the mini: after dark
MODA the mini JENNIFER ANDERSON Editor-in-Chief Deputy Editor Emma Leuman Art Director Alexandra Folino Creative Directors Kelsey Daykin and Alexa Carlson Fashion Editor Courtney Pelot Lifestyle Editor Meg Rotter Culture Editor Haley Nippert Arts Editor Margaret Duffey Mens Editor Dan Kershner Web Master Jameson Zaballos Staff Writers Maya Campbell, Joe Mckee, Alexa Carlson, Jameson Zaballos, Courtney Pelot, Madelyn Sundquist and Jessica Hamilton Photographers Alexandra Folino and Andrew Salewski Models Skylar Witte, Sara Schuld, Alexa Carlson and Courtney Pelot
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letter from the editor: I
love absolutely everything about autumn. To avoid sounding like any other basic white girl out there, I have to say that I’m not the biggest fan of the classic PSL. Instead, I love the unexpected parts of fall that we might all take for granted. Especially in Wisconsin, where fall is something that happens so quickly, you might miss it if you blink for just a second. As we enter into the coziest of all months, October, I have to constantly stop and look around before I miss all the autumnal magic. I love those special moments when the wind rustles the
leaves around so that a few fall on the ground and you can crunch them as you walk by. I love when it starts getting too cold for sandals and it’s finally time to pull out my favorite high-heeled booties.
Most of all, I love autumn nights, when it’s the perfect weather out for roasting marshmallows, traversing down paths in a corn maze, and cuddling up with a warm cup of cider and a good book. It’s the small luxuries that we only get to enjoy after dark that makes autumn such a special time.
Naturally, “After Dark” seemed like the perfect theme for this year’s October Mini. There’s so much to explore that only exists after the sun goes down, and nothing should stop us from doing so. From one autumn lover to the next: put down your PSL and take time to appreciate the October nights around you before they’re gone. Cheers mes amies,
October 2015 | 3
CULTURE
The Jeanne Clery Act vs.
CAMPUS SEXUAL ASSUALT By Maya Campbell, Culture Writer Many of us are not familiar with the official names of legislative acts . If asked about the Jeanne Clery Act, you would probably be at a loss for what exactly it is. If, however, you realize it is referred to in the crime warning emails reporting crime and sexual assaults that the entire campus receives, you would most likely have a better idea of what it is and what it aims to do. In 1990, the Clery Act was passed following the rape and murder of Lehigh University student, Jeanne Clery. It mandates that all colleges and universities receiving federal funding report and share information about crime on campus in order to keep students, faculty, and the community informed and safe. Institutions are also responsible for supporting victims of violence, and giving “timely� warnings 4 | October 2015
and notifications to the surrounding community. This seems constructive, as it tracks crime trends on campus. However, under the surface of this legislation, many university policy makers are not totally convinced that the notifications to students and faculty have resulted in any change. The Clery Act has been long at play, and for decades large universities have come under fire for not following protocol. In 2013, Yale faced fines of up to $165,000 as a result of failing to report sexual assaults on campus. Recently, due to the negligence of many institutions in reporting sexual assault, the Act has been amended under the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act to place greater emphasis on the disclosure of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
The skepticism about this update to the Clery Act lies in the fact that sexual assault is a sensitive and often taboo subject, resulting in fewer official reportings of it. According to the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), 68% of sexual assaults are not reported to authorities, so it is safe to assume that these acts are also underreported on college campuses. Since the beginning of the semester, there have been four email alerts under the Clery Act of reported sexual assault to UW-Madison campus authorities. According to Clery Act protocol, on four separate occasions a student has experienced sexual assault, reported it to a school official, and gone through the appropriate avenues to file and record the event. At this point, the police may or may not be contacted and
the victim’s academic, working, or living situation may change depending on their proximity to the perpetrator. Due to the harsh bureaucratic process, the Center for Public Integrity reports that fewer people are reporting their sexual assault experiences and though most names are kept anonymous during the investigation process, victims often feel that their personal space can be violated. Perhaps the most problematic element of the process is the fact that once the sexual assault is reported, it is the victim’s life that is uprooted. While interviewing a UWMadison student who went through the process of reporting sexual assault last year, she revealed that if the perpetrator is in the victim’s class or living area, the victim is suggested to leave that housing situation, and change classes, workspaces, and usual hangout spots. This is also