volume II, issues III and IV spring & summer 2015-2016
RISE the ramaz creative arts magazine
Welcome to the second issue of Volume II of RISE magazine, entitled
technicolor
(noun) A process of color cinematography using synchronized monochrome films, each of a different color, to produce a movie in color. This issue explores both the literal meaning of the word, along with the more ethereal feeling we receive when color surrounds us in the seasons of spring and summer. Additionally, Technicolor represents the beauty of everyone’s personal palette and unique sense of “Technicolor.”
The Rabbi Joseph H. Lookstein Upper School of Ramaz 60 East 78th Street New York, NY 10075
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mission statement Students of the Ramaz Upper School created all of the featured articles, photographs, and artwork you will find here. Our goal is to present the way each of our participants is inspired by the rich culture of the city. We encourage individuality with regard to every facet of artistic and intellectual expression.
This publication was generously sponsored by the Ramaz Parents Council in recognition and appreciation for the amazing work that our children 3
RISE
Volume II Issues III and IV June 2016
contributors Arielle Alcobi ‘17 Gabrielle Amar ‘17 Noa Attias ‘18 Rebecca Araten ‘18 Sonia Dushey‘17 Arielle Hadad ‘17 Tammy Krikheli ‘18 Jack Laboz ‘16 Abbey Lepor ‘16 Raquel Michel ‘17 Rachel Russo ‘17 Alexandra Schreiber ‘17 Lily Shams ‘17 Libby Silber ‘17 Nancy Toussie ‘17
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Writer Illustrator Writer and Photogrpher Writer Writer and Photographer Painter Writer Photographer Writer Writer and Photographer Writer and Photographer Writer Photographer Photographer Writer
editorial board Tamar Sidi ‘17 Netanel Kamel ‘18
Editor-in-Chief Producer
Eliana Present ‘16 Hannah Benhamo ‘16 Meira Gilbert ‘16
Photography Editor Literary Editor Literary Editor
Mollie Adolf ‘16 Sarah Issever ‘18
Randoms Editor Social Media Editor
Ms. Barbara Abramson Ms. Rachel Rabhan ‘92
Faculty Advisor Faculty Advisor
models Ilan Bley ‘17, Caroline Jaspan ‘17, Lia Michel ‘19, Raquel Michel ‘17, Libby Silber ‘17
For cover and general image details from the previous pages, see in this issue 5
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TABLE OF CONTENTS editor’s note..................9 calendar......................10 reviews.......................12 student spotlight.............18 Chroma-Coat...................20 interview no.1 benjamin schiff.......................28 Technicolor:projection room...34 fashion........................40 randoms........................42 interview no.2 siena oristaglio..........................44 talent board...................60
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EDITORS’ NOTE
Dear readers,
a taste of what you’ll find in this issue & more
Step
back in time to a land filled with glamor, bright lights, and intrigue. It is 1920’s Hollywood, the first time that film has hit the screen in bright color. In a way, this period of Technicolor was illuminating for the vast majority of Americans; people who had never traveled, or left their home state, were suddenly exposed to foreign lands, mythical tales, and experiences all anew (see Technicolor: projection room pg. 34).
This issue is Technicolor, combining the literal meaning of the word, (see Netanel Kamel’s explanation of film Technicolor pg. 33) with the more ethereal feeling we receive when color surrounds us in these warmer months.
First on your must-see-list is a collection of the top upcoming activities in the Spring and Summer Calendar (pg. 10). Then head over to our REVIEWS section, with a Student Spotlight on Noa Attias ’18 who has her photography on view at the MET (pg.18)! Don’t miss Meira Gilbert’s interStop. Take a moment to look around and think view with Ben Schiff ’16 about his experience as at a slower pace. We invite you to turn the pag- a director of Camp Rock (pg. 28). Check out our es and experience objects and images that you RANDOMS section and jam out to Sarah Issever’s may be familiar with, but through a new lens (see indie playlist (pg. 50) while you learn about packChroma-Coat pg. 20). ing for college from our returning interior designer, Rozit Arditi (pg. 46). As you read, enjoy the myriad of color throughout the pages. Allow it to remind you of the Finally, the RISE fixture: Talent Board (pg. 60) spring and summer seasons that finally surround comes to finish off the issue with bright photogus. Take a mental snapshot of each minute de- raphy and wonderful writing from the Ramaz stutail that speaks to you, and before you know it dent body. you will have created your own unique palette for the season. Color is personal: absorb it as you walk the streets of New York City, or as you travel through foreign lands over vacation.
Best,
Tamar Sidi ‘17 Editor-in-Chief
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SUMMER CALENDAR
top activity picks to look out for this July Abbey Lepor ‘16
MON
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TUES
THURS
WED
4 art Go to the FDR drive and watch the firework show!
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7 art June Leaf: Thought Is Infinite
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12 art Isaac Mizrahi: An Unruly History at the Jewish Museum
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14 things to do Bastille Day
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19 music Justin Bieber at MSG
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21 things to do Yankees Vs. Orioles at Yankee Stadium
25 music Jazz Festival
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27 music Radiohead at MSG
28 things to do Animation Festival
FRI
SAT
SUN
1 things to do The African Festival
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9 things to do Walk the Highline!
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15 theatre Finding Neverland on Broadway
16 things to do Waterfront Day
17 music Coldplay at MetLife Stadium
22 music Panorama Music Festival
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24 things to do The NYC Scavenger Hunt
29 theatre Kinky Boots on Broadway
30 art Bouchra Khalili: The Mapping Journey Project
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REVIEWS ART STUDENT SPOTLIGHT COMEDY INTERVIEW FILM FASHION 13
ART
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ART INSTITUTIONS: PROFILED NEW JERSEY. CHICAGO. PARIS.
