individual goals, and the search for the American Dream. The play delivers a strong message—that the American Dream is not a generic idea—through Desi’s character and her concurrent conflicts with parental pressure and essay writing. It emphasizes how acceptance of multiple identities, appreciation of personal authenticity, and knowledge of the many facets of the American Dream are what characterize success in the modern United States rather than conformity to established standards. 

While watching the movie “Flee” by Jonas Pohar Ramussen, it made me realize how the refugee has been through many circumstances, and it was moving to see that we didn’t actually experience those challenges in our lives. The movie introduces the audience to Amin’s world by utilizing animation to depict the pain he has experienced and some real video to depict his struggles, anxieties, and goals. This film brought to mind one of my all-time favorite books, “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini, which details the horrific experiences the book’s characters went through while residing in Afghanistan. And how they eventually left the country in order to live better in the USA. Amin and Amir are related in that they both have a fear of living and have been labeled as refugees.

Amin took us back to his early recollections by closing his eyes, and the fact that he also lied about his family’s survival suggests that the dread is still present between them. It also demonstrates the challenges faced by refugees, who must contend with social standards in order to live better. Amin’s persona becomes more realistic, and it sends a message to viewers who may not be aware of how refugees manage to live and go above and beyond to save their loved ones. As Amin describes his family’s experiences during their flight from Afghanistan, their struggles in Russia, and their perilous passage across the Baltic Sea, he conveys a powerful message to the audience. The film humanizes migrants by showing them to be unique people with unique stories and dreams as opposed to numbers or faceless masses.

When Amin and his family were crossing the water and they spotted a large ship, everyone became enthused because they believed the people on board would assist them and provide them with shelter. It’s actually a fantastic illustration of capitalism because it’s clear that the people were in need of assistance, but instead of assisting them, the onlookers were snapping photos and calling the border patrol. Because the migrants are attempting to leave their current reality and start over in a better place, it is clear that the rich people are in a higher social class than the poor ones. They had little reason to believe, but when they heard the words “They will take you back,” all of their smiles vanished. They gave the traffickers a ton of money, but ultimately received nothing. They are returning to their original location. These heartbreaking moments made them feel as though every aspect of their lives had just been shattered.

Amin lacked the courage to speak the truth to anyone, but at the end of the film, he was more accepting of his emotions. I shed a few tears when the movie was over, since it had such an impact on me. I developed more compassion for refugees. It served as a timely reminder that refugees are human beings with ambitions, dreams, and an indomitable spirit, rather than objective statistics. It gives the refugee experience a personal touch and expresses it in a way that is memorable.

The art of photography is fascinating and includes numerous aspects, and it has developed quite a bit since it first emerged. The art of utilizing a camera to record and preserve particular events, feelings, favorite moments, and experiences Photography has the ability to express a message, generate emotions and motivate viewers, whether it’s breathtaking surroundings, an unposed portrait, or an effective documentary image. Nowadays, almost everyone owns a camera, regardless of how expensive or affordable it is. But in today’s world, everyone has a smartphone with a camera. People used to need to go to a studio to take a picture and would have to wait months to get it. Now, everything is as simple as “click and upload”. Photography is now known as a trendsetter in the era of social media.

A new generation of social media influencers that create visually appealing posts has grown because of photography. These celebs have significant followings and frequently have a specialized specialty in a field like fashion, cuisine, or travel. Their expertly produced and visually appealing images influenced buyer attitudes, fashion, and ways of life. The terms “aesthetic, filter, and no filter” are frequently used on social media platforms. Language restrictions are irrelevant because photography is a universal language on social media. Cross-cultural respect and understanding can be promoted by the exchange of cultures, traditions, and experiences among people from various nations.

Susan Sontang states in the book “On the Photography”, “Photography has become one of the principal devices for experiencing something, for giving an appearance of participation.” (Susan 7), where the narrator explains how virtually everyone may access photos in the current digital era. The ease with which people are able to generate and purchase these “miniatures of reality” has changed how we record and share our lives, adding to the rich weave of visual storytelling that surrounds the modern world. This actually relates to a recent social media craze where photographs altered how we view our lives. A new and popular concept involves an artist painting a scene from a wedding ceremony or reception in real time. This implies that an artist is actively producing a piece of art that captures the spirit of the wedding as it takes place. Usually, the finished painting is given to the newlyweds as a treasured memory.

A sense of involvement in the community is created by the posting of photos on social media. To create a virtual connection to the lived experience, friends, family, and acquaintances can like, comment, and engage with the photographs. They enable people to share their memories with others and aid in helping people recall and reflect on important events in their life. The way we interpret and share our real experiences is greatly affected by the use of images, particularly live wedding paintings, on social media platforms. These pictures act as illustrations that emphasize certain details of things that happen, inspire strong feelings, and make experiences more powerful than mere physical presence. Nevertheless, it’s essential to understand that these depictions are frequently selective and edited, which shapes how we see the world.

The images posted on social media are essentially subjective interpretations of reality that have been influenced by the photographer’s decisions, modifications, and intent to express an idea. While these photographs provide a window into people’s lives and experiences, it is important to keep in mind that online content is sometimes chosen and romanticized when viewing it. By realizing this, people can use social media more thoughtfully and keep a more balanced perspective on their own lives as well as the lives of others.

Family is the source for children, where they can learn about the family background, where they came from, and essentially what culture they belong to. I thought about what constitutes culture in our society before analyzing cultural heritage. My first thought while answering this question is that culture is what defines a person’s genuine identity, including their beliefs, behaviors, practices, and values. The individual’s personality and how it is passed down from generation to generation are upheld by cultural heritage. I was born and raised in a typical family in Bangladesh. My home country has a vibrant culture and traditions that attract people from all over the world. By “typical family,” I meant that my own family had a strong history and upbringing. My entire family is an outgrowth of Bangladesh’s tremendous cultural diversity. My sister and I underwent classical singing and dancing lessons when we were little.

My father used to take me to his hometown when I was a child so that we could learn more about our culture. My grandfather performed at a theater that is commonly referred to as “Jatra Pala” in our nation. Jatra combines singing and acting and is more akin to a Broadway production in the United States. My dad was engaged in it as well, and I found the way they act fascinating. Going to a Broadway musical reminded me of my early years and the way I used to watch my father or grandfather perform. That is the advantage my family gave me in that occurrence, and I keep wondering about the times when cultural appreciation played a big role in my family. “With our thoughts, we make the world”- Lord Buddha. Buddhism is my faith, and it distinguishes me as extraordinary. As Buddhists, we believe that karma exists. You reap what you sow; we believe in this fact. Buddhism teaches us the value of mental tranquility. Buddhism promotes meditation as a practice that can benefit practically all individuals.

“Cultural heritage is not only limited to material objects that we can see and touch. It also consists of immaterial elements: traditions, oral history, performing arts, social practices, traditional craftsmanship, representations, rituals, knowledge, and skills transmitted from generation to generation within a community.” My family’s views are ethereal because of how they have been passed down from generation to generation and that’s why it’s tangible. I have some basic knowledge about the cultural heritage of Bangladesh because I grew up there, which I may impart to future generations. When I first arrived in the USA, I was truly disappointed to see that my cousins were unaware of anything about Bangladesh customs or culture. But I can understand why they didn’t have the opportunity to find out more about it. Therefore, I will never forget the guidelines and behaviors I picked up from my family. And I hope that the tradition will continue from generation to generation.