stated on the Clery Center for Security on Campus website. In effect, the protocol following a reported sexual assault on a public campus can lead victims to feel punished.This demonstrates a need for a more equitable way of investigating sexual assault. In addition to this, how the Act is helping reduce sexual assault on campus is an everpresent concern. In the case of an armed robbery, people are encouraged to avoid an area with a dangerous suspect; warning against sexual assault does not function in the same way. Often the emails sent to those who receive updates about sexual assault are laden with the “get consent” message, that students have hopefully been hearing time and time again. Of course, it is never too redundant to suggest that people get consent; however, with this message at the forefront of the conversation for years, we have to wonder why it is that sexual assaults are still so prevalent on college campuses. Another major concern about the nature of reporting sexual assault through the Clery Act is that sexual assault is a large umbrella term for a plethora of acts from rape to inappropriate touch. RAINN defines sexual assault as a crime of power and control, which refers to sexual contact or behavior without the explicit consent of the victim. Therefore, sexual assault can be non-consensual penetration, attempted
rape, forcing someone to perform a sexual act, and/or any unwanted sexual touching. Sexual assault can be bold and blatant, but it can also be difficult to distinguish what sexual touching is exactly, especially when the people involved are familiar with one another. I have had conversations with friends about drunken nights out, in which they revealed that they were assaulted while at a bar when a stranger grabbed their vagina or penis, or fondled their breast or put a hand up their shirt in the hustle and bustle of Madison’s nightlife. Violations as such may not register to victims as crimes. Sadly, the popular sentiment is that while it made them feel disgusting, they did not think that the situation was severe enough to be taken seriously, or they did not think that the process of reporting the crime was worth the humiliation and stress they may be put through. It may be a bit more beneficial for the police department or the school to emphasize the importance of reporting crimes of this nature. In addition, providing a guideline for what constitutes sexual assault will help eliminate much of the grey area when students are trying to decipher what happened to them. This would not be an attempt to limit experiences, but to validate those who may doubt themselves. In doing this, students may feel more inclined to report sexual assault when they experience it, and to step in when they see it happening. It is imperative that students know that they will be protected when they stand up for their rights and for the rights of others. It is as important to support legislation that aims to help and correct problems of crime on campuses, as it is to critique it in order to find better solutions. The Clery Act, while a step in the right direction, has a lot more ground to cover. As students who are perhaps the main beneficiaries of its policies and results, it is our place to step in to embrace what works and suggest those necessary changes.
If you or a friend have experienced sexual assault, there are many resources both on and off campus that offer counseling, health services, and other help:
PAVE UW-MADISON (608) 890-2139 - General Number (608) 263-3837 - Peer Education Coordinator (608) 251-7273 - 24hr Rape Crisis Center Line 3147 Student Activity Center 333 East Campus Mall Madison, WI 53715
UHS END VIOLENCE ON CAMPUS 333 East Campus Mall, 8th floor 608-265-1483 evoc@uhs.wisc.edu http://www.uhs.wisc.edu/evoc/victimadvocacy.shtml
RAPE CRISIS CENTER Campus Location: 608-265-6389333 East Campus Mall, #7901 Community Office: 608-251-51262801 Coho St., #301 24-Hour Crisis Line: 608-251-7273 info@danecountyrcc.org danecountyrcc.org
DOMESTIC ABUSE INTERVENTION SERVICES (DAIS) 608-251-1237 info@abuseintervention.org abuseintervention.org 24-Hour Help Lines: 608-251-4445 or 800-747-4045
UHS COUNSELING AND CONSULTATION SERVICES 608-265-5600 (option 2) 333 East Campus Mall, Floor 7 uhs.wisc.edu 24-Hour Crisis Services: 608-265-5600 (option 9)
October 2015 | 5
INTO THE DARK Article and Makeup by Joe McKee, Lifestyle Writer Skylar Witte photographed by Alexandra Folino
“MODA in the Light” relies on softness and minimalism to portray purity, innocence and daylight. The artist focuses on a fresh, neutral face by flushing out any outstanding features. To avoid distraction, highlighting became the dominant element in this look. Get This Look: To begin, flush out the skin by mixing a small amount of cream foundation base that is two shades lighter than skin tone into liquid foundation to create a smooth, medium-coverage finish. After setting with powder, add highlights to the high points of the face, causing the features pop. In order to restore natural dimension to the cheekbones, jawline and temples, contour the face with a cool brown powder. Taking NYX’s Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil, fill in the eyebrows, eyelashes and lips with a neutral tone to keep the focus on facial structure, while flooding the face with a soft glow. Finish the look with MAC Fix+ to keep the face fresh and soft.
