MODA
BEING BOLD
THRIVING OUTSIDE THE BOX
LEARNING TO LOVE AMBIGUITY
HOW TO TURN DISCOMFORT INTO DISCOVERY
THE END OF THE OUTLANDISH
THE SURREALIST MOVEMENT'S FASHION INFLUENCE AND INNACCESSIBILITY THE
ARCANE
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Noa Chamberlin
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Rayyan Bhatti
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Chloe Kelm
INTERNAL RELATIONS
DIRECTOR
Kayla Hendrikse
PUBLIC RELATIONS
DIRECTOR
Maggie Boettinger
CULTURE EDITOR
Kate Reuscher
ARTS EDITOR
Cate Tarr
LIFESTYLE EDITOR
Mi Chuinda Levy
FASHION EDITOR
Reese Diethrich
ONLINE EDITOR
Maddy Scharrer
WRITERS
T E A M
PHOTOGRAPHY LEADS
Molly Claus
Paige Valley
GRAPHIC AND ILLUSTRATION LEAD
Breanna Dunworth
STYLING LEAD
Sydney Alston
SHOOT PRODUCTION LEADS
Molly Ford
Ava Putnam
VIDEOGRAPHY LEADS
Thea Fonstad
Shloka Mohanty
ART
Elise Daczko • Breanna
Dunworth • Payton Fuller • Emily
Jeeone Han • Elise Wilson
PHOTOGRAPHY
Mark Almanza • Rayyan Bhatti
MODELS
Ibad Daulatabadi • Kaylin
DeHart • Iris Hernander-Harris
• Tierra Jones • Saige Kearns
• Wasuk Kose • Hadrea Lee • Xi Li • Asa Linn • Kayla Janine
Montag • Ananya Narayan
• Kaya Papadinoff • Lauren
Peschke • Asma Sulieman • Zoe Wozniak
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Mickie's Dairy Bar
1511 Monroe St. Madison, WI 53711
Borokhim's Oriental Rugs
1801 Monroe St. Madison, WI 53711
Noa Chamberlin • Maggie Cleary
• Elise Daczko • Reese Diethrich
• Alyna Hildenbrand • Talia Horn
• Sophie Hyman • Mi Chuinda
Levy • Makaylah Maxwell •
Josie Purisch • Kate Reuscher • Isabella Rotfeld • Maddy Scharrer
• Vanessa Snyder • Isaac
Solverson • Cate Tarr • Adelaide
Taylor • Allison Yusim
• Molly Claus • Zoey Corsaro • Heidi Falk • Molly Ford • Lilianna Munoz • Maya Stegner • Paige Valley
SHOOT DIRECTION AND STYLING
Sydney Alston • Rayyan Bhatti
• Molly Claus • Zoey Corsaro • Molly Ford • Maria McFadden • Devon Moriarty • Lilianna Munoz
• Ava Putnam
For letting us use their space!
05 Braving the Boundless
A beginner's guide to power clashing
The End of the Outlandish
The Surrealist movement's fashion influence and innaccessibility
Vivienne Westwood's Artful Ode to History
09 An Ode to the Teenage Dirtbags
12 A24 is Aglow
CULTURE
The founding and importance of film distributor A24 08 The Universal Experience of Loneliness
Embracing the Chaos of Creation
Has the increase in AI technology dulled our creative boldness?
How one revolutionary designer reinvented classic elegance 25 "Weird" is a Compliment …And “normal” is a social construct
The alluring appeal of Wes Anderson films
UW–Madison graduate photo student opens up about his photography journey 22 The Color of Nostalgia
Jigsaw
How art has shaped singer-songwriter Conan Gray’s career
in Chaos
Slasher film success and effects on audiences
35 The Mysterious Memories within the Surreal Dream
Exploring loneliness on a big campus and the road to forming connections 29 Mark Almanza on Following the Fun
How misunderstood female characters speak to audiences 53 Being Bold
and Lies
Peering into the creative vision of Emily Jeeone Han, former Moda member and aspiring artist
44 A History of Society’s Love Affair with the Dying …and its imminent return
LIFESTYLE
How to turn discomfort into discovery 19
Learning to Love Ambiguity
52
A guide to spontaneity and escaping routine 39
Embracing the Mystery of Every Moment
Thriving outside the box
Explore The Misunderstood
Dear readers,
When you picked up this issue, I hope the word Arcane sparked curiosity. Defined as something understood by few, Arcane invites us to explore the mysterious, the misunderstood and the artistic — the perfect foundation for creating something unique.
As the premier fashion, arts, culture and lifestyle magazine on campus, Moda thrives on celebrating creativity and individuality. This semester’s print issue encapsulates that spirit by focusing on the enigmatic, abstract and elusive aspects of life that prompt us to look deeper, beyond the surface.
In a world saturated with content that’s fast-paced and straightforward, Arcane asks us to pause. It invites us to revel in the complexity of what’s not immediately understood, uncovering layers that challenge our perceptions and celebrate the unconventional.
Writer Josie Purisch explores how we can embrace being misunderstood through personal style in her piece “Braving the Boundless.” She highlights the art of power clashing — pairing seemingly mismatched pieces to create bold, unorthodox looks that defy tradition and redefine selfexpression. By daring to experiment with fashion, Purisch shows how we can test our limits and embrace the beauty of going against the grain.
In “An Ode to the Teenage Dirtbags,” Talia Horn pays tribute to outcasts from late ‘90s and early 2000s films. These misunderstood characters disrupt the norm, capturing our hearts by daring to be themselves. Their rebellious authenticity reminds us of the power of individuality and the beauty in defying expectations.
Makaylah Maxwell challenges readers to embrace discomfort in her piece “Being Bold.” She argues that stepping outside our comfort zones and making unconventional choices can lead to deeper authenticity and a fuller life. Maxwell’s words remind us that the path to self-discovery often requires courage and a willingness to be misunderstood.
We’ve all felt it — the sense of being out of place, as though no one truly understands us. This issue recognizes that universal yet isolating feeling and celebrates it as a catalyst for growth. By leaning into the unknown and embracing the messy, we discover the freedom to be more fully ourselves.
Thank you for reading Moda’s final issue of Fall 2024. I hope these stories inspire you to take risks, break norms and embrace what makes you unique. Be bold, be misunderstood — and find magic in the arcane.
Ever inspired,
Noa Chamberlin, Editorial Director
Braving the Boundless
A beginner’s guide to power clashing
Written by Josie Purisch, Staff Writer
Photography by Molly Claus, Photography Lead | Shoot
Direction and Styling by Sydney Alston, Styling Lead
| Modeled by Wasuk Kose and Xi Li
Black shoes and a brown belt? Ew! Silver rings and gold jewelry? Puke! Striped pants and a polka-dotted shirt? That’s practically a fashion crime!
While I write and you read, it is easy to identify the silliness of these fashion rules. As much as I’d love to flaunt my disregard for these restrictions, they make fashion formulaic, banishing the potential for a “hideous” outfit.
However, when we dare to bend the rules and embrace fashion as an artistic expression, we can find an escape from the mundanity of our wardrobe routines.
This feat is easier said than done. For those of us who struggle with choice, and secretly find comfort within bounds, an abundance of options is more intimidating than restriction. Come with me as I share my newfound insight on contorting fashion rules to master the meticulous, yet totally un-meticulous, art of power clashing.
Boot Your Basics
The first piece of wisdom I found helpful was to swap out your basics with something funky — replace that neutral shirt with a top of bright colors, unconventional patterns, weird fabrics or maybe all three.1 But don’t stop at the top! Try altering just the base of your favorite outfits while remembering your old accessories.
In one of my go-to looks, I forget the basic white shirt and jeans and hang onto my red leather jacket, bright red Adidas sambas, brown belt and gold jewelry. Instead of reusing my tired basics, I’ll pair my accessories with a leopard print shirt and neon pants or a polka-dotted shirt and gingham skirt. The possibilities are endless!
Accessories are Your Secret Weapon
Just as accessories can be a route for safety, they can open doors to experimentation. Many accessories are relentlessly overlooked — regularly used but rarely thought of. Items like ties, belts, socks and tights hold incredible promise for an outfit upgrade but are seldom fulfilling their potential.
So throw away your no-show socks, pick out some colorful tights and watch for a statement belt at your local vintage shop. We’re refusing to ignore the forgotten accessories!
1 Tori, Sandler, “How to powerclash like a boss,” Indy Mave, Sept. 3, 2023.
Find Method in the Madness
The key to understanding power clashing is finding calm in the crazy. To have an outfit that’s exciting and all over the place, yet somehow not overwhelming, follow a few guiding tips.