Mana Fine Arts: The Art “Kibbutz” Mana Contemporary, a cultural center located in the heart of Jersey City, provides artists, curators, collectors, and other performers with proper resources such as free studio and exhibition spaces and proper storage within the span of thirty-five acres. Mana’s free studios and “kibbutz” like community of artists and performers started with Moishe Mana, an Israeli immigrant, who moved to New York and started a moving company with his right hand man, Lemay, an Israeli photographer. Moishe’s moving and storage company boomed and spread across the United States, and he found himself mainly storing artwork and pieces. He decided to create a space where those works could be displayed instead of keeping the pieces locked in storage units. The concept of housing the artists arose because many artists became “displaced” New Yorkers as rent increased in the more “artistic” parts of Manhattan, and Mana wanted to create a cultural hub for artists to share and create. The Artists’ studios are open for viewers to see and learn as well as galleries of collections of famous artists. Mana expects to provide proper services such as framing storing, and restoring artwork, as well as open spaces for dance and music rehearsals, which are open for spectators to watch. A hotel is even being built on the premises to house potential buyers. Mana, which opened in May of 2011, is kept on a low profile with its 1920-era warehouses and former factory buildings; however, in a few years, after the renovations are complete Mana Contemporary will evolve into a well known, enticing art and cultural destination, where collectors and upcoming artists will flock. Mana is open to many different professions under the artistic fields. There are galleries showcasing the architectural models of Richard Meicer, the Pritzker Prize winner, as well as dance studios, numerous gigantic Jeff Koons sculptures, and fine print studios such as: Gary Lichtenstein’s silk screen images. Mana is also home to The Florence Academy of Art, which provides instruction for classical drawing and painting Mana displayed the Austrian born artist Gunter Damisch’s more recent pieces that depict the obscure line between the the abstract and figuration. His work was influenced by physics and natural science. Yigal Ozeri, a photorealistic painter, showcased his series of large paintings and sculpture with the portrayal of Marie Antoinette featured in Monet’s gardens at Giverny. I really enjoyed my tour at Mana Contemporary, especially the atmosphere of open doors and showcased art. The idea behind it is extremely intelligent because it provides easy housing and studios for the “starving” artists and it creates a cultural center for all different types of performers. With its huge space and new galleries Mana has become a large community open to anyone with a craft and a passion; it is definitely worth the trip.
Lily Shams ‘17
Noa Attias ‘18 Location: Mana Contemporary 888 Newark Ave Jersey City, NJ 07306
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“The Art Institute” @ Chicago, IL The Art Institute, one of Chicago’s most renowned attractions, is home to the paintings of Jackson Pollack, Georges Seurat, and Grant Wood. Located in the heart of Downtown Chicago, the museum is surrounded by outdoor sculptures that famously sit in Millennium Park. One sculpture, “Cloud Gate”, is a large bean-shaped monument that reflects all of Chicago’s famous skyscrapers. At dusk, “the bean” displays the pinkish glow of Chicago’s sun. Cloud Gate’s designer, Anish Kapoor, habitually produces sculptures that reflect their onlookers in distorted ways. At first, seeing my own stretched and widened reflection in the bean helped me recognize the positive message Kapoor intended to send with his monument; the bean’s reflective property connected me to the hundreds of passersby whose images had similarly been captured on the sculpture’s panels that day. After exploring the inside of the Art Institute, however, I realized that Kapoor’s message was one of disdain and satire. The Institute does not attract just one type of person. Twenty people, every one of them a different race and age, crowded around a Seurat piece with me. All of us stood staring at Seurat’s century old piece, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, like the thousands who had came before us. I tried to identify with the piece, attempting to see the little girl in the white dress as a reflection of myself. As a group, we picked apart the painting; wondering what moments in the artist’s personal life inspired it, judging the brushstroke technique, and admiring the magnitude of the canvas. All of this speculation was of no harm to myself—if anything, I felt empowered because of my (admittedly short lived) cultural immersion and generous choice of a self-representative figure. Seurat, on the other hand, was crafted into dozens of hypotheses?. I realized then that Anish Kapoor’s message is not entirely one of positivity and unity; his design protects against the speculation to which most artists (like Seurat) are subjected. Seeing your distorted reflection in the bean makes you, not the artist, victim to the onlookers harshly judgmental eye. There is something to be said about physically seeing ourselves in art and not feeling pompous because of it. Kapoor’s sculpture sits outside of the Art Institute like a bodyguard, reminding museum goers about the do’s and don’ts of aesthetic appreciation.