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“MODA after Dark” is bold and unrefined. The artist chose to convey the wild ferocity that emerges at night and emphasize the previously concealed features. The primary element of this piece is the dark, feathered eyes. The spontaneous strokes reinforce the “unrefined” theme of the look and command all attention to the eyes.
Get This Look: In this contrasting look, start by applying foundation, powder, contour and highlights. Next, make the eyebrows more profound by taking a shade of brow powder two shades deeper than their natural color and adding definition. After the eyebrows are shaped, add dimension to the
corners of the eyes, enhancing their roundness. To create a bold, feathered effect, mix an ink-black pigment and a silicone-based primer for a smooth, effortless look. For further definition, take a black gel liner and add additional flecks of darkness to the corners. As a final touch, add a cranberry lip color.
See video tutorials on these looks at modamadison.com September 2015 | 7
WEAR THE LINGERIE
Back when I was in elementary school my mom always received Victoria’s Secret catalogs in the mail. I thought they were beautiful—all of the lace, silk, ribbons and rhinestones. This was way back when Tyra and Heidi were the top angels and Alessandra and Adriana were just starting out. The Christmas catalog was always my favorite due to the elaborate photo shoots and the annual multi-million dollar bra. The bras, undies and lingerie were all so pretty, but I felt bashful to ask my mom to let me look at them because I was worried
it was inappropriate. Of course my mom knew it wasn’t a big deal, so she let me look through these catalogs. That’s when my love for lingerie began. Lingerie is much more than sexy garments. Bras, underwear and lingerie are about confidence. It’s something women have all to themselves. For many of us, we can relate to that feeling when you put your favorite pair of underwear and bra on in the morning. It gives you confidence because you feel amazing and only you know why.
Even in popular culture, underwear is an important part of the day: Jenna Marble’s underwear horoscope video on YouTube is a hilarious and an accurate collection of explanations of how your day will go based on what type of underwear you wear. Of course, we all know the cardinal rules: 1) matching sets equal the best day ever and 2) underwear from a pre-packaged set mean you have admitted defeat. So many women think it doesn’t pay to buy pretty bras, underwear or lingerie if
“WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT UNDERWEAR IS THAT IT MAKES YOU FEEL CONFIDENT AND SEXY WITHOUT ANYONE KNOWING WHY.” –DOUTZEN KROES
Written and Photographed by Alexa Carlson, Fashion Writer they don’t have “someone to wear it for.” Lingerie is about how it makes you feel, not something “for” someone else. Fall in love with an amazing chantilly lace push up bra with adorned rhinestones? Get it. Wear it under a sweatshirt to run errands even. I promise it’ll put you in a good mood and add confidence. Same goes for underwear. I’m totally guilty of wearing high-waisted leopard print underwear while just hanging out at home in sweats. So what? If it makes you happy wear it.
Lingerie isn’t just for girly girls either. If lace or jewels aren’t your thing, you still have plenty of options. With the huge trend towards athletic wear lately, options and designs of sports bras are endless. I’m in love with the strappy back sports bras from Lululemon. Or for those who love ultimate comfort, try a Calvin Klein bralette. Once you put it on, you’ll never want to wear anything else. Sports bras aren’t just for working out anymore. They’re a comfy, functional option with just as much style as their lacy counterparts.