When mixing patterns, pick ones of varying sizes.2 If your shirt has a tiny floral print and your pants have equally small stripes, eyes will get lost in the unbroken chaos. You can tie your look together through a recurring color, pattern or texture, helping make an outfit look complete without sacrificing extravagant maximalism.
Baby Steps are Still Steps
When you’re overwhelmed, start simple. If patterns are petrifying, experiment with bold and unexpected color combos. If you are lost in layering, start with a two-piece outfit before adding accessories. Once you conquer your current fashion fears, challenge yourself to reach even further.
In the end, the beauty of power clashing is experimentation. While there’s nothing wrong with your go-to looks, it’s easy to get trapped by the comfort of your trusted closet combos. So, dare to step foot into the world of power clashing and flirt with the discomfort that exists outside of the boundaries. It’s here, in this space of bold choices, that your journey towards self-expression can truly begin.
2 Ibid.
The Universal Experience of Loneliness
Exploring loneliness on a big campus and the road to forming connections
Written by Isaac Solverson, Staff Writer | Graphic by Elise Daczko, Creative Team
Many of us have stood on the top of Bascom Hill, surrounded by thousands of students moving in every direction, each heading toward their own destinations. The campus hums with talk of weekend plans and homework struggles, yet you find yourself with nothing to say, no one to turn to and a feeling of disconnect tugging at you. This sense of isolation amid a vibrant, bustling campus might seem surprising, but for many students, it’s all too familiar. Even among 34,212 other students, the feeling of being misunderstood and alone has a tendency to creep in, a mystery we all struggle to solve in the midst of new life chapters racing by.
This feeling of loneliness isn’t rare or uncommon. Whether it’s a freshman trying to navigate the harsh realities of college, a transfer student struggling to find their place in an established community or a senior reflecting on the friendships that might fade as the year comes to an end, these emo-
tions are universal to all us Badgers. Moments like these, though seemingly small, remind us that being part of something big doesn’t always mean we feel connected.
On a psychological level, the overwhelming size of campus can be jarring and contribute to feelings of loneliness. Research has shown that large, sometimes impersonal environments make it harder for individuals to form meaningful relationships, and social media often exacerbates the problem.1 Snapshots of those parties, study groups or club events make it seem like everyone is seamlessly connected, leaving you on the outside of this exclusive bubble. Despite being in the same physical space, you can feel worlds apart from the broader student body experience.
1
New Epidemic Gripping College Campuses: Loneliness,” Inside Higher Ed, 2023.
When personal achievements become the symbol of success, fostering deep, meaningful friendships can be difficult when it feels like a competition, pushing people to the brink of isolation in the pursuit of individual goals. This chaos of climbing to the top results in a culture where people appear busy, successful and happy, but inside might be grappling with feelings of disconnection and a pressure to maintain a perfectly accomplished lifestyle.
Despite these challenges, there are ways to break through the isolation that often comes with living on a large campus. The most powerful tool is empathy — recognizing that most of us are simply craving any form of connection. During my first week of college, my friend and I snuck into Ogg Residence Hall and knocked on a random door. This leap of faith seeking connection led to some of the closest friendships I’ve formed on campus. Finding small, intentional communities within the vastness of UW can create a sense of belonging. Whether joining a student organization like MODA, approaching someone sitting next to you in lecture or simply having a heartfelt talk with a roommate, these small actions can create connections that make you feel seen and understood.
Remember, feeling alone isn’t an isolated experience — it’s often a universal and natural part of the college journey. By embracing these feelings and being patient with yourself, you can cultivate a deeper sense of internal peace and confidence as you navigate this chapter in life.
In the end, remember that even in the largest crowds, we are never truly alone. We’re all simply looking for the right people, the right moments and the right understanding of ourselves to finally break free from the elusive arcane feeling. That loneliness is inherent to all of us, but it’s simply up to each of us to foster the roots that allow us to grow outward.
Johanna Alonso, “The
An Ode to the Teenage Dirtbags
How misunderstood female characters speak to audiences
Written by Talia Horn, Staff Writer |
Photography by Heidi Falk, Creative Team | Styling by Zoey Corsaro, Creative Team |
Shoot Direction by Ava Putnam, Shoot Direction Lead | Modeled by Zoe Wozniak
Ican still close my eyes and see 11-year-old me staring back at her reflection in the mirror, reenacting Janice Ian’s iconic moment from “Mean Girls” as she gives the middle finger to Cady Heron in the gym. I can feel the freedom of dancing around the room like Allison Reynold, the selfproclaimed freak, in “The Breakfast Club.” I can envision myself perfecting Kat Straford’s eye roll from “10 Things I hate About You” with the utmost sass I could conjure.
As special as my middle school self believed she was, I know these were not original experiences. These characters — the outcasts, the loners, the outsiders — speak deeply to millions of viewers. They fill a void that other characters can’t quite grasp, leading viewers to romanticize and almost idolize them. They expose us to a world where being an outcast is not only accepted but often rewarded with a happy ending.
It’s hard to define this category of character, but to put it simply, they are the misfits. They are the young women who live outside of societal norms — loud, unapologetic and unfiltered. They are unafraid to raise their hands in class, talk back to the school bullies and dress how they please. They wear their hearts on their sleeves and stride with the rare confidence to follow their instincts.
As Kat Straford boldly says in the 1999 film “10 Things I Hate About You”, “I don’t like to do what people expect.
Why should I live up to other people’s expectations instead of my own?”1
She recognized this truth as early as high school, resonating deeply with many viewers. Characters like her — along with others such as Wednesday Addams or Maeve Wiley from “Sex Education” — have become admired by the public, their quotes and lessons treated as truth. Edits of these characters flood Tik Tok and Instagram, framing them as our modern feminist icons.
But when you look past their bold appearance and unwavering confidence, what often lies beneath is far from what their picture-perfect badass leather jackets suggest. The cool, mysterious aura of “the loner” fades when you see the reality of their isolation. Allison was neglected by her family, Maeve tormented by her peers and Kat ostracized by her school community.
Being misunderstood allows these characters to speak with audiences in a unique way — there’s a reason protagonists are so rarely the prom queens. People want to see the underdog take home the crown. Not many people wake up feeling like they deserve their own shiny tiara, but watching the misfit win the prize helps viewers feel seen.
What people romanticize in these characters is not their being
1
misunderstood, but how they continue to wear their true selves proudly on their chest.
There’s a sense of irrational jealousy from the viewers, who watch these characters be publicly misunderstood while they themselves remain trapped in the depths of their diaries.
These characters allow us to dream of a youth free from societal shackles. It’s hard for the reality of loneliness to reach us when it’s confined to a 90-minute plot with a happy ending.
Regardless of its irrationality, these characters inspire us, fuel us and offer a quick escape to a world where we can discover ourselves in real time, trying out new attitudes or bold fashion choices without fear of judgment.
We may not fully be able to embrace Kat Stratford’s iconic attitude, but we can be inspired to emulate certain mannerisms or finally stand up to someone who’s put us down. Maybe we can’t muster the confidence for a full grunge outfit like Janice Ian, but we can choose to wear our hair in her braided messy bun and feel her authenticity flowing through us for the day.
We can hold onto their bravery and carry it with us as we grow up and step into bigger worlds and adulthood, where being weird is a privilege. We can finally give our inner child, practicing in the mirror, some piece of mind.
10 Things I Hate About You, directed by Gil Junger, 1999, Burbank, CA: Touchstone Pictures.
A24 is Aglow
The founding and importance of film distributor A24
Written by Reese Diethrich, Fashion Section Editor | Photography
and
Shoot Direction by Lilianna Munoz, Creative Team | Modeled by Lauren Peschke
You know an A24 film when you see it: High-brow production, emerging actors alongside veterans in the field and an eccentric plotline that is sure to make trade headlines. Barry Jenkins, director of the A24 hit “Moonlight,” puts it perfectly:
“I know what an A24 film is, but no A24 film is like any other.”1
1 Nate Jones, “Every A24 Movie, Ranked,” Vulture, Aug. 24, 2022.
The production and distribution company behind cult classics such as “Lady Bird” and “Hereditary” did not breed from the typical means of Hollywood. A24 is known for its diversions from entertainment norms and amplifications of untold narratives that resonate with audiences yearning for something new.
