DT FRIDAY MARCH 11, 2022
The Daily Texan’s guide to SXSW
emma george
| the daily texan staff
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SXSW SXSW SXSW 2022 2022 2022
SXSW 2022
STAFF
meet the reporters |
MANAGEMENT Phoebe Hayes Nathan Han Fiza Kuzhiyil Abhirupa Dasgupta Rachael Hatchett
DESIGNERS Jenny DeVico Juleanna Culilap Sara Kinney Karina Kumar Morgan Severson
Zoe Tzanis
Sofia Treviño
Life & Arts Associate Editor
Life & Arts Senior Film Columnist
Zoe Tzanis is the Life & Arts editor. She’ll be covering film, speaker events and music, as well as editing and organizing content. Zoe is most excited to watch enigmatic documentaries and try all the available food vendors.
Sofia Treviño is the Life & Arts associate editor. She’ll be covering film, music, art and comedy, in addition to editing content. Sofia is most excited to watch Daniel Radcliffe in “The Lost City” and interview directors and musicians.
Noah Levine is a Life & Arts senior film columnist. A SXSW and Texan veteran, he’ll be covering the film festival and is excited to see the Midnighters collection and explore immersive experiences.
Life & Arts Editor
Noah Levine
ARTISTS Emma George Rocky Higine Barbra Daly Adrian Medina Sofia Romera Ciara Casarez
PHOTO Jessie Curneal Kara Hawley
COPY
Minka Atkinson Emma Allen Angelina Braese Erin Walters Sarah White Emma Gilliam Lea Cantu Alex Mercadel Isabella Zeff McKenzie Coleman Lana Haffar
EDITOR’S NOTE:
Following South by Southwest’s cancellation in 2020, the festival returned in an entirely virtual format in 2021. This year, the festival will make it’s long-awaited, in-person return to the Live Music Capital of the World. As people from all over the world are able to finally close their computers and flock to Austin to appreciate all that the festival offers, enjoy the content The Daily Texan has compiled to to help audiences prepare to safely enjoy the festival’s in-person return.
Angela Lim
Sage Dunlap Life & Arts Reporter
Life & Arts Senior Reporter
Angela Lim is a Life & Arts senior reporter. She’ll be covering the SXSW music festival and speakers. Angela is looking forward to watching Sarah Kinsley’s set and discovering hundreds of rising artists.
Sage Dunlap is a Life & Arts general reporter. She’ll be covering music, speakers and events. Sage is most excited to see Sloppy Jane perform at Mohawk Outdoor.
Kaiya Little is a Life & Arts senior reporter. She’ll be covering film, art, experiences and events. While on a mission to escape NFTs, Kaiya hopes to discover new artists and check out speakers.
Life & Arts Senior Reporter
Kaiya Little
FREE CONTENT
FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2022
FESTIVAL FREEBIES
3
By Angela Lim @angelaiim
Disney+ Outdoor Screenings
Flatstock 77
March 12, 10:30 a.m. - 9:45 p.m., 701 W Riverside Dr .
March 17-19, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., 500 E Cesar Chavez St.
Hang out at the Long Center Terrace to watch films presented by Disney+. Notably, attendees can view Emma Stone’s “Cruella” at 3:30 p.m. and Marvel’s “Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings’’ at 7:30 p.m. Set up a picnic blanket, bring snacks and enjoy the movies with good company.
Presented by the American Poster Institute, the public can view exhibitions showcasing top concert poster artists’ works at the Austin Convention Center. Rising artists will also perform at the Flatstock 77 Stage, energizing the venue with their live music.
Just Food: Community, Culture and Economy
SXSW Outdoor Stage March 17-19, 4 - 9:40 p.m., 800 W Riverside Dr .
March 11, 2:30 p.m. - 5 p.m., 900 Chicon St. This Food Tank conference at Huston-Tillotson University gathers over 20 speakers to discuss community efforts on food accessibility. The presenters will explain food’s intersectional ties with societal and economic justice. The University will also host Food-Film Watch Parties on March 14 and 15.
Hey,
Students!
.
ciara casarez
| the daily texan staff
Overlooking the Austin skyline and sunset, SXSW presents a three-day outdoor concert on their largest stage, which anyone can attend. Concertgoers can watch more than a dozen acts perform, including Mt. Joy, Sammy Hagar and the Circle, and Golden Dawn Arkestra. Take in the full festival experience with a vigorous crowd.