I encourage women to have fun with their underwear. Build your undergarment wardrobe just like you’d build the rest of your wardrobe. Pick out styles, colors and fabrics that make you feel good. Even the most terrible day can be made a little better by putting on your favorite bra and underwear. If you buy what makes you happy and feel confident, that’s a pretty powerful thing. It’s like set of armor worn under your clothes that only you know about. Sure lingerie is sexy. But it’s also strong and beautiful.
NEVERMORE
Embrace long October nights with rich velvet, dramatic lace and decadent brocade. Add a hint of shine to moody lips and a dusting of shimmer to plum eyes for a romantic, muse-worthy look. You never know what adventure awaits you after dark.
Directed by: Kelsey Daykin and Alexa Carlson
Creative Team: Kayla Cooke, Taylor Palmby, Alyce Wang Sara Schuld photographed by Andrew Salewski
Make-up by Michael Klimmeck
Tulle blouse and brocade corset: Designed by Madalyn Manzeck Skirt: Forever 21 Boots: Mossimo
Robe: Designed by Madalyn Manzeck Dress: Urban Renewal Earrings: Forever 21 Stockings: Victoria’s Secret
DID A$AP ABANDON GOTH?
A LOOK AT A$AP ROCKY’S AESTHETIC JOURNEY
By Jameson Zaballos, Men’s Writer If you haven’t already seen A$AP Rocky’s video for his recent single “L$D,” you should prepare your eyes and ears for the new fluorescent gloss that’s been applied to the ringleader’s patent swagger. In this video, we witness a nocturnal journey through the streets of Tokyo in which Rocky and a lady friend discover themselves, united in the midst of a psychedelic fever dream. The more sensual images and melodies explored here serve as a noticeable departure from the dark, chic rhythmics of his studio debut in 2013’s LONG. LIVE.A$AP. Does this sweeter aesthetic syrup give fans an accurate look into Rocky’s changes as an inspiration for style? Few rappers embody the fusion of lifestyle and clothing as well as Rocky, and this facet of his game remains stalwart. His expression of his life through his style gives us insight into how his mood change has affected and directed his fashion sense. His style, it’s clear, becomes a personal expression of himself.
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For one, Rocky gives us more open insight into his emotional state. The glistening street hustle from his first two releases remains in tracks like M’$ and LPFJ2, but those were accompanied by a darker, heavier tone and vibe. At.Long. Last.A$AP is more often soulful, melodic, and sometimes folky in texture and tone. The album’s lighter, inwardreflecting lyrics and ethereal visuals play on themes of spiritual enlightenment, religious commitment, and love for love’s sake. It’s easy to see these moods carry over into his fashion. Rocky is especially well known for his gothic, high-meets-low streetwear feel. You know the designers: Alexander Wang, Rick Owens, Fear Of God, Raf Simons. These progressive forces in menswear are known for their attention to dark details, from Owens’ almost sinister experiments with drape and militarism to Simons’ graphic illustrations of subversive youth subcultures. Weird fits, weird accents,
weird references and yet, A$AP ably infused their goth with a street accredited aggression and finesse that has rendered his aura so fresh. What happened, though? Why is his third album such a shift aesthetically and stylistically from his earlier work? Is this an abandonment of the dark side, or is he just reimagining and rethinking what we perceive, and giving us a closer look? Reactions to his first mixtape, LONG. LIVE.A$AP, were meteoric. Not only did Rocky spit a naturally pretty flow, but he showed the internet a look that felt like the epicenter of downtown cool. He was on the upswing, but he gave followers the impression that he was something that would be in style for the foreseeable future. The music videos accompanying the album are straight-up eye candy for his style. Footage of his crew decked out in statement streetwear and swerving through the streets sent the message
that they had already owned, sold, and re-owned Manhattan’s new hip hop landscape. Goldie and Wild For The Night feature outfits that amount to carefully curated victory laps. My personal favorites, Peso and Long Live A$AP, absolutely encapsulate the entire tone of his rock stardom as an up-and-comer. His decision to film the LLA music video mostly without color intentionally lends credence to the gallery-ready style the album exhibits, while the splashes of color show the beginning of his next step. Rarely does a talent have as rich an aesthetic hook to provides fans with as Rocky’s multimedia tastemaking machine. It’s telling that his moves outside of the studio are followed almost as much as his hitmaking ability. Did Rocky’s decorous stunts leave him high and dry in some existential way? It seems as though A$AP reached a point where he felt like his work and look needed thematic expansion. AT.LONG.LAST.A$AP is perhaps more in touch. It displays a shift towards self-awareness, which manifested itself in the music video for Everyday; Rocky knows exactly where he’s at, and exactly what he’s become. This album is his awakening, his resting atop a mountain in meditation. In L$D, he goes full digital-flower-power on all of us. Seriously, watch the video. It’s gorgeous. Still with beautiful clothes, still with perfect fits. Fits and styles, though, that seemed to reflect his introspective mood.