One would assume the company began among the thousands of entertainment driven creatives on the California coast. Instead, A24 took the first risk of many and made New York City their home in 2012.2
An enduring mystery surrounds the three founders — Daniel Katz, David
2 Tom Murray, “Who Are A24 – the Company behind Uncut Gems, Euphoria and Hereditary?” The Independent, April 18, 2022.
Fenkel and John Hodges — who rarely grant interviews. Descriptions of their vision for A24 are few and far between, but the resounding message from the three is that they wanted to do things differently.3
The indie distribution company began as a tiny fish in an ocean of Hollywood sharks. Still, they made one thing clear: A24 is not your standard Los Angeles film company.4 Katz, Fenkel and Hodges have soared beyond the bounds they set out to challenge, giving rise to an indie studio that burns bright.
The A24 glow shines brightest in its content selection. The company remains fierce and particular when choosing its projects for development, selecting striking tales that look at underrepresented voices.
Their award-winning film “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” follows Evelyn Quan Wang and her family as they must travel through interdimensional bizarre multiverses to conquer an all-powerful being. As bewildered as one may have been watching the film (or even just hearing the synopsis), the story covers the struggles of immigrant families, while tackling nihilism and stifled trauma.
This film is only one of the many comedies, gut-wrenching dramas and chilling horrors that contribute to the collection of phenomenal A24 works. Finding a thread between such vastly different narratives and genres makes for an accomplished distributor, and A24 has done the impossible. They have managed to take diverse narratives, weave them into mind-boggling plots and produce them with high level skills that cement them as Oscar-winning masterpieces. A24 accomplished this feat by simply advancing the arcane.
Leaning into the subversive, misunderstood or mysterious is how A24 found their untapped audience. Telling puzzling narratives through a mirage of cinematic choices leaves those who find themselves in the film all the more rewarded.
I experienced that rewarding feeling after watching “Everything Everywhere All At Once.” Interdimensional bagels, hot-dogs for fingers and eating chapstick to enter new timelines are
3 Ibid.
4 Brooks Barnes, “The Little Movie Studio That Could,” The New York Times, March 3, 2018.
among the multitude of absurdities interwoven in the film’s narrative. It was through the zany storyline that I was able to funnel out themes that still resonate with me now, from the beautiful complexity of family to finding contentment in the simplicity of laundry and taxes.
To watch a movie about traveling through multiverses and find solace in the deeper themes of the film is what A24 is about. Sometimes, to find yourself in a story, you must see it in a new light. A24 gives audiences that opportunity, making introspection all the more fun.
Leaving an A24 film means leaving the theater in a whirlwind of thought. Whether you’re pondering the meaning,
feeling profoundly understood or simply overwhelmed with emotion, left thinking only “wow,” one thing is certain: you’ve just seen something unlike anything seen before.
A24 has mastered the art of indie film success, tapping into the demand for quality, thought-provoking cinema. With an impassioned dedication to storytelling, A24 crafts films that encourage audiences to look outward — examining how others navigate life — and inward, finding a deeper sense of understanding in their own journeys.
THE MASK THAT GRINS AND LIES
Photography by Paige Valley, Photography Lead | Shoot Direction and Styling by Sydney Alston, Styling Lead and Molly Ford, Shoot Direction Lead | Modeled by Kayla Janine Montag
Embracing the Chaos of Creation
Has the increase in AI technology dulled our creative boldness?
Written by Noa Chamberlin, Editorial Director |
Photography by Maya Stegner, Creative Team | Shoot Direction by Devon Moriarty, Creative Team | Modeled by Asa Linn
Creativity has always been a core value in my life. Growing up, I thrived on using my imagination — inventing games, making up stories and embracing the freedom of being unburdened by structure or expectations. Even as I’ve grown, I’ve fostered this innate desire to incorporate creativity and innovation into every aspect of my life.
But as technology becomes increasingly embedded in our daily lives, I wonder: Has the rise of AI impacted our ability to be truly creative? Have we become too reliant on the convenience of technology, losing the drive to push our own boundaries?
I often romanticize the ‘90s, a time before technology played such a central role. I picture my parents’ generation trying to write or create, seated at a massive computer that took up an entire desk, watching a blinking cursor while waiting for inspiration. They experienced the frustrations of creative uncertainty and the thrill when something finally clicked — a spark that might lead to a wholly original idea.
But things don’t work that way anymore. There’s not always a magical “aha” moment.
Today, that struggle feels optional. If we’re feeling stuck or unsure of what to write or create, we can just open a new tab and ask ChatGPT for help, instantly receiving ideas or even entire paragraphs of full-fledged answers within seconds. There’s no longer a need to struggle through that uncomfortable, ambiguous space of not knowing. While this convenience may seem like a positive development, I believe there’s a significant downside: the gradual erosion of our motivation for creativity.
With instant answers always at our fingertips, we risk losing the messy, uncertain space that often leads to real innovation. This process of trial, failure and discovery is what shapes our ideas and makes our work rewarding.
If we let ourselves sit with the discomfort of embracing the unknown, we may find the most authentic, unique outcomes. After all, it’s through our failures and setbacks that we learn best, pushing ourselves to create from an unfamiliar place of trusting our instincts. It’s from this space that true creativity arises.
Riley Gibson, CEO of social innovation company Napkin Labs, explains it well:
“By forcing our minds out of our comfort zones, we can become part of a more intellectually diverse crowd that helps us continue to learn and challenge our own assumptions.”1
It’s in those frustrating moments, staring at a blinking cursor or blank canvas, anxiously awaiting a thought, that natural inspiration often strikes. And when it does — when that elusive idea begins to take shape — it’s one of the best feelings in the world, as if you can’t get the words down fast enough, your pencil dulling as you scribble down thoughts before they escape.
1 Riley Gibson, “How Being Uncomfortable Can Be Your Best Creative Weapon,” Fast Company, Feb. 21, 2012.
But has AI robbed us of this experience?
The answer isn’t straightforward. While AI has undeniably opened new doors for creativity and innovation, it also poses challenges that can hinder authenticity and freedom of expression.
Some argue that AI enhances our creative abilities. By offering support and rapid content production, it opens doors to innovation we might never reach alone.2 Generating artwork or aiding scientific discovery, AI has undeniably opened new doors. From this view, AI amplifies creativity rather than replacing it.
However, there’s a risk AI may undermine and inhibit the creative process. One of the biggest challenges is preserving the authenticity and emotional
2 Joe McKendrick, “AI Mimics Human Creativity, But Also Boosts It,” Forbes, July 17, 2023.
depth that make creative work personal and unique.3 If AI-generated content dominates, we may lose touch with an artist’s voice, sacrificing individuality and emotional resonance.4 After all, 20 people asking ChatGPT how to write an article about AI will probably generate 20 similar, generic responses.
I’ve experienced both the benefits and drawbacks of AI technology firsthand. There have been times when I’ve turned to AI for inspiration when I’m feeling stuck, and while it hasn’t given me the perfect answer, it’s led me in the right direction and sparked ideas for my final product. Yet, I’ve also felt less inclined to try because I know AI can give me an answer — resulting in work that feels less my own.
So the question remains: How do we preserve true creativity in an AI-dominated world?
Perhaps it comes down to balance. AI can be a tool to inspire us, but we must resist the urge to rely on it completely. To keep our creative spark alive, we need to use technological assistance as a complement to our ideas rather than a replacement. And we should embrace discomfort and uncertainty — the messy, imperfect moments where true innovation can emerge.
Creativity is a journey, not merely a destination.
While AI might eliminate some of the chaos of dozens of crumpled up, discarded ideas, it can’t replicate the satisfaction of shaping something uniquely our own. By treating AI as a tool rather than a crutch, we can protect true creativity and ensure our ideas remain authentic, bold and deeply human. As technology becomes increasingly more saturated into our lives, it’s up to us to protect the messy, beautiful process of creation.
3 Andres Fortino, “Embracing Creativity: How AI Can Enhance the Creative Process,” NYU School of Professional Studies, Nov. 2, 2023.
4 Ibid.
The Color of Nostalgia
The alluring appeal of Wes Anderson films
Written by Allison Yusim, Staff Writer |
Photography by Paige Valley, Photography Lead |
Shoot Direction by Molly Claus, Photography Lead |
Modeled by Ibad Daulatabadi and Kaylin DeHart
Watching any film directed by Wes Anderson is a one-of-akind experience. Every detail of every scene is meticulously crafted in a way that makes his movies instantly identifiable as his.
Film director Wes Anderson began releasing movies in the late 1990s and quickly gained recognition and popularity for his distinctive cinematic style.1 Although Anderson’s unique mise-enscene sets him apart from other directors, the reason his popularity has lasted over twenty years goes beyond just lines, colors and symmetries.