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SXSW 2022
PLAYLIST
PLAYLIST
pre-SXSW 2022
By Angela Lim @angelaiim
A beacon for local creatives, international talent and stellar live performances, South by Southwest attracts hundreds of artists from all corners of the world to Austin. The Daily Texan has compiled a list of songs from the festival’s lineup to get attendees in the mood for the weeklong celebration of music.
PLAY raquel higine
| the daily texan staff
1.
Connect 5
2.
Rita
3.
LAUNDRY DAY
With percussion beating in an addictive, syncopated rhythm, the New York-based band delivers an alternative pop reverie. “Connect 5” carries a contagious energy to clap along to through its swift-hitting melodies, making it an absolute must to hear live.
VALERAS
The bass and synths in the intro of “Rita” have a summer roadtrip vibe, transporting listeners to scorching sands. Beneath the grungy texture lies messages of empowerment to the hopeless, such as, “No one’s ever gonna crush your spirits / You’ll always know where you stand / When they doubt, you just keep it moving.”
The Fine Line of a Quiet Life
FUR showcases vibrant guitars and interludes in the most popular track from their 2021 album, When You Walk Away. The lively instrumental brings color to nonchalant vocals that remain on the same wavelength.
FUR
4.
Melatonin
5.
So Sweet So Nice
Ivypaint
John Moods
6.
FEEL LIKE
7.
The King
8.
Loverboy
9.
Bike
10.
The Flame
Josh Fudge
Sarah Kinsley
A-Wall
ADOY
The Convenience
Angsty and nostalgic, the Orlando pop-punk band’s sound draws inspiration from Waterparks and blink-182. The memorable chorus of “Melatonin” combines electric guitar riffs, stylistic vocals and catchy lyrics that stick to listeners’ ears.
With steady drums pulsating throughout the soft rock song, Moods invites listeners to the mystifying world he’s created. The wonderful atmosphere drips like honey in its reflection of existentialism: “So sweet, so nice / Everything is waiting to die / So sweet, so high / Nothing’s ever felt so alive.” Amassing over 3.6 million streams on Spotify, “FEEL LIKE” contains a range of textures from magical synths to mellow acoustic guitars. The laid-back tune relaxes listeners on sunny days, including heartfelt lyrics such as, “But now you’re walking back into my life / And finally the stars have realigned.” Beginning with fluttering piano arpeggios, the self-produced artist paints whimsical images in her most streamed track. Complete with whirring synths and a soulful voice, “The King” serves as the paragon of youth and coming of age, embracing every enchanting moment of the past.
This feel-good song accompanies over 1.2 million videos on TikTok. The Arlington-born artist blends synth-kissed samples to convey the aftermath of a past relationship. The minimal variations in “Loverboy” make it widely enjoyed and easy to listen to.
ADOY, who hail from the flourishing Korean indie music scene, impart a warm aura in “Bike” with their storytelling, such as, “Riding into the sunlight, I was 25 / She followed me to the coastline.” The band captures natural ambience and scenes in their music with a dreamy ensemble. The swinging meter in “The Flame” creates a calm, romantic tone adorned with dissonant chord progressions. A saxophone interlude fills a section in the second half and enhances the remaining parts of the song. Listeners can find themselves listening to the track on a stroll.