complex.com
It remains to seem as though his style is no less privy to the flashy brand cosigns and expensive news. Rocky feels at home vetting his look against classic boutique sensibilities and flexing on GQ pocket-squares. He and his crew remain firm on their grasp of streetwear pulse and these days, subculture is hot. He’s taking skate style worship to punk rock’s reawakening and everywhere in between, and it’ll always be that stylistic relevance that leads him. A$AP’s realization of what he wants, what he likes, and what he feels is consistently evidenced in his look. On dressing, Rocky says, “With clothes, I like mixing what different designers do until it becomes a personal expression of how I’m feeling that day.” A$AP has not abandoned goth. He retains a moodychic which now happens to be accompanied by a deeper trip into his mind. We’re lucky he’s chosen to take us along for the ride. iammusic.blogspot.com
October 2015 | 17
LIGHTS
OUT welcoming back the slip dress
By Courtney Pelot, Fashion Editor Slips designed by Madalyn Manzeck Alexa Carlson and Courtney Pelot photographed by Andrew Salewski
It’s no secret that UW students enjoy their evenings spent out on the town. Whether they’re hitting up their favorite bar for a beer, enjoying tapas and sangria on State Street or sipping a unique cocktail around Capitol Square, a night out in Madison is the perfect time for making memories with friends. It’s also an opportunity to get all dolled up with the ladies before the sun sets. For these fabulous evenings out, step outside of your comfort zone by trying something other than dark skinnies. If you’re feeling stuck in a fashion rut, why not take a look back at fashion favorites from the past? After glancing back at images from the ‘90s, it’s obvious that the slip dress ruled the decade. And who knows how to rock a slip dress better than Kate Moss herself ? After stepping out in an almost completely sheer version in 1993, this garment quickly became a staple in the budding model’s wardrobe. In the mid-nineties she donned versions that were cut straight across—a truly ‘90s style—and ones with sexy
lace appliques. Even in more recent years, the fashionista has gone back to her roots by slipping into her iconic dress. Inspired by a combination of her ‘90s classics and a lacy Louis Vuitton number she wore in 2013, forgo the predictable LBD and step onto the street in a lacy slip dress. While you can certainly opt for a satin slip dress, you can also take a more daring route by opening your lingerie drawer. Try pairing a short and sexy slip with a textured coat. Kate Moss typically wears oversized black jackets and big fur coats with her slips. To recreate this style, contrast delicate fabrics with jewel tone feather coats or luxe leather jackets. For a night out, it’s fun to add a little glamour. Add waterfall drop earrings, a pearl bracelet or a stand-out bag, covered in luxurious feathers or velvet—whatever makes you feel like a supermodel. Go ahead—channel your inner Kate with a daring after dark look this weekend.
October 2015 | 19
LIFESTYLE
A SOBER NIGHT OUT When the sun goes down on weekend evenings in Madison, the party animals come out to play. A school that is continually ranked as one of the top ten party schools in the nation, UW-Madison knows how to get down. A typical Friday night for me usually consists of my black leather jacket, my best friends and a few gin and tonics, but I decided to do an experiment. I wanted to experience a night out while I was stone-cold sober.