Mollie Adolf ‘16
“The Musée National Picasso” @ Le Marais, Paris The Musée National Picasso-Paris, located in the le Marais neighborhood in Paris, is home to thousands of pieces of art ranging from Picasso’s own works, private collection, and furnishings of the Museum. The museum is so unique due to the rich history in its architecture and its age. The building, Hôtel Salé, dates back to the fifteenth century, is revived by Italian baroque influences, and is based on Michelangelo’s design of the Laurentian Library in Florence. It was also used to store important books and documents during the French Revolution in 1970 and was leased to the Ganser-Beuzelin boarding school, where the famous author, Balzac, had studied. The building was then acquired by the State, proclaimed a national monument, and used to store and exhibit Picasso’s pieces. The need for space to show Picasso’s pieces became apparent after the “dation Picasso,” when Picasso’s works were donated in lieu of the large estate tax after his death, giving the State a major selection of his pieces. His large sized paintings were already hung on old historical monuments because of the need for large spacious areas. The collection is comprised of separate donations, Picasso’s private collection of fellow artists and friends such as Matisse, Cézanne, Gauguin, Degas, Chirico, Rousseau, Renoir, Giacometti, and impressive collections of African and Oceanic masks. Picasso’s paintings range from all aspects and time of his life such as the Blue Period with works like La Celestina to Matadores to paintings such as Young Ladies in Avignon; Still Life with Chair Caning, and his decoupages with cubism and civil war paintings. The museum also portrays an impressive selection of his sculptures, from his cubist wood and bronze phase to his wiry framed sculptures. The museum includes around one hundred illustrated books by Picasso and is exclusively furnished by Giacometti. When I first entered the museum, I was met with the harsh architectural contrast between the modernity of the paintings from the world’s largest Picasso collection and the “ancient” building. The building comprised of many twists and turns that ended with the “attic”, where Picasso’s private collection is found. The museum is smaller than the Louvre or Orsay, so it isn’t too overwhelming and tiring to explore in one day. And it was very enjoyable to move through Picasso’s life through the different phases of his work, especially since Picasso produced such different types of pieces. Noa Attias ‘18
student spotlight photographer
NOA ATTIAS featured at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
a word from the photographer... Having lived close to the Metropolitan Museum of Art all my life, I found myself roaming around the museum so many times that it had practically become my second home. It had always been one of my dreams to be showcased in such a historical building- home to timeless works of art- I still cannot believe this dream came a reality this past year. For the first time, this year’s Scholastic Gold Key regional award winners of New York City were able to showcase their artwork on the main floor of the museum. The exhibition, which will be on display from March 11 to May 30, is intended to celebrate the achievements and artistic abilities of New York’s future artists. At the award ceremony, a Scholastic Awards alumna had explained the lack of recognition high school artists receive in high schools especially in the U.S, where sports trophies are often found in large display cases, while the artists and writers have nothing to show for their abilities. She then continued by explaining the importance of this award for high school artists as their “championship trophy,” and had said that the exhibition at the met is a moment where it will be displayed. On opening night, the MET was inundated with high school kids, from all different types of schools, and their parents taking pictures in front of the artwork or photographs. It wasn’t until I had seen my photograph hung the wall that I could finally believe my work was being exhibited in a world renowned museum. Now I always try to find an excuse to walk in front of the met to see my photograph before the exhibition closes, and I can finally say my work has been showcased at the MET! Noa Attias ‘18 Check out Noa’s photo (pictured on the left) in person until May 30
Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art 1000 5th Ave New York, NY 10028
CHROMA-COAT photography: Libby Silber’17 Elie Present ‘16 models: Ilan Bley ‘17 Caroline Jaspan ‘17 Lia Michel ‘19 painter: Arielle Hadad ‘17
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COMEDY
“Kornfeld and Andrews” @ Magnet Theatre Longtime improv instructors, Louis Kornfeld and Rick Andrews, star in the weekly-improvised show “Kornfeld and Andrews” on the stage of the Magnet Theater. Unlike most improv shows, K&A takes place in one location with only two characters; the scenery never changes; the scenes don’t start and end. The show begins with a suggestion of a word or phrase to inspire an initiation from either improviser. They establish relationships, individual backgrounds, and distinct personality traits in an hour-long conversation through the medium of their characters. Louis’s philosophical rants paired with Rick’s antagonizing sarcasm make them the ideal duo and an absolute joy to watch. Mollie Adolf ‘16 Location: Magnet Theatre 254 W 29th St. New York, NY 10001
“Jobs can be boring, but it’s good to wake up in the morning with a sense of purpose” advises Kornfeld’s wise, 30-year-old character from a hospital waiting room.
Raquel Michel ‘17
“I have cats!” protests a believably female Andrews. “Think about that for, like, five seconds.”
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the interview no. 1
Meira Gilbert ‘16 speaks with director
BENJAMIN SHIFF ‘16 about his experience in directing the senior play, Camp Rock
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q&a
I sat down with Ramaz’s leading man, an auteur, a heartthrob, what I like to call a eleventhreat (he can sing, dance, act, direct, choreograph, light, film, write, play piano, guitar, and drums), THE Benjamin Oscar Shiff ‘16, for an exclusive interview about directing Senior Play. RISE Magazine: Ok, so Ben. What made you want to direct senior play? Ben Shiff: Well I’ve always been involved being in the shows and I always wondered what it would be like to be on the other side, behind the scenes. RM: What was the most challenging part of directing the play? BS: The most challenging part was navigating the line between being friends with everyone in the cast, but at the same time being able to effectively direct them. I wasn’t necessarily able to yell or boss them around because I didn’t want everyone to hate me, but at the same time I wanted the show to come out really well. In fact, I also had to yell and scream a lot less than I was expecting to because everyone worked so well when putting the show together. The first rehearsal I only picked one song for us to get through because I assumed that everyone would be misbehaving, we ended up finishing in thirty minutes and I had to let everyone go home because I wasn’t prepared to continue.
BS: Well, over my four years of Ramaz I’ve worked under three different Ramaz directors who all had very different approaches to how they directed so I kind of took bits and pieces from all those different things, what I liked and didn’t like, and combined them to come up with my “style.” RM: Did you ever wish that you were the star instead of the behind the scenes guy? We’re used to seeing you front and center! BS: It was both sad and satisfying at the same time… when I was sitting backstage and watching everyone perform, it felt really good because I kind of put that together and made it happen, but at the same time it looked like they were having so much fun that I kind of wished I was up there also. RM: If you could direct any play, what would it be? BS: If I could direct any play… good question. There’s a few shows I’d be interested in directing, Camp Rock was originally not one of them although I learned to… learned to love it
RM: What was your favorite scene?
RM: [laughing]
BS: My favorite scene would have to be “Heart and Soul,” that’s the scene where everyone really looked like they were having the most fun, because that song’s about having fun when performing and not just going through the motions, and it felt like the message really showed through.
BS: through working on the show. Spring Awakening is one I’d definitely be interested in directing because …
RM: Where did you draw your directorial inspiration?