5 PANELS panels provide glimpse to next Generation FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2022
By Sage Dunlap @SageDunlapp
Gen Z currently stands as the most ethnically-diverse, best educated generation in American history, according to a 2020 Pew Research Center study. With social media and the internet at their disposal, many Gen Z leaders pursue large-scale social change, reaching the masses online. The Daily Texan compiled a list of SXSW panels featuring Gen Z speakers who will provide an inspiring glimpse into the next generation of leaders. Not Your Boomer’s Consumers
March 12, 10 a.m. – 11a.m. JW Marriott Led by Gen Z entrepreneurs Amrutha Vasan, Aagya Mathur, Nadya Okamoto and Bao Phan, this panel will tackle modern advertising and the impact of personal values on consumerism. The four panelists will discuss how this awareness changes Gen Z’s approach to adopting new products and
platforms and how advertisers should cater to their young-adult consumers. Gen Z is Making Change: New Tools for Impact
March 11, 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. Hilton Austin Downtown Entering her junior year at Arizona State University, Anusha Natarajan will take the stage at SXSW to talk about how she developed the first racial justice task force at her honors college and helped create the nonprofit Culture Talk, which provides educational resources to help schools diversify their curriculums. Natajaran will be accompanied by three other panelists who will discuss empowering Gen Z to participate in advocacy. Environmental Movement
Justice:
A
Youth
March 11, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Hilton Austin Downtown Room 400 - 402 Overwhelmed by the impending
effects of climate change, some young people dedicate themselves to taking action. Sixteen-year-old Anna Heck will discuss her tech invention, which allows citizens to track the quality of their local water supply and get updates about future water supply problems. By sharing her mechanism with SXSW audiences, Heck will explain how city governments can implement infrastructure to help city dwellers interact with their natural environment.
climate strikes, designing clean energy initiatives or participating from their own homes. “Make It Up As We Go” Season 2 Panel
March 17, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Austin Marriott Downtown Moontower Hall
“Make It Up As We Go” is a scripted-musical podcast from the network Audio Up. The cast, which includes 24-year-old singer-songwriter Abby Anderson from Dallas, will speak about the podcast’s second season. While promoting the show, Anderson will share her experience emerging as a young musician in Texas.
How are You(th) Showing up for Climate Action?
March 17, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Hilton Austin Downtown Four representatives from Youth Climate Lab — Joshua Amponsem, Larissa Crawford, Naia Lee and Dominique Souris — will discuss Gen Z’s responsibility to take action in the climate crisis for the sake of their own futures. Each speaker will share their own experience with climate advocacy, whether through organizing copyright alex berger, and reproduced with permission
Abby Anderson, 24-year-old singer-songwriter from Dallas
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SXSW 2022
BANDS
SXSW welcomes local Austin acts While some music acts journey across the globe to showcase their signature sounds during Austin’s annual South by Southwest festival, other artists have a much shorter trek. For local talent, SXSW is practically in their backyard. By Sage Dunlap @SageDunlapp
The Daily Texan compiled a list of local Austin artists to follow at this year’s festival.
TUE JANE LEO
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12:00 a.m. Las Perlas
WED the western express
16
11:30 p.m. Lamberts
WED & THU magna carda a.m. 16 12:05 Pour Choices 17 9:30 p.m. Sheraton BackYARD
Recognized for their glamor noir aesthetic and hazy vocals reminiscent of St. Vincent, the alternative-pop duo of Jane Ellen Bryant and Daniel Leopold will take the SXSW stage with a grungy set prepared to make audiences let loose to the sound of guitar riffs, brassy instrumentals and deeply satisfying vocal harmonies. In their most recent 2021 single, “The More You Know,” the pair sings of lingering lust after a breakup — a tune likely to be given a breathy, sultry live performance.
Making a name for themselves through local performances and open mic nights, Western Express attracts country lovers and cowboys alike. The pair’s soulful tone accompanied by bluesy banjo and harmonica instrumentals offers listeners the perfect soundtrack for a disco hoedown at SXSW. On their most recent 2022 single, “Lovin’ You for a While,” inspiration from Texas greats such as Willie Nelson shines through in dreamy, romantic country melodies.
MC producer duo Magna Carda brings smooth, jazz-inspired hip-hop to the SXSW stage. The act’s 2021 album, To the Good People, offers a variety of genres from acoustic R&B melodies to more electronically-backed, bass-heavy rap tracks. Though an unlikely combination, this amalgamation of sound forms a fantastic hip-hop project rooted in vulnerable lyrics.
copyright jackson montgomery schwartz
WED & fri PRIMO THE ALIEN a.m. 16 1:00 Saxon Pub 18 8:00 p.m.
Sheraton BackYARD
WED & THU ALEXALONE
17 9:00 p.m. p.m. 19 9:00 Lucille
Cheer Up Charlie’s
FRI Mélat
18
10:15 p.m. Parker Jazz Club
, and reproduced with permission
Attendees should prepare to break a sweat when the futuristic and flamboyant Primo the Alien takes the stage at Saxon Pub. The electro-pop singer-songwriter mesmerizes audiences with hypnotizing vocals and futuristic sound, blends which will surely ignite a dance party. In her most recent single, “Sad Blue,” Primo remains innovative while incorporating retro 80s-inspired synths — a surefire recipe for a fantastic pop performance.