Don’t get me wrong, my sober night out was full of positive realizations. I noticed that alcohol made everyone more outgoing, the dance floor had an electricity and I noticed girls buying boys drinks, defying gender norms. Most importantly, I noticed that everyone seemed genuinely happy. The college atmosphere is often filled with a lot of stress, and it was refreshing to see everyone forget their worries and just let loose. I loved seeing my best friends so happy and carefree when just hours before they were I started my sober endeavor with high hopes. I thought that freaking out about midterms, boys or finances. I would enjoy watching all of the craziness surrounding me, and I wanted to get an idea of what a sober bystander In some ways, they needed this kind of release. Although thought of me on a typical night out. However, the evening there are plenty of ways to kick back and relax without didn’t go exactly as planned, and I was forced to really see alcohol, I was just happy to see them happy. what unfolded during my intoxicated adventures.
My sober adventure made me realize why a night out isn’t always a bad thing, but it also made me confront the negative components that accompany a night full of partying. During my sober evening, I couldn’t help but notice the superficiality of the party scene. I have to say that nine times out of 10, girls and guys weren’t just dancing with their pals; they were focused on meeting someone new to take home for the night. This worried me because I was forced to confront my own intentions. I, too, have gotten all dressed up and gone out in the hopes that a boy would take interest in me. Frustration consumed me as I realized that all the time I had spent getting wasted was quite literally a waste of time. My sober night out opened my eyes to how the hook-up mentality has affected my life and my own selfesteem. It is easy to get caught up in this mindset because the hookup culture has become so prominent on college campuses.
We can stop crafting a hookup culture that fosters illfeelings and expectations. We can stop talking about both men and women as sex-objects and start talking about them as people. We can appreciate others for more than just their appearance. The APA found that the most hookup regret is associated with engaging in sexual activity with someone known less than 24 hours. To avoid getting into this situation, ask your friends to make sure you don’t hook-up with someone that you’ve never met before.
“...crazy nights are meant for finding your bridesmaids not your husband.”
The American Psychological Association found that 72 percent of college-aged students regretted at least one instance of previous sexual activity. If there is so much regret associated with hooking-up, why is it so prevalent?
We must make sure that we carefully monitor how much we drink because then we’ll be able to make a mature decision about whether or not we want to engage in hookup activity. Most importantly, go out with the intention of having a good time with your friends and not with hooking-up. In today’s culture, many students can feel like a night without a hook-up isn’t a good night. I think often times they forget that the best nights are usually spent with your friends and that the crazy nights are meant for finding your bridesmaids not your husbands.
Personally, I’m making a vow to enjoy the time I have with my friends instead of trying to please someone else. I vow to come home with my girls and binge eat nachos on the kitchen floor instead of ending up in a The APA also found that 33 percent of students who stranger’s bed. From now on, a night out means a night reported having uncommitted sex indicated their with the girls. Afterall, I’m not likely to meet the man of motivation was “unintentional,” and was likely due to my dreams while falling off a barstool. drugs or alcohol. For both men and women, hookingup can even lead to feelings of regret. These observations only reflect one night out and do not consider What can we do to stop this hookup culture and the what might have happened if the experiment was extended. I do regret often associated with it? not mean to say that everyone who goes out has the goal of hookingup, these are purely observations based on personal experience.
October 2015 | 21
ROGER BALLEN, THE ABJECT, AND ZEF By Madelyn Sundquist, Arts Writer
This fall, the Chazen Museum of Art welcomed the internationally renowned photographer Roger Ballen to one of its visiting exhibition galleries. I recently viewed Ballen’s exhibit and lecture at the Chazen, as well as attended a small Q&A session with the artist the following day, to solidify my impression of the artist’s work. In his early days, Ballen self-labeled as a “documentary photographer,” an observer in the broader landscape of rural South Africa, working in outdoor photography. In his lecture, he explained that it took “going inside” to begin to see himself as a “transformer, a theater director” in his art. Elaborating on this point at his Q&A session the following day, Ballen said photography “was a hobby til [he] was 50.” Only in the past 15 or 20 years has he departed from documenting to constructing artist photography. The pieces shown in the Chazen present this grand departure into what he calls “documentary fiction,” as he now creates abject settings with suburban and rural people he meets, in order communicate with the dark recesses of the minds of the viewers. Entering the gallery, a visitor is immediately confronted with his abrasive film, Asylum of the Birds (2014), setting the tone for the photo series of the same name. He introduces his engineered setting, an asylum-like house in the suburbs of Johannesburg. Ballen acts like a visiting outsider, coming to talk to his photographic subjects, all while the camera quickly flashes back and forth between different shots of bird eyes and human eyes, including the rapid presentation of a human eye being gouged out. Without a break, Outland (2015) begins to play. The characters we meet are impoverished, appear to have cognitive and/or physical disabilities and all get through each day via ritual. We meet a man named Stan who catches and releases rats all day; we meet Stefanus, who draws the same chalk face on the wall perpetually. In a 2014 interview with Vice Magazine, Ballen describes himself with relation to this film and photo collection as a “psychological photographer,” caking on countless layers of symbolism until he forces viewers to look at themselves in the “asylum.”