A typical Wes Anderson film follows just a few main characters on their journeys of loss, self discovery, adulthood and other heavy themes. At first glance, the film may seem touchy and emotional, but really, its description falls much more along the lines of satirically cynical and artsy.
Anderson is known for utilizing bright colors, loud costumes and strategically 1 “Wes Anderson Biography,” Biography, Aug.14 2019.
placing characters in unnatural positions, often making it appear as though they’re posing for a portrait. There are countless instances where an entire family stares directly into the camera or where two people in love sit mere inches apart, not at all touching, with expressions that are extremely subdued. Anderson’s cinematography creates an unexpected sense of unease, taking ordinary scenes and transforming them with tension and discomfort.
Anderson’s unmissable style heightens the absurdity and complexity of his stories, as seen in 2001 film “The Royal Tenenbaums.”2 The film follows a dysfunctional family of five.
Chas, the eldest son, lost his wife in an accident and copes by ensuring his children are always prepared to escape disaster. They hold regular fire drills and wear bright red matching tracksuits every day. Richie, the other son, is a struggling artist who draws inspiration from his adopted sister, Margot — because he’s in love with her. As 2 Wes Anderson, “The Royal Tenenbaums,” Los Angeles: Touchstone Pictures, 2002.
Photographed at Mickie's Dairy Bar and Borokhim's Oriental Rugs
you can see, it’s a deeply dysfunctional family dynamic, but also one that is surprisingly hilarious.
Although characters’ struggles can be relatable, the characters themselves are usually not. I highly doubt the average viewer would instantly see their personalities in Chas, Richie or Margot.
So why are Wes Anderson’s films popular across multiple generations? Why do we find ourselves so captivated by these eerie, slightly uncomfortable to watch and out-of-the-box films?
Of course, Anderson’s films are enjoyable to watch because of the comedic spin he places on heavy themes. But on a deeper level, we actually can see ourselves in Anderson’s characters. In a depressing but also sentimental way, we see our younger, naive and playful selves in Anderson’s adult characters.
In “The Royal Tenenbaums,” Margot, Chas and Richie were very gifted as children, all in different ways. Richie
was a tennis star, Margot an acclaimed playwright and Chas a prodigy in finance. As adults, their naive mindsets of “endless potential” have not changed. All three are very out of touch with reality and believe that their hyper-intelligent minds will always protect them from the consequences of their actions.
Anderson’s 2014 film “The Grand Budapest Hotel” features protagonists Gustave and Zero, who are running from the police and end up sneaking around a hotel, sliding down laundry shoots and mischievously stealing sweets from the kitchen. In Anderson’s “The Life Aquatic,” the main character said that eleven was his favorite age.
As you can probably see, there’s a pattern. While we outgrow the simplicity of childhood around the age eleven and are forced to confront the intense, real and beautiful world around us, Anderson’s characters don’t follow this same path. His films evoke an eerie sense of nostalgia — one that lingers only after we pause and reflect on it.
I know how much we all want to stay eleven — running freely, playing without a care and never running out of courage to try new things. Watching Wes Anderson’s films can make us sad to no longer see that carefree world. But the truth is, very few of Anderson’s characters are truly happy. Facing the realities of our world head on can be challenging, but coming out on the other side of that struggle makes us much stronger, happier and more successful people than we could have ever been at eleven.
Weird is a Compliment
…And “normal” is a social construct
Written by Maddy Scharrer, Online Editor | Graphic by Breanna Dunworth, Graphic and Illustration Lead
Growing up in the Scharrer household, my mom was a constant beam of positivity — she exuded happiness. She was known to wear a smile on her face, goofily dance around unapologetically in the kitchen, and proudly sing the wrong lyrics to her favorite songs. As moody teenagers, my siblings and I would occasionally get embarrassed by her antics. We’d ask her to stop, calling her “weird.” To this, my mom would simply keep smiling and reply, “Weird is a compliment.” She’d go on to ask why anyone would want to be considered “normal.” This stuck with me, and from a young age, my mom’s outlook on life taught me to embrace and celebrate my individuality.
Let’s be real — no one is normal, because that would mean there is one set way to “correctly” live your life. And clearly, that is not the case. Some people are just better at hiding their quirks and chameleoning to the crowd, conforming, if you will. In many ways, “weird” is synonymous with “unique,” and your uniqueness is your superpower — it’s the thing that makes you you.
In a society where conformity is the norm, embracing your quirks can feel intimidating — especially during those pivotal coming-of-age years. I think the word “weird” receives its negative connotations because it defines something as deviating from these widely accepted norms, which can be uncomfortable. However, when you dive into what “normal” really means, I believe you’ll find it to be even more unnerving.
“Normal” is defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as “conforming to a type, standard, or regular pattern: characterized by that which is considered usual, typical, or routine.”1 Why would you want to strive to be considered usual or regular? Where’s the fun in subscribing to the ordinary?
Trying to fit in might make you more palatable to the world, but is it worth losing your individuality as collateral? You don’t have to follow every trend
1 “Normal Definition & Meaning” MerriamWebster.
just because everyone is doing it, and you don’t have to stifle your personality to fit in with a particular group out of fear of being outcasted.
But, how do we live authentically in a world that so badly wants to put us into neat little boxes and scrutinize those who step out of them? To love yourself for who you are is at the core of accepting and celebrating your quirks. It’s the secret to living your truest, happiest life.
When you break past the mold and embrace your quirks, your true personality shines through. In this, you will attract meaningful friendships and relationships with people who make you feel seen and like you for you, and as
the author Sally Rooney put it, “It is better to be deeply loved than widely liked.”2 But even better than this is that the stronger you cherish your uniqueness and love yourself for it, the more self-confidence you will cultivate.3
While society’s crushing pressures of “normality” want us to believe “weird” is wrong, learning to accept your quirks through loving yourself will liberate you. Take a page out of my mom’s book and consider weird as a compliment — it’s a perspective that celebrates being and loving yourself above all else.
2 Sally Rooney, “Beautiful World Where Are You,” Macmillan Publishers, 2021.
3 Tonya Leigh, “Loving Your Quirks,” School of Self-Image.
The End of the Outlandish
The Surrealist movement’s fashion influence and inaccessibility
Written by Sophie Hyman, Staff Writer
Photography by Molly Ford, Shoot Direction Lead | Graphics by Breanna Dunworth, Graphic and Illustration Lead | Shoot Direction by Devon Moriarty, Creative Team | Modeled by Iris Hernander-Harris
In the gap between World War I and II, a new artistic pulse emerged — a movement that defied conventions and reached into the subconscious mind. Conjuring scenes that felt more like fever dreams than tangible reality, Surrealism displayed a realm where the bizarre, outlandish and perplexing collided with the everyday.
The movement challenged its audiences to look beyond their perceptions and question the rational world. Surrealism’s influences across art, literature and fashion united the conscious and unconscious. From its earliest days, Surrealism sought for more than the convention — it aimed to shock, confuse and inspire, ultimately leaving traces in today’s most eccentric and boundary-pushing contemporary artists.1
“The relationship between Surrealism and fashion is iconic” and begins with the convergence of two great artists.2
The journey began in 1930s Paris, amidst high society, with Surrealist artist Salvador Dali and couture fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli. Both were well-established in their respec-
1 Britannica, Editors of Encyclopaedia. “Surrealism,” Encyclopedia Britannica, Nov. 20, 2024.
2 National Galleries Scotland, “Surrealism and Fashion.”
tive fields, yet each visionary shared a love for products that delivered shock value and originality.
What began as the creation of a powder case disguised by a rotary phone dial, led to a dress with a giant lobster painted on the skirt, and became excessively large broaches in the design of a bee. Only two true personalities seeking to explore a world of confusion through creation could take on such works of craftsmanship.
Taking the expected and turning it into something completely different appears to be a concept lost in modern creations.3 Surrealism emerges out of uncertainty, providing viewers with something that transports them into an unimaginable world. It seems now, conventional is the norm and creativity is dead.
Art akin to fashion should demand attention by forcing the viewer to react to what they see. Psychological factors require elements of shock that are lost in a lot of modern fashion. Fashion is so cyclic to the average person, many of us unable to see beyond where our comfort resides. The Y2K renaissance or the resurgence of mom jeans are perfect examples of how individuality may be present, but ever dwindling.