RM: Ben, that is not appropriate for school. BS: I understand, that’s why we didn’t do it! Anyway, every production of Awakening has kind of taken a different spin to it and it would be really interesting to try and come up with what mine would be. 29
RM: Out of all the things you did for the play can be not just a form of entertainment but such as choreography, staging, lighting, the an art form. video parts, which were your favorite? RM: OK, closing question: would you do it BS: My favorite would probably have had again? to be the choreography because I had a little experience doing all the other things BS: I would do it again. While it was a hard before and this was really my first time with experience it was a lot of fun and I’m rechoreography. I combined choreography ally happy with the product we were able and blocking (staging), but this was my first to make so I would definitely do it again if time really dealing with dancing and it was given the opportunity. really interesting to try to come up with it. RM: So what are you doing with all your free time now that you’re done with play? BS: [Smiling], Well, I have a few projects that I’m getting ready to start but for the next few days I am enjoying the fact that I finally have free time and I can actually be a second semester senior. RM: So we already talked about some of your directorial influences, but who are some of your other influences in film, in art, literature, etc. BS: Most of my influences come from film… Stanley Kubrick is the biggest, because he’s one of those directors where every single shot is full of detail and meticulously thought out, and there are conspiracy or fan theories about every single thing that happens… RM: And there’s a lot of that conspiracy, the layers in Camp Rock right? BS: Oh, wow, there’s so much of that in Camp Rock, so many layers, it’s such a multifaceted play [laughs]. Right, so Kubrick didn’t really inspire me so much in Camp Rock but it inspired me into directing in general because it really showed me how it
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Meira Gilbert ‘16
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FILM
“Pulp Fiction” The cultural observations and social commentary in the acclaimed film Pulp Fiction make it relevant and accessible to a diverse audience, even over a decade after its release. The film’s versatility is largely thanks to the many different storylines (hence the title); each sub plot is relevant to a different viewer. Quentin Tarantino, the film’s director, uses this technique to underscore how connected the world is despite cultural, class, and gender differences. Just because the characters are involved in seemingly different worlds doesn’t mean they can’t affect change in spheres outside of their own. Beyond its powerful message, Pulp Fiction is cherished for its quick-witted humor, powerful dialogues and signature action scenes. It appeals to the particular viewer while simultaneously eliminating such selective close-mindedness. Mollie Adolf ‘16
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“Technicolor” Technicolor is a color motion picture process invented in 1916 and then improved over several decades. It was the most widely used color process in Hollywood from 1922-1952. Initially, it was most commonly used for filming musicals such as The Wizard of Oz and The Adventures of Robin Hood. The Technicolor Motion Picture Corporation was founded in Boston, 1914 by Herbert Kalmus. In the first process, Technicolor existed in a two color (red and green) system. Exhibition required a special projector with two lenses, one green and one red. In the second process, where the Technicolor camera used a beam-splitter that simultaneously exposed two consecutive frames of a single black and white film. This process did encounter issues because the images on the two sides of the print were not in the same plane, and therefore were not focused correctly. Process three was developed to eliminate the projection print made up of double cemented images. The first feature made entirely in this process was The Viking (1928). In 1924, Technicolor envisioned a full color process. Hollywood made so much use of Technicolor in 1929 and 1930 that many believed the feature film industry would soon be turning out color films exclusively. Kalmus convinced Walt Disney to shoot his Silly Symphony (Flowers and Trees) cartoons in Process four, the “three strip technology”. In 1997, Technicolor reintroduced the dye transfer process to general film production. A refined version of the printing process of the 1960s and 1970s, it was used on a limited basis in the restorations of films such as The Wizard of Oz, Gone with the Wind, Rear Window, Funny Girl, and Apocalypse Now Redux. Netanel Kamel ‘18
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TECHNICOLOR: projection room photography: Lily Shams ‘17 models: Raquel Michel ‘17 Libby Silber ‘17
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FASHION
Top 5 Sneaker Stores in NYC kith (kith women) Sporty sneakers with an edgy twist. Most of the merchandise is limited edition, but there is a huge selection to choose from. Both women and men have unique art exhibitions in the store as well! fight club The back of this store has a vault of sneakers that are difficult to buy directly from their retailers, such as: Yeezy Boost 350s and 750s, and Red Octobers.
barney’s new york Chic sneakers and sports sneakers made in collaboration with notable designers. champs This store has your average Nike and Adidas sneakers, as well as running and basketball shoes. They have a huge selection and large inventory. opening ceremony Aside from their own brand of “hipster” sneakers, they also often collaborate with Vans (at least once or twice a season). A piece of advice: Despite New York’s large variety of sneaker retailers, buying sneakers online is always best. If you’re concerned about the correct sizing when shopping online, make sure to buy a pair that is either returnable or exchangeable. Choose a pair that stands out to you; don’t follow the crowd! Additionally, being a Sneakerhead, I love referring to Instagram for the latest trends- some of the best accounts to follow include: @uglymely, @victorkan, and @juicegee. Check them out! Arielle Alcobi ‘17
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SPRING
a new you
SUMMER
COLLAGE (from left, clockwise) Walter Baker Farrah Fringed Suede Vest, $199; Quay Australia Electric Dreams, $50; Topshop Rio Crochet Bralet, $75; Off-White Blue Denim Skeleton Levi’s Edition Jacket, $1395; Levi’s Blue Denim 501 Shorts, $65; Golden Goose Deluxe Brand ‘Mid Star’ sneakers, $575; Latigo Dosha Boot, $90; Vanessa Mooney White Light Silver Bolo Wrap Choker, $43; Sarah Issever ‘18 41
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RANDOMS INTERVIEW MUSIC SPECIAL FEATURE LITERATURE BEAUTY FOOD PSYCHOLOGY 43
the interview no. 2
Raquel Michel speaks with mentor,and creator of The Void Academy
SIENA ORISTAGLIO
about her goal of making a more supportive world for artists everywhere
Siena Oristaglio is an artist, activist, educator, and communications specialist. Her international work before founding The Void Academy focused on educational initiatives at the intersection of art, technology, and social justice. She has ten years of experience in communications and has led high-profile international press campaigns with coverage in outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Huffington Post. Siena has given talks at the MoMA, MoMa PS1, The Museum of Fine Arts, New York University, and Necker Island, among others. As Director of Communications for Marina Abramovic Institute, she ran the non-profit’s successful 2013 Kickstarter campaign, raising over $660,000 in 30 days. Siena has also represented artists and arts non-profits to established individuals and companies, including Lady Gaga, John Waters, Jay-Z, Richard Branson, Willem Dafoe, Kickstarter, Tumblr, TED, and Squarespace. She wants to make the world a more supportive place for artists everywhere.