Crucified (2009) from Asylum of the Birds
Take Off (2012) from Asylum of the Bird
Continuing through the exhibit, the Asylum of the Birds photo series displays birds, and the masked and dying. The strange nature of the work appears in the blurred line between animal and man. In Three Legged Dog (2014), the viewer sees a child mannequin, dirty 22 | October 2015
Outland (2015), film
Three Legged Dog (2014) from Asylum of the Birds
and ill, lying on a cot with birds above it, and a three legged dog below it. Curating this piece as a blatant juxtaposition of man and nature, finalized with an image of a clean bride above the child, Ballen draws strong reactions through tapping into the subconscious of viewers. The photographer maintains that his work is intentionally ambiguous; however, both the photo series and the films of Asylum of the Birds maintains the same aesthetic, drenched in dirt and memento mori, unnerving us with the stark image of environmental decay in South Africa. While the visual work of Ballen is striking and thought-provoking, there has been speculative criticism over his treatment and use of human subjects, most of whom are disabled, and all of which come from decaying, impoverished areas. The artist rebutted the claims of dehumanization and exploitation of subjects during his visit by explaining, “I can’t think of one who didn’t enjoy working with me.” Lecturing, Ballen told the audience that he assists the struggling people he meets financially and functions as a friend to them. “I just try to get along with people,” he said, telling us his subjects are “sitting around doing nothing” oftentimes anyway, and love the chance for activity. This is an important issue to consider while looking at Ballen’s work, and while I think the work’s honesty with the human subjects’ conditions enhances his , the issue is contentious. Regardless, the presence of disability in this internationally recognized art is important to the continued visibility of those who experience disability in their lives.
Yolandi and Sneaky Hand (2012) from I Fink U Freeky
The other series presented in this exhibition is I Fink U Freeky, a collaboration with the South African rap-rave group, Die Antwoord, following a similar aesthetic as the previous photo series. The partnership arose when Die Antwoord’s Yolandi Vi$$er and Ninja contacted Ballen in 2005, telling him they scrapped all of their work to follow Ballen’s own aesthetic. Ballen admitted, “I’m responsible for Die Antwoord.” Soon after contacting the photographer, Ballenstyle drawings and motifs popped up in the group’s videos and photos, synthesizing into a “zef ” style of work. Zef is a fascinating trend in South African pop culture. Incubated in the 1980s as a synonym to anything “white trash, or anything wack or lame,” zef now reflects dying Afrikaans culture and “poor style.” Afrikaans culture refers to the culture of South Africans of Germanic, colonial descent. Ninja comments on this in a 2010 interview with Mother Jones, explaining how contemporary zef is “this apocalyptic debris that we’ve stuck together... [it’s] the underbelly of Afrikaans culture, but it also, like, is Afrikaans culture.” Ballen explained he and Die Antwoord create “parallel work,” which “expanded his aesthetic” into zef. Ballen’s subjects are what some may call “white trash” themselves, presenting that image while commenting on socio-political issues in South Africa and the internal monologue, which puts him solidly in the zef arena. In a photo in I Fink U Freeky, Yolandi and Sneaky Hand (2012), Yolandi Vi$$er lies on a dirty sheet, masks surrounding her, and one hand reaching from the floor, touching her leg. In what I think is one of the most interesting pieces of
Man Drawing Chalk Faces (2000) from I Fink U Freeky