3 Schiaparelli, “The Story of the House.”
Though crucial to recognize that Surrealism existed due to political and social instability, we must also embrace what the Surrealist visionaries sought to achieve. Despite its decline, the movement’s revolutionary influence continued to shape fashion across Europe and even spread to the U.S.4
British fashion powerhouse Isabella Blow continued pushing boundaries following the informal death of Surrealism. Among her many accomplishments, including working with Anna Wintoure in the ‘80s to launch Alexander McQueen’s career, Blow became the physical embodiment of the nonconformist. Despite her impact, she was often overlooked, with her eccentricities becoming an Achilles’ heel to her further success.5
Curator and professor Alistair O’Neill put it best: “Isabella used her clothes, her hats and her accessories as a means to modify and transform herself.”6
Blow’s love and adoration for clothing are evident in every account of her life. She transformed the extravagance of high fashion, once seen as inaccessible, into a performance of her love for design. For Blow, fashion became an art form — an extension of herself. Clothing and fashion, with their transformative power, should be accessible to all, even through avant-garde expression, right?
Boundary-pushing in day-to-day life has become obsolete for many. But Blow was a powerful example of someone who took risks that others feared. Her most notable fashion choices were her hats, which often covered much of her face, taking on inconceivable shapes — sometimes horns, an entire animal or designs of buildings were seen on place upon her head. It’s this willingness to engage with the unconventional, combined with her adoration for what she wore, that I believe is missing in today’s fashion.
While many high fashion designers feature outlandish and creative designs, for the everyday person, playfulness in fashion is passé. I don’t find Surrealism solely about letting the artist create something unseen — the heart of the movement was in seeking more. It was about complete and total
4 The Metropolitan Museum of Art, “Surrealism.”
5 Elan Priya, “Will Fashion’s Flamboyant Powerhouse Isabella Blow Finally Get Her Dues?” The Guardian, May 17, 2024.
6 Jessica Cappiello, “Isabella Blow: Beyond the Eccentric.” Vogue, November 22, 2019.
breakdowns of reality, and reimagining what its entire existence was. Whether in literature or visual art, the process of discovering something and giving it a platform to exist as it would improve the every day.
Individuals should be evoked by what we see and what we wear. Exposure to fashion that is thought-provoking
and transient is a rarity. Surrealism has found itself in pop icons such as Lady Gaga and Chappell Roan, as well as in Drag. However, where is the average person able to gain the benefits from all that Surrealists sought to evoke? When did we decide to accept the death of the original, and lose our drive for something authentic, peculiar and fantastic?
UW–Madison graduate
Mark Almanza on Following the Fun
photo student opens up about his photography journey
Written by Cate Tarr, Arts Section Editor |
Photography by Mark Almanza
If Mark Almanza isn’t enjoying himself while creating his work, he says, why even do it in the first place?
A first generation American from Arizona, Almanza draws inspiration for his photography from his Mexican heritage and his parents’ journey moving to the United States. His work explores the intersection of family, landscape and time, posing deeply personal yet universally resonant questions: What does his parents’ migration mean for his identity? And what does it signify on a broader scale?
Almanza is a second-year MFA photo student at UW–Madison, with an undergraduate degree in photo and imaging from the University of Arizona. But it wasn’t until he first entered college that he discovered his passion for the art of photography.
Initially starting at community college before transferring to the University of Arizona, Almanza was on track to becoming an engineer. His strong performance in high school math inspired his parents to encourage a STEM-focused career path.
“I took a Calc II class in community college, and then that first day of class, I was like, this sucks so much,” Almanza says. “I really don’t want to do this for the rest of my life.”
During his freshman year, Almanza stumbled upon a camera at a Goodwill and couldn’t resist experimenting with it. Intrigued by what he found, he enrolled in a photography class — and the rest is history.
“Photography and studio art opened my brain into seeing what was possible with photography. And not just the snapshot stuff, but what kind of stories you can tell,” Almanza says.
Almanza describes his photography as a continuous conversation across artworks and time. His storytelling often emerges through a dialogue between his own creations and the works of artists who inspire him.
Most of his works reference poses or setups that echo iconic photographs, paying homage to moments significant in cultural history.
“References to those little moments and having that piece of context within my own work — it’s really fascinating for me,” Almanza says.
This February, Almanza will debut new work in his upcoming solo exhibition.
Currently, he is working on a personal project: creating and photographing a
family recipe book that preserves cherished memories and his family’s legacy.
Looking ahead, Almanza hopes to one day apply his passion for photography into a teaching career as a professor. His source of motivation? Staying grounded where the fun is.
Many graduate students are told that the post-graduation paths are limited to either becoming a full-time artist or a teacher, says Almanza. However, his professors at UW–Madison have expanded that perspective, introducing students to a diverse array of opportunities where photographic expertise is invaluable and an advanced knowledge on photography is required, such as museum work and beyond, Almanza says.
But for Almanza, his commitment to teaching at the university level has never wavered. In undergrad, Almanza witnessed firsthand the joy his professors found not only in their personal research but also in supporting their students.
“They’re getting paid to go do research trips to countries and to different areas and do conferences and stuff like that,” Almanza says. “At the end of the day, that just sounds like fun. And I want to have fun in my job if I want to have it for the rest of my life.”
Almanza’s creative process often starts with a simple question: “Wouldn’t it be funny if I did XYZ?” he says.
This guiding question of finding the fun inspired one of his favorite projects, where he photographed 13 colorful dog
stuffed animals with a stereotypically masculine Mexican man, blending humor and cultural commentary.
“I think oftentimes with the gallery setting, or a very traditional art setting, things can be so serious,”Almanza says. “There’s nothing wrong with being serious, but I think a lot of the time, it’s kind of hard for an audience to relate to the photo, relate to the work.”
By introducing comedy into photography, Almanza feels like he can break down a wall between the art and the audience.
“So, at the end of the day, I’m like, how can I make a project of mine fun, but then also serious at the same time where I can have this dual layer of conversation,” Almanza says. “If I’m not having fun doingsomething, why the heck am I doing it?”
Vivienne Westwood’s Artful Ode to History
How one revolutionary designer reinvented classic elegance
Written by Maggie Cleary, Staff Writer | Graphic by Payton Fuller, Creative Team
Models emerge like figures from a bygone era — dripping in pearls, wrapped in opulent fabrics and adorned in 18th-century corsets, each piece a museum masterpiece brought to life.
On the runway, Vivienne Westwood’s creative vision takes shape as a bold blend of art and history, each garment pulling inspiration from the masterful brushstrokes of revolutionary artists like Pablo Picasso, Francois Boucher and Jean-Antoine Watteau. With each collection, Westwood’s avant-garde designs challenge convention by merging the elegance of the past with bold, subversive elements that disrupt runway norms.
A Defiant Beginning
Westwood’s influential career began in the 1960’s with a clear and defiant statement.1 Without formal design or seamstress training, Westwood created clothing referencing the rebellious subculture of London’s underground party scene. Inspired by the leather-clad fetishwear among punk rock artists, she combined scandalous graphics with distressed fabrics that shocked mainstream fashion.2
As punk bands like the Sex Pistols rapidly emerged in dominant culture, Westwood sought more subtle ways of subverting established society with her signature outsider aesthetic. Westwood’s Autumn/Winter 1983 collection “Nostalgia of Mud,” for example, fused elements of traditional, primitive society with the technology and silhouettes of the post-industrial age.3
A Taste for the Past
As Westwood’s influence advanced into the 1980s and ‘90s, her appreciation for historical influences intensified.
1 “Vivienne Westwood: punk, new romantic and beyond,” Victoria and Albert Museum, 2024.
2 Ibid.
3 Yvonne Gold, “Vivienne Westwood’s Radically Chic Nostalgia of Mud,” AnOther Magazine, 2016.
Her 1987 “Harris Tweed” collection celebrated traditional British tailoring and craftsmanship. The Harris Tweed fabric embodies a centuries-long history of artistry and is a symbol of British heritage.4 This collection highlighted Westwood’s ability to showcase how history could be woven, quite literally, into the fabric of contemporary fashion.
In the following years, her designs took an even more explicit turn toward honoring art history. A partnership with the Wallace Collection, a globally-recognized British fine arts museum, nourished Westwood’s passion for 18th-century art.
Rococo paintings into wearable pieces, Westwood bridged the gap between modern fashion and fine art mediums. The clothing pieces were her canvas, transforming the runway into a gallery of transformation and innovation.
A Lasting Legacy
Following her death in 2022, Westwood’s legacy is one of unapologetic creativity, pushing the fashion bounds across art, politics, social commentary and history. Her fearless incorporation of historical art set her apart as a designer who didn’t just draw on the past but transformed it into a style of her own.