Orchestrating a psychedelic experience for SXSW attendees, alternative band alexalone will thrill audiences with ambient vocals and reverberating guitar arrangements. The group’s out-of-the-ordinary style takes listeners on a vacant highway through the Milky Way, navigating Bowie-esque instrumentation and country influences. The group’s 2021 release ALEXALONEWORLD”showcases the group’s unique, experimental alternative rock sound.
Festival attendees looking to enjoy beautiful vocals, and possibly shed a few tears, should check out Mélat’s performance at Parker Jazz Club. The Austin-born songstress offers an ethereal quality to modern R&B, showcasing an impressive vocal range by blending a deep, soulful tone with airy backing melodies — a dazzling combination. For a taste of the singer’s lush vocals and instrumental arrangements, check out her 2021 single, “The Lesson.”
NFTs
FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2022
NFTs: what they are, their role at SXSW, STUDENT THOUGHTS By Kaiya Little @kaiyalittle
In January 2022, South by Southwest announced plans to collaborate with sponsor Blockchain Creative Labs, Fox Entertainment’s new unit, to introduce NFTs to the usual festival activities. While an innovative endeavor, many still question the essence, integrity and sustainability of NFTs. The Daily Texan set out to understand what NFTs are, how they will be used at SXSW 2022 and what students think of them.
WHAT ARE NFTs? NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, are one of the newest popularizations of the cryptocurrency scene. According to Forbes, since 2017, more than $174 million has been spent on NFTs, which essentially represent a unique vessel for a physical or nonphysical object that can be signified through media such as art, movies or video games. At its core, an NFT is a means of ownership, according to Business Insider. NFT proponents, such as those at Blockchain Creative Labs, believe it will hail
a new sense of autonomy for individuals. However, some UT students have expressed concerns about the toll producing and validating NFTs will take on the environment.
WHAT ROLE WILL NFTs PLAY AT SXSW THIS YEAR? Leading the charge on Blockchain Creative Lab’s end, Melody Hildebrandt, chief information security officer of Fox Corporation and president of Blockchain Creative Labs, said the NFT venture is intended to bring a new level of accessibility to artists at SXSW. At their on-site 5th Street location at Trinity Hall, anyone can come and mint their own NFTs. “South By embodies so much of what (the Web 3.0 revolution) is about:creators, filmmakers and musicians connecting with audiences,” Hildebrandt said. “It’s creativity and technology coming together – it just felt perfect.”
WHAT DO STUDENTS THINK ABOUT NFTs? Sustainability studies sophomore Seth Amaradasa said he believes NFTs will be an asset for young creatives and aspiring filmmakers like himself who worry about the obstacle of independently funding their projects. “It’s really refreshing,” Amaradasa said. “NFTs (are the) decentralization of (marketing influence), (where) anything can be put directly in the creator’s hands. They are circumnavigating the need to go through major companies or government entities adrian medina
| the daily texan staff
to do anything on the internet.” Conversely, environmental science freshman Tina Feng said she feels that the cons of NFTs surpass potential benefits. Feng said that while she is not an expert in the growth of cryptocurrency, she is against what NFTs stand for and the harm they cause. Mining cryptocurrency, such as NFTs or Bitcoin, requires intense amounts of energy and releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide. According to a 2018 study by Nature Sustainability, the process of accessing the technology platform where NFTs exist demands electricity comparable to Ireland’s 5 million residents — around 26.5 terawatt-hours of electricity a year. “There’s no reason to justify the power used to create (NFTs), except that some people are profiting off of it,” Feng said. “It’s such a select few. We would be fine without entities in crypto.” Amaradasa said he is hopeful that there are ways around the negative impacts of NFTs, and the energy can potentially be used in new ways. “We have so many things on our electrical grid already,” Amaradasa said. “The contribution of cryptocurrency might be large, but it’s part of an electrical grid which can be converted to renewable sources.“ While Blockchain Creative Labs says it is utilizing specific blockchains that are more environmentally conscious, Feng said she still harbors concerns about the choice to partake in propagating NFTs. “(NFTs) use more electricity than people think,” Feng said. “I think it’s shameful because … we are already doing so much to harm the environment, and this is just the icing on the cake.”