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q&a RISE Magazine: Siena, could you tell me a bit my life today. about your company The Void Academy? After college, I began teaching performance at a public high school in Boston; I then assisted a Siena Oristaglio: The Void Academy is an educa- coarse incorporating new technologies from MIT tional platform that focuses on helping artists gen- into performances. Afterwards, I received a job erate sustainable income. By providing artists with working for Marina Abramovic, a performance artbusiness and technology education, they are bet- ist; and became the director of communications ter equipped to reach significant audiences and for her non-profit organization, where I was workmake a better living. The Void Academy uses tech- ing at the time. nology and new Internet tools, such as websites, As I communicated with the many different artists, social media, crowd funding, and online courses to I became attuned to the fact that they were unable reach our goal. We also hold in-person workshops to support themselves- even though there were for painters, writers, dancers, filmmakers, and oth- resources out there, no educational platforms exer artists who feel that they could benefit from this isted to help them take advantage of them. kind of education. RM: What is your advice to young adults who RM: And what were you like as a high school would want to pursue a career doing something student? creative? SO: Well, I always really enjoyed school, but always did it my own way. Starting in high school (and through college,) I would find teachers with fascinating experiences that I really respected and I tried to learn from them- even outside the classroom. Part of the reason why I believe so strongly in mentorship programs is because I always related to older figures that could teach me from their personal experiences in their field. My high school goals were to not only make relationships and longstanding friendships, but to experience the world.
SO: Trust your gut in everything. Your voice and expressing it is the most important thing, listen to what you are hearing inside of yourself- that way your art will be authentic and true. But also, when navigating a carrier or business, if you get an icky feeling about something- trust it. Trust your own process and instincts about the life that you’re living as well as the creative endeavors that you are pursuing. Raquel Michel ‘17
RM: How did you start your career, and what led you to where you are today? SO: After I finished high school, I went to study at The New School; I knew I was interested in art, but took one science class and fell in love with the way my teacher taught the course. I wrote my thesis on cognitive science, it was about how the brain works but also focused on what occurs in the brain when we watch or participate in live performance. Blending art and science has continued through 45
ROZIT ARDITI of Arditi Design returns with advice to seniors making the “dorm room” transition
what to bring/ what to leave behind?
Dorm rooms are usually minimally decorated and it is important to customize your room to reflect your personality. That being said, try not to overdo it with decorations and too many personal items. Let this chapter of your life create and define itself.
- Lighting! Lighting! Dorm room lights are usually fluorescent and
not the ideal lighting. If you have a task lamp or a bedside lamp you like, I suggest you bring it with you. This will add a touch of color to the otherwise starkly furnished room.
- Textiles add a lot of depth to a room. Think blankets, throw pil-
lows, curtains and bed linens. These are some of the necessities you need-do not hesitate to bring them. Add color and texture with your textiles to help liven up your room and make it homier.
- Bedding! Your bed will take up a significant space in the room. So
plan it carefully. Think about how you want your room to look like and feel like. Start with your bed. Do you want patterns? Plain colors? A pop of texture? What you choose to do with your bedding will help you decorate the rest of your room.
- Area Rug! Even if it is a small area rug, it will again add some tex-
ture to ground your room. Plus, it is much better to step on a rug than linoleum flooring (which is probably what the floors will be at the dorms). Make sure you do not bring a rug that sheds, you never know what your roommate might be allergic too.
- Photos of friends and /or family are a must! Get creative with dou-
ble sided tape or velcro to hold up frames. Using frames not only looks more “adult” than just sticking photos on the wall, but also allows you to rotate the photos as you wish. Make sure you are aware of the rules of hanging art on the walls- each school is different, you may not be allowed to nail on the walls!
- Wall hung mirror! This is probably one of the last things you might
consider bringing with you. People usually underestimate how much a mirror adds to a room. It will reflect light and will make the room brighter but also make it look larger. Try it, even a basic one will help. - Don’t forget your favorite coffee mug! It will come in handy more often you think for the many sleepless nights. 46
Rozit is a designer originally from Istanbul, Turkey. She received her Bachelor’s Degree at the Rhode Island School of Design, where she majored in Furniture Design. Rozit’s work has been exhibited at multiple design shows including ICFF, Design Philadelphia, Istanbul Design Week and Miami Art Basel. Upon graduating, she worked for five years in furniture, before shifting her specialty to interior design. In 2012, after working as a freelance designer, Rozit began her own company, Arditi Design, where she specializes in interior design and decoration. Arditi is currently employed at Mendelson Group Inc. where she works on construction and project management.
How to decorate to maximize storage?
featured
In most cases you will be sharing your room with another person. You need to learn to get organized, if you have not done so already.
- Crates and plastic drawer containers will come in very handy. They stack and keep things neatly organized while you can still see what’s in them.
- Bed risers are a must in college dorms. You need all the storage you can get under your bed! - Closet organizers will be your friends too. Mom is not around anymore to help you find that missing shirt- you need to know where it is yourself. So plan and organize your closet!
Less is always more! Get used to the idea of leaving things behind. You are starting a new chapter. Make the effort now to leave some of your clothes at home. You do not need all the pencils and sharpies or the desk accessories. If you think you need something, you can always buy it later. Or Mom can ship it from home… Do not overcrowd your dorm room by bringing everything from your current home! You never know- you may end up spending more time at the library, or the studio or even in the common areas than you spend in your room. image below courtesy of Sarah Shams ‘14 currently studying at Binghamton University
MUSIC
DAVID BOWIE TRIBUTE
The day David Bowie passed was heart wrenching for us all. The world has learned to link his name with the idea of an extraordinary artist, a man with passion and innovation for the music world. David Bowie was an English singer, songwriter, actor and producer. His bright and noticeable style and flare were things that never kept his audiences and fans bored. He is recognized as a rock star, but he had explored other genres, like pop and electronica, as well. He thrived in his career for five decades, as his many awards and record sales show. Some of Bowie’s best songs include “Space Oddity,” “Changes,” “Moonage Daydream,” and “Heroes.” Though he is gone, his legacy will forever live on through his songs and he will inspire more artists to be as innovative and unordinary as he was.