“I wanted to use the things that most epitomized paintings,” said Westwood, noting the collaboration. “I wanted the look of a model who’d just stepped out of a portrait.”5
Westwood particularly liked the artist Francois Boucher’s romantic paintings, such as “Daphis and Chloe,” using advanced printing technology to apply the classic images to corsets and bodysuits.6 By transforming iconic French
4 “Harris Tweed,” Vivienne Westwood, 2024.
5 “Westwood Heritage: A History with Wallace Collection,” Vivienne Westwood, 2024.
6 “Vivienne Westwood: a taste for the past,” Victoria and Albert Museum, 2024.
By embracing historical influences and reimagining them with modern flair, Westwood taught us that fashion is not just about trends — it’s about innovation, expression and pushing boundaries. As we look to the future of design, we can draw valuable lessons from her fearless approach to creativity, learning to appreciate the timeless artistry of the past while continuously reinterpreting it to shape the world of tomorrow.
The Mysterious Memories within the Surreal Dream
Peering into the creative vision of Emily Jeeone Han, former Moda member and aspiring artist
Written
Reuscher,
by Kate
Culture Section Editor | Graphics by Emily Jeeone Han
The bones of a fish. A cigarette stubbed out in the bright yolk of an egg. Spidery, sharply manicured hands. Buttons and scissors jumbled across a table. At first glance, these elements seem disjointed, clashing as they’re brought together on canvas. In their odd juxtaposition, however, a sense of purpose emerges, each color and object jarring yet somehow united in serving a common purpose. Beauty emerges not from harmony, but from the tension between these elements — precisely where the beauty and intention lies in Emily Jeeone Han’s paintings.
Han, a former Moda member, has been driven by a lifelong passion for art. Her work, best described as surreal paintings and dreamscapes, takes a fascinating and slow descent into “weirder and weirder” territory, as she calls it. She explores the tension between everyday objects, arranging them in unconventional compositions that appear real off the bat, but upon closer inspection, subtle differences and intentions are revealed.
But what inspires a person to create large paintings of inanimate objects strewn about, or to depict subliminally charged scenes of a home’s laundry room and foyer?
Han’s answer boils down to something deeply entwined and ingrained in her: her culture.
Han moved to the U.S. from Korea when she was just 5 years old. Much of her art reflects the disorienting experience of navigating a new world and culture as a young girl — an experience vastly differing from that of her parents, who moved to the U.S. as adults with a solid understanding of the world around them.
Despite the move, Han has always grasped onto her familial tie to art, growing up surrounded by women who were deeply artistic and passed their creative genes down to her.
“I think that through the past couple of years, I felt like I really wanted to take this seriously and tie it closer to my identity,” Han says.
And her lineage has only strengthened her work’s purpose.
Some recurring symbols in Han’s paintings are the aforementioned fish bones and sewing materials scattered in bright and captivating textures. While they may seem random to an unknowing eye, each item is meticulously placed, these familiar yet ambiguous daily objects speaking to certain memories and personal significance. The fish bones, for instance, represent her strong tie to Asian culture and
folktales, as fish are considered protective spirits often displayed around Korean Buddhist temples.
“Bones are the ultimate essence of a person,” Han says, and an ultimate piece of her culture.
The intersections of culture and history in Han’s paintings fuels her to be curious of her surroundings while still finding comfort in the therapeutic act of painting.
Another element of inspiration for Han’s work lies in representing the American middle class. In the buttons and sewing materials, Han recalls watching the female figures in her life sew while growing up, with materials splayed on the table in a chaotic yet organized array. Within sewing, she finds traces of “domestic womanhood, this idea of labor and not having enough room for things you own.”
While her pieces hold deep personal meaning, Han emphasizes that the allure and arcane qualities of art are not lost in her work. It may not be the buttons or the fish bones that stick out to you in “Breakfast of the Champions”— it could be the sprinkled cupcake in “A Living Hub” or the checkered flooring in “Past the Hall.” Whatever it is, Han’s goal is for her art to spark an individual memory.
“It’s important that everyone has a different association,” Han says. “I don’t like to impose a specific view for people to view my art.”
Art may not be objective, but it should be accessible to all — a statement that captures much of Han’s passion for art. Since graduating last spring, she has pursued a career in Chicago as a board member of a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting underrepresented artists and marginalized identities, such as women of color.
“Coming from an Asian background and living in an area with not much cultural diversity, I always felt there were a lot of opportunities to learn that weren’t accessible when surrounded by the same people,” Han says.
As Han continues to push boundaries, painting from perspectives of both nostalgia and innovation, her art remains a living, breathing process from which we all can gain something meaningful.
“All artists are makers of their own worlds,” Han says. “That’s why I love to explore, not just within my own work, but also learning with and from other people!”
Jigsaw
How art has shaped singer-songwriter Conan
Written by Alyna Hildenbrand, Staff Writer | Graphic by Elise Wilson, Creative Team
“But for now, I’m only people-watching.”1
These lyrics, streamed over 430 million times, have resonated with listeners across the globe. Written and recorded by better-known pop star and lesser-known visual artist Conan Gray, the song captures the sense of disconnect he often feels from others. Millions have connected with Gray’s storytelling, finding comfort in the way he shares his life experiences.
Gray often speaks about his difficult family life, a factor which led him to embrace the arts.2 Creating music, drawing, painting and hiding from the outside world became his safe space.3
Gray frequently shared his artwork on his Youtube channel, in addition to music. Starting with covers, he eventually began producing original pieces. Youtube provided Gray with a platform to showcase his work and build his own following. As a self-proclaimed “outsider, ” the platform gave him an outlet to express himself and jumpstart his career.4
Gray was confident that he could find success through a career in the arts. On his YouTube channel, he shares that he felt he had invested so much effort into cultivating his art that not purising it would be a waste.”5
Despite focusing on a music-based career, Gray continues to use his talents in physical art. “I draw all of my own merch, as well as draw out my music videos scene by scene,” he says in a video on his Youtube Channel.6 He also designed the cover and lyric video for his single “Jigsaw,” posting on Instagram that he “spent a couple weeks drawing, writing, ripping and biting, to make the video.”7 By combining a variety of different media, Gray was able to create something that he felt truly matched the essence of his song.
Today, Gray is best known for his music. Many fans are drawn to his songs for their poignant lyrics, which often reflect feelings of being misunderstood or unheard. Gray paints a whirlwind of emotions, writing lyrics that can be described as searches for genuine connection.8
In his self-stated favorite song, “Footnote,” from his sophomore album Superache, Gray reflects on feeling like a minor
1 Spotify, “Conan Gray - Spotify Top Songs,” Nov. 11, 2024.
2 Russel Dean Stone, “Conan Gray,” Notion, Aug. 2, 2019.
3 Ibid.
4 Ibid.
5 Conan Gray, “How I Pursued Art (Moving Out & College),” Youtube, March 6, 2018.
6 Conan Gray, “All About Conan Gray’s Life & Art,” MTV Asia, Feb. 28, 2020.
7 Conan Gray, Instagram, Feb 28, 2022.
8 Emily Maskell, “Conan Gray on the Humor of ‘Superache,’” Feb. 20, 2022.
Gray’s
career
character in his own story. Singing, “Just like the novels, side characters end up alone,” his lyrics encapsulate his struggle to find belonging, even among those closest to him.
The lyrics of Gray’s first EP and albums carried a similar tone of introspection and longing. However, with a striking rebrand and the release of his new album, recently, “Found Heaven,” Gray has had the chance to showcase his growth both as a person and a public figure. While maintaining his signature heartfelt lyricism,
he produced a captivating work of art.livered a fresh energy that offers his listeners a new kind of emotional connection.
As Gray has grown as an artist, both in popularity and as a person, he has relied on his ability to share his emotions through intricate lyricism as well as through his creation of physical art. By combining these talents, he has gathered a fanbase that represents his authentic self. Through sharing vulnerable aspects of his life — like feeling unseen, grappling with change and struggling to fit in — Gray has created his forever family of “People Watchers.”
9 Peyton Kuschmeider, “Conan Gray’s ‘Found Heaven’ is Revolutionary,” April 12, 2024.
There comes a time in life when you are no longer told what to do or how to think. As young adults, many of us have only known a structured, step-by-step life — from school schedules to career plans to predictable life milestones. But what happens once the comfort of monotony fades? Often, you’re left with a feeling of discomfort and anxiety — a feeling born from confronting the unknown. What if, instead of resisting this uncertainty, we learned to embrace it and turn it into an opportunity for growth?