the series, Ballen artfully touches on racial segregation in Afrikaans culture, Ballen’s continued interest in the unconscious mind, and even sexual predation (the anonymous man’s hand on Yolandi’s leg) between Afrikaner and non-Afrikaner. Another piece, Man Drawing Chalk Faces (2000), depicts one of the men from the Asylum of the Birds short film, the man perpetually who draws faces on walls. In the piece, he looks up, presenting Ballen’s inclusion of structural deterioration in both of his series. Before exiting the gallery, Die Antwoord’s music video for their song, “I Fink U Freeky,” shot by Ballen, blares at the viewer, putting Yolandi and Ninja in one of the constructed documentary settings. The video concludes the exhibit by shouting at the audience what the photo series presents in subtext. The experience of The Photography of Roger Ballen, curated by Drew Stevens, is one of discomfort and overstimulation, but excellent. Roger Ballen’s work in the uncanny, with one slab of symbolism tossed over another, left me curious about the works’ cultural implications, frustrated with ambiguity but extremely satisfied with the formal presentation. Ballen’s Chazen appearance still left many questions unanswered, ending with him laughing, “I’m not sure about anything, to tell you the truth.” Sources: http://www.vice.com/read/roger-ballens-asylum-of-the-birds http://www.mtviggy.com/articles/what-the-hell-is-zef-thehottest-thing-in-south-africa-besides-the-world-cup-thats-what/ http://www.motherjones.com/riff/2010/10/die-antwoordninja-evil-boy-interview
October 2015 | 23
INDULGE AFTER HOURS In the world of a college student, studying, working and other commitments run late into the night, leaving you more susceptible to the inability to pay attention, throbbing head pain, anxiety and exhaustion. While some foods can be unhealthy to eat late at night, the good news is that eating certain foods can be the secret to powering through your nighttime to-do list.
If you’re looking to: ...Maintain Concentration
A stomach full of warm whole grains will keep you full - and comforted in the coming months. Medical Daily states oatmeal is rich in slow-digesting carbohydrates that will leave you feeling satisfied so you can focus. It is also lowglycemic, meaning it maintain a healthy level of blood sugar. The beauty of oatmeal is its versatility: top it with brown sugar, your favorite fruits or nuts to make it your way.
...Conquer Headaches/Migraines
According to Dr. Oz, if you are prone to tension headaches, eating tuna, eggs, broccoli or cauliflower can offer you relief. If migraines are your challenge, Oz said increasing your intake of riboflavin, or Vitamin B2, can prevent migraines by 50 percent. He recommends consuming foods like hearty quinoa, crimini mushrooms or asparagus. Keep pre-made quinoa with sautéed veggies in your fridge to heat up when you need to fight head pain. 24 | October 2015
By Jessica Hamilton, Lifestyle Writer Image by spicesinmydna.com
...Keep Calm
Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries are rich in Vitamin C, which helps combat the stress hormone cortisol in the body and strengthens your immune system (Psychology Today, 2007). Prefer something with crunch? Prevention Magazine reports that cashews are a good source of zinc; deficient zinc levels can trigger anxiety. Before bed, my personal favorite soothing remedy is hot chamomile tea; even one cup helps me feel noticeably calmer.
Image by Hamilton
… Grab a Pick-Me-Up
When you’re at your breaking point, you may be tempted to fire up your Keurig and brew a cup of coffee. Drinking coffee late into the night can alter your sleep schedule or lead to a crash. Instead, nibble on some dark chocolate, which is naturally caffeinated. Or, spoil yourself with a spoonful or two of Ben & Jerry’s Coffee, Coffee Buzzbuzzbuzz! ice cream. The sweet concoction is coffee ice cream with espresso bean chunks. Ultimately, how you fuel your body will determine how well you can perform for all that college and life demands. Don’t deprive yourself, fill yourself with beneficial foods - even after dark. Sources: Psychology Today staff. 2007. Vitamin C: stress buster. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200304/vitamin-c-stress-buster
Image by chocolatechocolateandmore.com
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