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FILM
FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2022
9
Texas filmmakers take SXSW’s Film Festival by STORMS storm By Noah Levine @ZProductionz
After a two-year hiatus, SXSW finally returns, in its full glory to Austin, Texas. During the festival, which features an extensive education, comedy, music, experience and film lineup, up-and-coming filmmakers get their first taste of recognition and success on the SXSW screen. Texas and UT filmmakers have an exciting presence at this year’s festival. Check out this Daily Texan-compiled roundup of upcoming screenings that feature Texas talent.
APOLLO 10 ½: A Space Age Childhood 8 p.m. March 13, Paramount Theater Iconic Austin-based filmmaker Richard Linklater (“Before Midnight” and “Boyhood”) is back with a brand new cinematic experience. “Apollo 10 ½,” conveyed with the rotoscope art style, chronicles the 1969 moon landing from the perspectives of a young kid from Houston with big dreams and the astronaut in mission control during the space expedition. The film features a stellar cast, including Jack Black, Zachary Levi, Glen Powell and more.
2022 UT RTF Longhorn Denius Student Film Showcase at SXSW 8 p.m. March 13, Austin Film Society Cinema This student showcase features a collection of short films created by none other than undergraduate and graduate students from UT. The lineup features a wide variety of content, including a music video, drama, horror and more.
copyright sxsw, and reproduced with permission
A still from Richard Linklater’s “Apollo 10 ½: A Space Age Childhood”
Susannah Joffe, local Austin artist and radio-television-film and Plan II senior, has a spot in the show with the music video to her single, “Backseat.” A horror film directed by Matt Lennon explores the darkness of the modeling world. Dana Reilly directs a documentary featuring her own grandma and mother sheltering in place during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
MORE THAN I REMEMBER 8 p.m. March 11, SXSW Film Theater “More Than I Remember” follows Mugeni, a 14-year-old living in southeastern Congo, who “sets out on a remarkable solo journey across the globe, determined to reunite with her lost loved ones and lift up the Banyamulenge people.” The animated short seeks to bring much-needed
attention to the humanitarian crisis in southeastern Congo. Sebastián Bisbal, who received his MFA from UT’s RTF program, is one of the main animators on the beautifully designed project. The film is featured in the Texas Shorts Competition Showcase.
FAR WEST 8 p.m. March 11, SXSW Film Theater Another Texas Shorts Showcase feature, “Far West” follows two men who venture on a mysterious, life-changing journey into the desert. This horror-thriller comes from directing sister duo Grace and Emily Potter. The Texas-based filmmaking team have previously worked with A24 and filmmaker Terrance Malick, but Friday will be their directorial debut.
TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL SHORTS SHOWCASE 2:45 p.m. March 12, Rollins Theater
Featuring the next generation of creative filmmakers, this showcase highlights a selection of under-five-minute short films directed by high schoolers. Some of the many unique showcases in the story include “I’m Here” from director/writer Grace Eitrheim, which tells the story of a spirit seeking to comfort someone grieving their demise. “In Person Learning,” from director/writer Makayla Esparza, follows a sophomore in high school as she finally experiences her first year off of online learning from the pandemic. Director Henry Segal details the story of a 5-year-old tennis prodigy with “Little Big Shot.”
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SXSW 2022
QUIZ
SXSW QUIZ
Which SXSW artists should you check out? 1. How would you describe your music taste?