Tamar Sidi ‘17
Mollie Adolf ‘16
the ultimate young + free playlist 10. 101 – WALLA
Los Angeles quintet, WALLA’s single is an upbeat and spirited track that hit Spotify’s top ten playlist and now ours too! This song’s steady groove tells the story of the struggles living in Los Angeles and metaphorically uses the traffic on the “101” to highlight it. Yet, the positive lyrics do come to show that with the help of family and friends, it’ll always be all good.
9. Hurt Me – Låpsley
Paring organic sounds with aggressive synthetic soundscapes, this driven breakup ballad is a fresh sound for pop culture. The artist explains that she is in the technicolor area between childhood and adulthood, combining energies from both stages in one beautiful transition. If you are interested in being put into a trance, this song definitely has the formula to put you in a dreamlike fantasy.
8. Drive – Glades
The wistful flow of this song waves everyone’s finger toward the replay button. Sydney’s alternative – pop trio has truly hit every aspect of falling into young love with their raw and emotional lyrics. Drive along an empty road and feel the love with this blissful track.
7. Gold – Kiiara
Glitchey and a dance pop must, Gold is the first track open to the public from Kiiara’s forthcoming debut EP, Meet Me in The Cornfield. She addresses the issue of less than loyal lovers through her whispered vocals, yet the choppy beat is either a love it or hate it from its listeners- at RISE, we are absolutely on board.
6. Family – Noah Gundersen
This compelling song is full of emotion, and is a track paying tribute to the people who have helped shape Gundersen’s life for better or for worse. It is a painful hymn that embodies the meaning of family, all achieved through his haunting vocals and aching lyrics – a great listen for a lonely car ride or a lullaby before sleep.
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5. Winterbreak – MUNA
MUNA has described themselves to be a “dark pop” band with a unique lush soundscape. Their mid tempo dance beat and bass lines ride along the vibe of other R&B inspired groups that we enjoy so much like Wet and Oh Wonder. MUNA explain the song to be an attempt at rekindling that “first high” feeling in many loves and a piece that wants “to make a home out of a person that has proved to you time and again that they are not a home; they are just a person.”
4. Stimulated – Tyga
I’m not usually a fan of rap music, but this melody found major favor in my ears. The freeing of the song shines through its steady beat and soothing vocals. This Californian artist has definitely cooked up something interesting with nearly 15,000,000 plays on Spotify. Whatever it is he did, he should keep on doing it.
3. Chasing Hearts – Breathe Carolina + Tyler Carter
“Kicking it low- key,” Breathe Carolina released this electro- pop track in 2014. The energetic punches that pop through the song really give it that electronic and EDM influenced feeling. The group explains that this song is something everyone can relate to, always being “with the friends that matter most, somewhere low-key, being whoever we wanna be.”
2. Free – Broods
New Zealand siblings Georgia and Caleb Nott have switched their trademark soothing indie pop vibe for a more synth heavy and electronic taste. The dramatic build up of the song absorbs their once fragile vocals and embraces a more tough sound with infectious beats seen in the catchy chorus. “Free”-ing themselves from their past style was for sure a one up for the group.
1.Ocean Eyes (Astronomyy Edit) – Billie Eilish
Throwing the other tracks out of the ballpark, this glossy indie pop track stands out as number one. UK producer, Astronomyy, has made an effortless edit out of Billie Eilish’s “Ocean Eyes.” The duo has created a spacey ambiance while still drawing you into an ethereal feel fit exactly for that young and free vibe. Sarah Issever ‘18 photo by Sonia Dushey ‘17
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featured
Mollie Adolf ‘16 reminisces an unforgettable summer concert Last summer I spent a single day chasing the sun. My cousins and I climbed out of bed at 4AM. With heavy eyelids and sluggish steps we quietly trekked up the stairs and onto the porch of our Long Beach Island rental house. It was the hour when nighttime takes its last few breaths and starts to say its goodbyes. A few more chilly gusts of wind unleashed over the ocean and woke the resting water with a clamorous wave. By 4:30, night was fading: the ocean looked silver and the reflection of the stars on the water twinkled as it swished to and fro. I sipped my tea and pressed my icy fingertips against the mug. It was 5 o’clock and time was crawling; the sky was an endless black haze. We took the dog and headed towards the shore, listening to nighttime crickets say goodbye as we walked. By the time I sat down on my towel the morning had spilled its secret; a distant light appeared behind the endless pool before me, and I watched it float my way. The sun changes everything; the simple way it casts its reflection determines time and activity. At 5:45AM that meant a still, powder blue body of water assumed the role of an ocean. A canvas spilled on with pastel watercolors was our sky. The sun still hid behind the water, but made itself known through golden clouds. Crashing wave noises traveled into the bedrooms of resting beachgoers and the sun’s golden rays snuck through their windows, confirming all suspicions that morning had arrived. We sat and waited until the sky’s colors faded and the only counter to the blue of the ocean and sky was the multicolored surfboard that ruffled the early morning waters. In the morning, the sun rises in the east; at night, it sets in the west, and in the afternoon it lingers in between. My cousin and I spent the day between the eastern ocean and western bay, riding our bikes up and down the long roads. We turned left while licking the sides of our ice cream cones, trying to protect our forearms from the threat of melting creamy droplets. At 7PM we sat in our lawn chairs by the western bay, clad in ethereal dresses and loose knit sweaters. Our family joined and we watched a band play “The Best of the Eagles” in the nearby gazebo as the sun floated past us. The band played “New Kid in Town” while my cousin, Jesse, told us about his experience at Woodstock. We danced to “Tequila Sunrise” and sang along when they played “Hotel California.” Finally, the sun lowered down from the sky, and invited nighttime to engulf our bayside concert. The water looked silver and the night stars lit up our smiling faces. We held hands and swayed together until dawn. Mollie Adolf ‘16
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LITERATURE
spring summer book list 1. Jazz-, by Toni Morrison 2. A Prayer for Owen Meany, by John Irving 3. Me Before You, by Jojo Moyes 4. A Moveable Feast, by Ernest Hemingway 5. The Longest Ride, by Nicholas Sparks 6. Shopgirl, by Steve Martin 7. More Than This, by Patrick Ness 8. We Have Always Lived in the Castle, by Shirley Jackson Tammy Krikheli ‘18 & RISE Magazine
Sidenote: students of the Ramaz Upper School should speak to Nicole Aboodi ‘17, Rachel Russo ‘17, and Tamar Sidi ‘17 about joining Conflicts in Literature book club!