Life thrives on clarity and certainty, even as it remains full of mystery. While clarity offers direction, ambiguity holds its own power —- if you’re willing to transform your mindset. The unknown does not have to be an endless pit of stress. Instead, we can wield it to be a catalyst for exploration.
When faced with ambiguity, our instinct is to panic and look for an escape. We ask questions that exacerbate our panic, such as “Why is this happening to me?” or “How can I get out of this?” This mindset can lead us feeling trapped and powerless. But what if we reframed those questions? Instead, we could ask, “What can I learn from this?” or “What possibilities can I explore?”
This subtle shift in mental framing could turn a moment of fear and anxiety into an exhilarating risk waiting to be taken or an adventure waiting to unfold.
Much discomfort with ambiguity stems from rigid expectations. Too often we’re told to establish clear goals and chase after them relentlessly. Yet, as many of us eventually discover, life rarely goes according to plan. Fixating on specific outcomes can limit us, leading to frustration when reality deviates from the blueprint we drew for ourselves. It’s time to unlearn rigid timelines and explore open-ended goals. These goals allow for flexibility to adapt as circumstances shift and the creative liberty to pivot when you no longer love what you’re doing. At the end of the day, life is striving toward meaningful outcomes — and what constitutes as meaningful will naturally evolve as life progresses.
much about the journey. Embracing the present moment allows us to enjoy the process and find value in the experiences we are living through. This can be hard to accept, especially when society adamantly pressures us to follow a rigid, narrow path if we want to succeed.
But the trust is, there is no singular “right path” in life.
AMBIGUITY AMBIGUITY
By embracing ambiguity, more time can be spent living in the present rather than stressing over the future. When we are too focused on what’s next, we often miss opportunities right in front of us. Seizing the present moment opens doors you’ve never imagined.
Some people view life as being all about the destination, but it’s just as
Life is full of unexpected detours, but they have the potential to lead to our most cherished and rewarding moments. I firmly believe that what is meant for you will not miss you. If you decide to take the scenic route to your destination, that’s perfectly fine —you’ll just have a few more stories and experiences to share along the way
When you begin to open yourself up to ambiguity, life becomes less about what you are missing and more about what could be. Trust that the right path will always reveal itself to you in due time. Learning to love ambiguity doesn’t mean throwing your goals or ambitions out the window. Instead, it’s about adopting a mindset that challenges the idea that certainty equals success. Growth often comes from stepping into the unknown.
AMBIGUITY AMBIGUITY
Learning to Love Ambiguity
How to turn discomfort into discovery
Written by Mi Chuinda Levy, Lifestyle Editor |
Graphic by Rayyan Bhatti, Creative Director
Comfort in Chaos
Slasher film success and effects on audiences
Written by Adelaide Taylor, Staff Writer
Art the Clown and Jigsaw are two notorious on-screen faces that are guaranteed to elicit strong reactions from fans and foes alike. In the world of horror films, these two characters are known for their blood-splattered screen time and relentlessly brutal torture scenes.
The two horror villains star in the multi-million-dollar franchises “Terrifier” and “Saw” that, combined, have resulted in a whopping 14 movies and counting the most recent “Terrifier 3” premiered on October 11th.
The franchises have received backlash from reputable critics as well as concerned citizens about their glorification of extreme violence and lack of a true plot to support it. The “Saw” franchise was criticized for “twisting itself in indecipherable knots” with its excessive gore and lack of storytelling.1
One review called “Terrifer” “a semi-joyless feast of gore, having nothing fun or interesting to say.”2 The newest Terrifer movie has garnered notable criticism from Christians due to its distorted Christmas themes, labeling the movie a “satanic abomination.”3
1 Conor Murray, “The ‘saw’ Franchise, Ranked by Critics’ Scores and Box Office Opening Weekends,” Forbes, Oct. 4, 2023.
2 Wyatt, “Film Review: Terrifier (2018) - Vogue Horror Take Scary Seriously. Reviews of Movies, Books, Video Games, and Events,” Vogue Horror, Nov. 6, 2023.
3 Ibid.
Lead | Styling by
Styling Lead | Shoot Direction by
Shoot Direction Lead | Makeup and Hair by
Photography by Paige Valley, Photography
Sydney Alston,
Molly Ford,
Maria McFadden, Creative Team | Modeled by Ananya Narayan
However, the reasoning for these two franchises’ successes can arguably be attributed to their controversial and enigmatic nature. Much of the criticism causes intrigue in horror fans that only fuels their motivation to buy a ticket.
Reports of viewers fainting or vomiting during the screenings even became a promotional method for the films themselves. Why do audiences want to subject themselves to such discomfort?
One explanation for audiences’ attraction to cringe-worthy gore is the gratification of experiencing that which would normally upset us in a harmfree environment. This allows people to test the limits of their comfort zone. Watching slasher films is a form of
thrill-seeking, like riding roller coasters with vertical drops.
This dare-devil quality is all about living out our fascinations harmlessly. As Psychologist Dr. Lee Chambers says, “In an increasingly sanitized and protected life, the chance to experience fear and emotional pain can be appealing and a novelty,” which can lead to releases of adrenaline, endorphins and dopamine.4
Nonetheless, the fan bases of movies like “Saw” and “Terrifer” are not getting their endorphins without risk. Watching slasher films with infamous
4 Matthew Rozsa, “The Psychology of Gore: Why Do We like Graphic Blood and Guts in Our Entertainment?” Salon, Oct. 23, 2021.
moments such as Art the Clown’s “bedroom scene” and Jigsaw’s “reverse bear trap” can cause audiences to become desensitized to violent acts.5 There are also concerns that such movies will corrupt young minds and inspire deranged copycats.
However, gore is not all bad. Going to horror movies can act as a kind of group therapy. People rarely watch horror movies alone and can bond through the jump scares. Additionally, watching horror movies can help people face their fears and be more resilient.6
Both directors of “Saw” and “Terrifier” films pride themselves on pushing the boundaries of what is allowed to be displayed on screen; they are aiming to shock audiences with the unthinkable. Damien Leone, the director of “Terrifier,” strives to target the phobias of the actor who portrays Art the Clown by making him act out his own unspeakable fears on screen.7 Is such a goal worthy of respect?
Many critics call into question the moral obligation of a filmmaker and claim that some extremities should be out of bounds. Horror fans, on the other hand, emphasize freedom of expression and the dangers of censorship.
“Not only does editing, reclassifying or censoring classic films deny their creators the right to free speech, but it also deprives viewers of the enjoyment that these works provide,” says Noel Yaxely, journalist and horror fan.8 This is a crucial argument, as the censorship of horror films could be the beginning to a worrisome pattern of restricting art.
Still, is there a line that shouldn’t be crossed in horror? And if so, are the “Saw” and “Terrifer” franchises in danger of blowing right through it? At least for now, the only thing they’re in danger of is producing blockbuster hits, and we can only wait and see if they’ll one day manage to get under even the most desensitized of horror-fans’ skin.
5 Ibid. 6 Ibid.
7 CritiX Tv. “‘TERRIFIER 3’ David Howard Thornton [Interview],” YouTube, Aug. 19, 2024.
8 Noel Yaxley, “The Horror of CensorshipWashington Examiner,” Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, April 28, 2024.
A History of Society’s Love Affair with the Dying
…and
its imminent return
Written by Vanessa Snyder, Staff Writer
Trigger warning: discussion of eating disorders and unhealthy body image
Emaciated chic is knocking, and society wants to let it back in again. With so many new innovations in science, health, wellness and fashion, it’s hard to believe we’ve slowly started falling back into old habits that warp our relationships with life, death and the female body. But what is this deadly love affair that I call emaciated chic, and where does it come from?
In the 19th century, tuberculosis, better known at the time as consumption, was the most fashionable of diseases. The afflicted suffered from fevers and a loss of appetite among other symptoms, as the disease slowly consumed their bodies, drowning victims in their own blood and lung infections.1
1 John Green, “The Deadliest Infectious Disease of All Time | Crash Course Lecture,” YouTube, March 25, 2024.
Photography and Styling by Zoey Corsaro, Creative Team | Shoot Direction by Ava Putnam, Shoot Direction Lead | Modeled by Saige Kearns and Kaya Papadinoff
The so-called “disease of civilization” was unavoidable, and in order to justify the senseless deaths, the disease was prescribed almost magical qualities, said to make men wiser and women more beautiful. The poet Byron encapsulated this veneration of tuberculosis, purportedly saying, “I should like, I think, to die of consumption…because
then the women would all say, ‘see that poor Byron — how interesting he looks in dying!’”2
Fashion imitates life — or, in this case, death. The beauty standards of the 19th century came to imitate the effects of consumption. As victims wasted away, corsets became tapered to emphasize and romanticize the small waist of a frail figure, often exacerbating health issues.3 This was one of many instances where the line between imitating the dying and becoming the dying was blurred. The picture of a wan, waif-like woman with pale skin, flushed cheeks and red lips dominated popular culture until the 20th century.4
Somehow, the slowly deteriorating body caused by tuberculosis captivated society. The beautiful, afflicted woman with a malnourished, gaunt figure became ingrained in popular culture.
Once the disease was shunned, surely the fascination with the woman on death’s door would be too.
Less than a century after the peak of society’s infatuation with consumptive beauty, the fashion world ushered in Kate Moss and the era of the ultra-skinny supermodel. With her large eyes and hollow cheeks, she embodied an unsettling echo of the 19th-century ideals. Heroin chic offered a synthetic, modern twist on the same desire for emaciation.5 Fueled by substance abuse or eating disorders like anorexia, consumptive chic remained impossible to achieve without
2 Imogen Clarke, “Tuberculosis: A Fashionable Disease?” Science Museum Blog, March 24, 2019.
3 Ibid.
4 Ibid.
5 Peta Malins, “Chapter 8 an Ethico-Aesthetics of Heroin Chic: Art, Cliché and Capitalism,” Deleuze and the Body, March 22, 2011.
flirting with death. The ubiquity of magazines and advertisements, along with the rise of the internet, meant that anyone could see and obsess over the heroin chic lifestyle that the rich and famous lived.
This return begs the question: is society choosing to emulate and romanticize qualities of toxic lifestyle choices? The revival of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show6 and low-rise jeans, the rise of Ozempic and trending phrases like “legging legs” seem to indicate that the beauty standard is once again creeping back toward the celebration of emaciated chic. But why now? Is this merely the cyclic nature of the fashion industry, or is it the more sinister allure of imitating death?
And why do we romanticize death? Why is society, as John Keats puts it, “half in love with easeful Death”?7 Perhaps it is because humanity feels a deep need to rationalize death, and in lieu of finding a way to rationalize it, they choose to admire it instead. But there is beauty in life, in happiness and in the profound mystery of discovering purpose in life. All of which can be lost if we become too caught up in physical appearance.
So next time emaciated chic knocks on your door, kindly turn her away and instead reach for whatever makes you happy — because it’s those moments of happiness, not unachievable beauty standards, that make life worth living.
6 Emma Greene, “Fashion History Lesson: The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show,” Fashion History Lesson: The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, Oct. 11, 2024.
7 John Keats, “Ode to a Nightingale,” Poetry Foundation, accessed Nov. 20, 2024.
MArriage of The Firmament
and shoot direction by
Rayyan Bhatti, Creative Director |
Photography
Featuring clothing by Mia Staszcuk and artwork by Kalil Mitchell |
Modeled by Asma Sulieman
Kalil Mitchell is an MFA student and instructor at UW-Madison. Her paintings and drawings explore mystical connections in cosmic phenomena compelled by automatic image-crafting and transcendental abstraction.
Embracing the Mystery of Every Moment
A guide to spontaneity and escaping routine
Written by Elise Daczko, Staff Writer | Graphic by Rayyan Bhatti, Creative Director
6:45
a.m. That’s the time my alarm goes off in the morning. At 7:00 a.m., I get out of bed, brush my teeth and get dressed. By 7:15 a.m., I’m pouring myself a glass of orange juice and eating my pre-prepped bowl of chia seed pudding if it’s a Monday or Wednesday — scrambled eggs if it’s a Tuesday or Thursday. And I am always ready to start the day by 8:00 a.m.
Every day starts in this same way, or at least it did when I began writing this article.
Routines allow me to feel organized and prepared for the future. Every hour of my day is scheduled down to the minute, and my calendar is always jam-packed. I have always been an excessive planner, but I did not discover why until I found this quote by Virginia Woolf:
“You cannot find peace by avoiding life.”
In attempting to find my peace, I strategically planned around the challenging parts of life, yet the fulfillment I’d hoped for did not appear. Woolf’s quote made me realize the loss of op-
portunities excessive planning can lead to. Routines are good to an extent, but novelty and change are crucial to living a fun, vibrant life.
After living with a tight schedule for so long, it can be difficult to recognize that a change is necessary. When routines become monotonous, life can start to feel stagnant, and things you love might not bring you the same joy they once did. For example, I used to make myself an iced lavender latte every afternoon as a pick-me-up drink. However, making it so often began to drain the joy from it. It’s like having your birthday every day — suddenly it’s not as fun or special anymore. When a repeated event no longer brings you joy or offers you anything new to learn or experience, embracing spontaneity may be the perfect place to start.
If you are locked into a strict routine that you cannot seem to deviate from, start small. Try a new study spot, experiment with a new meal or talk to a new classmate. Opening yourself up to the mysteries of every moment can lead to such beautiful connections and bring an extra dash of joy into an otherwise monotonous day.
Being spontaneous can be scary, but it introduces countless benefits into life. Primarily, spontaneity can help you approach new situations with an open mind. A rigid routine can cause you to miss out on opportunities that you never even knew existed. For example, I’ve met some of my closest friends by inserting myself into conversations and events I would have never expected to be a part of. Embracing life’s spontaneous nature opens the door to discovering new connections and friendships you never knew you needed until you find them. There is so much untapped potential all around us, just waiting to be discovered.
There are so many choices to be made every second of every day, and changing one aspect of your day has the potential to change your entire future. This huge impact of choice can be a wonderful motivator to try new things, as you never know what new opportunity will change everything.
Try not to stress out if you don’t have a plan for everything. If you spend too much time thinking about the details of the future, you just might miss the beauty of the present that lies right in front of you.
Being Bold
Thriving outside the box
Written by Makaylah Maxwell, Staff Writer |
Photography and Shoot Direction by
Lilianna Munoz, Creative Team
| Modeled by Tierra
Jones and Hadrea Lee
Being is the present participle of the verb Be which can be defined as, “to have identity with: to constitute the same ideas as.”1 Bold is an adjective that can be defined as, “fearless before danger” or “showing or requiring a fearless daring spirit,” whose synonyms are assured and confident.2
It’s important to acknowledge that being bold can be subjective and every culture has an idea of what is considered acceptable self-expression, being bold can push boundary lines drawn between people and stray away from the norm. For this article, being bold can be defined as a fearless spirit concerning one’s personal life including — but not limited to — fashion, culture, language and expression. Individualism and authenticity act as vessels for being bold in life.
As the world continues to become more globalized and people connect more cross-culturally, constructs of norms begin to change drastically. Through this global perspective, social media has become a tool of socialization and has actively reshaped what people accept to be the norm. However, this new landscape has faced challenges, as fear and apprehension of non-conformity hold many people back from being bold and being themselves. Unfortunately, a culture of staying within the confines drawn for us still persists. Because of this, people are rarely willing to break
1 “Being Definition & Meaning,” Merriam-Webster, 2024.
2 Ibid.
those boundaries without a nudge; they rather allow fear to persist while their true, authentic selves are suppressed. It’s scary to stray from the norm and to be different, however, it is what separates us from the crowd and makes each one of us unique. Being understood by others shouldn’t keep you from being yourself and the person you want to be. Granted, there are times when you will be faced with criticism — family and friends saying you’re too much or they do not understand you, however, you must continue to do and be what makes you happy and comfortable. Continue to step outside of the box and push boundaries.
Understanding that being accepted and celebrated by your community is important, but it should not be your life’s sole purpose. What truly matters is enjoying life in your truest form and leading a fulfilling life. Authenticity can inspire others to open their hearts and minds. A community that accepts you in your authentic form doesn’t have to completely understand your lifestyle — sometimes, simply acknowledging and respecting your boldness is enough.
Being bold doesn’t have to mean dramatic changes. It can be as simple as changing the color of your nails, being more sustainable or even just learning how to say no. These changes — no matter how subtle — might spark critiques, but more importantly, they’re changes that might ignite something within you. Being bold also means seizing opportunities, empowering yourself and others, building your confidence or simply growing as a person. It’s more than fashion or physical appearance.
Embracing discomfort and finding your core values are necessary parts of living boldly and authentically. Knowing what you stand for and what your self-expression impacts your life is key. Being understood by only a few and creating a lifestyle that allows you to become the boldest version of yourself is a powerful form of self-expression. A change in behavior allows for true reflection and growth. Embracing the greatest version of yourself is what being bold is all about — it encourages you to take risks and incorporate them into your life!