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BEAUTY top ten beauty must-haves and personal favorites of Nancy Toussie ‘17 1. All- Style Blow Dry Styling Gel by Bumble & Bumble
If you blow dry your hair often or have oily hair this is the product for you. Apply a dime size of gel to damp hair. It absorbs oils, fights frizz, protects against heat damage and extends the life of your blowout. This has been my favorite hair product for months! Sephora $15-$31
2. Liquid Lipsticks by Anastasia
Liquid lipsticks can be found at every makeup store in the country. I have come across a few different kinds but the ones made by Anastasia are hands down my fave! They feel like butter and last for hours. They come in many shades but my favorites are the matte ones! Some colors are too dark but I love mixing them with lighter ones to get the perfect shade! Sephora $20
3. Addict Lip Maximizer High Volume Lip Plumper by Dior
If finding the perfect lip gloss/stick color is a struggle for you, then this product is your new best friend! The mint-vanilla formula brings out your natural lip color and volumizes your lips! Sephora $33
4. Too Faced Mascara
When it comes to mascara, this has been my favorite for at least a year. It is one of the few lasting mascaras that both lengthens and volumizes lashes. The easy to apply and remove formula makes it my favorite. It can be very dramatic or very subtle, depending on how many coats you apply! Sephora $23
5. Super Nourishing Lip Balm by Sephora
I cannot leave my house without this product. It make your lips soft and smells amazing! They are easily breakable, but not expensive and worth the risk! Sephora $5
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6. Hand creams by L’OCCITANE
The lavender and rose scented creams are my favorites, but they all smell amazing! The lotion itself is pretty creamy which makes it so easy to apply. I use lotions from L’OCCITANE all the time and take them everywhere because they are available in so many convenient sizes. Sephora $12-$28
7. Real Techniques by Sam & Nic
These brushes last and apply smoothly. They are so easy to grip, not too pricey, lightweight, easy to clean, and amazing quality. I’ve heard great things about all of their products, but I own the Core Collection and highly recommend it! It has four brushes: a contour, detailer, and pointed foundation brush. I use them all every time I apply makeup! Ulta $6-$30
8. Contour Kit by Anastasia
Contouring has become so popular lately and there are millions of YouTube videos to learn how to contour well! Anastasia palettes make contouring easier. They are available in powder or cream sets and are made for every skin tone! The sets consist of six highlighting and contouring powders/creams to contour and highlight your face. Sephora $40
9. Shampoo and Conditioner by OGX
I’ve been through a lot of different shampoos and conditioners and I think it’s safe to say these are my favorite. They have shampoos for all hair types and they all smell amazing. For dry hair, I definitely recommend the coconut water ones! These lightweight hair products work to hydrate, reduce frizz and add volume. Drugstores $7
10. Always Sharp by Smashbox
The amazing thing about this eyeliner is that when you twist the pencil closed, the pencil sharpens! Every time you pull out this eyeliner it’s freshly sharpened, making it easily applicable. I have this liner in black but they have every possible color and they even have some glitter liners! I would try to stay away from the waterproof eyeliners if possible because they are super hard to get off! Sephora $20
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FOOD
spring & summer recipes straight from the kitchen Zucchini Carpaccio One of my favorite spring dishes is a zucchini carpaccio. It is light, filling, yummy, and easy to make! This is the perfect dish for a sunny day. Zucchini Mint Parmesan cheese Pignoli nuts Lemon Olive oil Salt and pepper Thinly slice the zucchini and lay on platter. Chop parmesan into small thin squares, and sprinkle all over the zucchini. Sprinkle some pine nuts on top. Finely chop mint and add as a garnish. Dressing: In a separate bowl or container: mix lemon juice, olive oil, and salt and pepper. Pour a good amount of dressing onto zucchini and there you have it!
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writing and below photo by Sonia Dushey ‘17
WHEAT BERRY SALAD 1 cup wheat berries, uncooked 6 tablespoons of olive oil, divided ½ cup thinly sliced shallots 5 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice Salt and pepper, to taste 1 tablespoon honey mustard ¼ cup fresh mint ½ cup feta cheese 1 can small white beans ½ cup dried cranberries Cook the wheat berries according to package directions and drain. In a small skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Add the shallots and sauté until lightly golden. In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, the remaining 5 tablespoons of oil, salt, pepper, and honey mustard. Add the feta, beans, cranberries, and the dressing to the cooled wheat berries. Toss to combine.
SUMMER FRUIT PARFAIT 3 tablespoons cane sugar ¼ cup cranberry juice 1 cup diced peaches 1 cup raspberries 1 cup blueberries 1 cup blackberries For the creamy vanilla sauce1 cup plain Green yogurt 3 tablespoons cream cheese (low-fat or regular) 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup 2 teaspoons cane sugar ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract Combine the cane sugar, cranberry juice, peaches, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries in a large bowl. Lightly crush the fruit while mixing the ingredients together until the cane juice is dissolved. Combine the yogurt, cream cheese, maple syrup, cane sugar, and vanilla extract in a blender. Blend until well mixed. Layer ¼ cup fruit with 3 tablespoons vanilla sauce in each small parfait cup (for 8 servings). writing by Rachel Russo ‘17 above photo byTamar Sidi ‘17 57
PSYCHOLOGY
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why is packing so hard? Whenever a person goes on vacation, it’s a given that he or she will have difficulty packing. We’ve all experienced trouble choosing which clothing and shoes to bring with us. Why is packing such a difficult activity for us to do? Psychologically and physically speaking, one’s home gives him or her security. It is a very natural feeling to feel comfortable and secure in your home as well as be nervous to travel to a place that lacks this certain security. Therefore, the person is inclined to bring their clothing to provide them with that security which is missing while on vacation. It is hard for people to choose which articles of clothing to bring because they are unsure of which specific articles of security to bring and it is completely human to rethink every decision while packing. Another reason as to why packing is so difficult has to do with the evolution of the human species. We have become a people who crave materialistic things- we simply do not know which article of clothing to take, because we want to take everything! As humans, we desire material things because of the feelings surrounding the object. One may desire something because of the status that one gains from having the object, or because this object reminds them of a certain image that they would like to obtain. Either way, it still has become the norm nowadays for a person to desire physical objects. Packing is just one example of how complex and interesting the human mind really is. written by Alexandra Schreiber ‘17, illustrations by Gabrielle Amar ‘17
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THE TALENT BOARD Featuring the artwork, poems, and stories of Ramaz’s creative student body The theme–
technicolor
with writing & imagery inspired by it
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Imaginary Color We live inside our heads, in our bright, shiny houses, With our bright, colorful lives. We expect everything to be technicolor: Violet beings with rosy dreams, Scarlet ambitions with daisy happiness, Turquoise excitement with lilac tranquility, And jade green envy on the faces of those who are not us. We live inside our technicolor dreams, Inhaling and exhaling with the rhythms of our hues, Expecting others to feel the same about us. But they don’t. So instead we go back to our shimmering, sparkling lives That will never turn dull in our vivid imaginations, And we return to our technicolor selves In our monochromatic heads. Rebecca Araten ‘18 image: Sarah Issever ‘18 right: Sonia Dushey ‘17
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When The Sun Rises Three generations is what I heard all seventeen years of my life. A great grandfather who had settled his family in Kauai in 1934 and a grandfather who grew up taking all of it in. When the sun rose he would invite the day in, and invite the fair streaks of mist in the sky and run down the rickety wooden steps to the sand where he finally felt alive. A young boy at the time, full of life and crave for the water. When the sun rose he grew up and started a separate life. Detached from his adolescence but all the more intertwined to the petite taupe droplets he walked on each day to his sapphire home. He had a set of three boys, who all wanted to ride waves like their father. Three boys who all wanted to read the ripples of the ocean from miles away and know where and when the next wave would begin to show. The youngest was my grandfather’s favorite. He was exceptional in his maneuvers and knew the sacred spot better than anyone who could slash it before. When the sun rose he was the first of the three children to grab his gluey board and merge with the ocean. I’ve touched it a few times in my kitchen and as I ride my hands down its spine, it doesn’t glide the way he says it did when he lays a hand on it. The feeling is muggy and my fingers feel humid for the rest of the day. As the sun rises, I’ve been told all the children feel boundless when the ocean catches them before they go to the mainland for school. They lose themselves in each moment they dip under a wave and touch the surface of the water when the white ripples roll in. I have to say all this seems enchanting, a lovely bond with something that isn’t a human. But when the sun rises I wake up and grab my alarm from my nightstand. I check Instagram and Snapchat for three minutes until my muscles can’t hold the device any longer and it falls on my face. I open my curtains and a solid jungle of working men and yellow taxis is apparent. My father is in our kitchen staring helplessly at his board, the same one he rode every morning because he had a connection with the spot and knew it better than anyone else in his town. Three generations is what I heard all seventeen years of my life. I wonder what happened to me. Sarah Issever ‘18 previous: Jack Laboz ‘16 right: Tamar Sidi ‘17
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previous: Noa Attias ‘18 above: Tamar Sidi ‘17 70
after school special Usually, the road is silent. Not one soul passes and I wondered why my path had always been empty, why the little ants carry on in groups of seven or eight but a real person? Maybe one or two. I’ve been neglected, but I wasn’t once. I could hear bells ring from miles away, and not the church kind that sends a shiver through your heart on a Sunday because you are anywhere but there. It was the reckoning of several hundred students dashing out of school, kicking dirt onto their canvas sneakers as they ran. Ran to the mothers who waited outside in silver Hondas, and two ran to me. They made a beautiful contrast looking from afar, and as they leaned over the edges of my green stained stones, the river always flickered a little, reflecting on their faces. Normally the two would laugh, sing, smile, or whisper jokes to one another. The freedom in their steps was evident; they had me all to themselves. But sometimes, he would utter the quietest screams, things that made her stop in her tracks. “I don’t know why I stopped playing the piano, I just did.” “I used to be the top student, but not so much anymore.” “In the summer, my dad would take me to that little action figure shop, we stopped a while ago.” “I wanted to collect quarters from every state, but I gave up at thirty six.” He gave her all these pieces with distant eyes, and then apologized for burdening her with his useless epiphanies. She would sit over my ledge; her feet dangled and reflected off the olive stream like two stale brownies. She would ask about them always, but he told her they didn’t matter every time. Sarah Issever ‘18
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IN THIS ISSUE Index of Information and Details technicolor cover image by Tamar Sidi ‘17
theme page
image by Tamar Sidi ‘17
contributors page
image by Sonia Dushey ‘17
table of contents page
image by Tamar Sidi ‘17
summer calendar
image by Sonia Dushey ‘17
reviews page
image by Tamar Sidi ‘17
randoms page image by Rachel Russo ‘17 talent board introduction image by Noa Attias ‘18 back cover by Tamar Sidi ‘17
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technicolor
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