Results:
By Angela Lim @angelaiim
5. How do you usually listen to music?
a
A live rock band sound with exhilarating guitars and percussion
a
I headbang and mimic the sounds of the instruments
b
A medley of groovy synths and smooth R&B tones
b
I hum and tap my foot to the rhythm
c
A mellow blend of folk, pop and indie
c
I sing — and occasionally belt — along to the lyrics
d
A bold cacophony that experiments with various genres
d
I daydream and feel a song deeply
2. Which aspects do you pay the most attention to in a song?
6. Which concert moments resonate with you the most?
a
The less noticeable details, such as a bass strumming in the background
a
The crowd’s screams blare as the guitarist shreds their much-awaited solo under crimson hues
b
The song’s vocals and beat — lyrics generally just go in and out of my head
b
The artist stops singing and points their microphone at the crowd, hearing their lyrics echoing throughout the venue
c
The song’s melody and lyrics
c
With a dazzling sea of phone flashlights waving in unison, the audience sways to the artist’s most emotional track in their setlist
d
The instrumentals and overall ambience
d
With overflowing gratitude, the artist moves offstage and freely interacts with the crowd, exchanging smiles
3. Choose a Pantone color to associate with your audio aura.
a
Sun Orange
b
7. Among these top artists, whose music do you enjoy the most?
a
Coldplay
Purple Velvet
b
The Weekend
c
Brick Red
c
Taylor Swift
d
Blue Moon
d
Billie Eilish
4. What is your favorite season?
8. Choose a mood playlist that Spotify curated:
a
Summer
a
“teen angst” — featuring Avril Lavigne, Mayday Parade and Paramore
b
Fall
b
“goosebumps” — featuring Doja Cat, Labrinth and Pink Sweat$
c
Spring
c
“wanderlust” — featuring Hozier, Lorde and Phoebe Bridgers
d
Winter
d
“idk.” — featuring Cavetown, Conan Gray and Rex Orange County
Mostly A’s: You seek bands with a high-energy discography that sounds best played live, giving an adrenaline rush.
Recommended Artists: Bad Bad Hats, Been Stellar, Blvck Hippie, Cuffed Up, jackie, Ivypaint, Low Hummer, Rosegarden Funeral Party
Mostly B’s: You love the sheer soul an artist expresses through their voice, seamlessly gliding across a track.
Recommended Artists: Akinyemi, Ariel & The Culture, AUSAR, Bairi, catchtwentytwo, CHERISE, Cítrico, Danielle Apicella, DeVita, Jay Wile, Madison McFerrin, Mélat
Mostly C’s: You view music as a source of inspiration and warmth, memorizing your favorite lines of poetry.
Recommended Artists: Alisa Amador, ANAVITÓRIA, Buffalo Rose, Junaco, Katy Kirby, Ley Line, MAITA, MAVICA, Mae Powell, Mini Trees, Sarah Kinsley, The Deer
Mostly D’s: You embrace the nuanced emotions of sound, drifting towards the vibrant escapades of your mind.
Recommended Artists: BABii, Baby Queen, Bodywash, Faux Real, John Moods, Living Hour, Luna Li, Liz Lawrence, Meltt, Mobley, Olivia Kaplan, The fin.
ART
FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2022
11
Simone Browne Showcases Black Studies Discussion By Zoe Tzanis @ZTzanis
While likely recognized best in a classroom setting, Simone Browne may also be spotted in the Beauford H. Jester Center’s Christian-Green Gallery, sitting cross-legged on a wooden bench, soaking in the sights and sounds of her self-curated exhibit, “Not Only Will I Stare.” Extrapolating from her academic works, such as her 2015 book “Dark Matters: On the Surveillance of Blackness,” the African and African diaspora studies professor used the space to showcase selected artists and artwork which reflect the intersections and evolving history of surveillance and the Black community. While many Americans may think of surveillance as harmless security cameras, through this exhibit, Browne uses art to showcase how surveillance can be used to hinder Black protest and perpetuate racist practices. A free, featured art program of South by Southwest 2022, “Not Only Will I Stare” will run until May 21.
The Daily Texan: How did this exhibit come to fruition? Simone Browne: Each of the artists in the exhibition I met around the time my first book came out. When it came out, they either reached out to me, or we were put in conversation together. I learned so much from how they think through and grapple with surveillance through their own creative practice and output. I thought it would be fantastic to have them all in the same space.
DT: How does this space reflect, compare or speak to your book? SB: What I tried to do with that book is to put Black studies and surveillance studies into conversation, to think about how surveillance is a fact of anti-Blackness, how at least in the U.S. context,
North American, Western — quote, unquote — hemisphere, it has histories in the transatlantic slavery and plantation surveillance. These artists extend to how we think about prison, carceral state or the FBI. … These artists grapple with the surveillance in its various methodologies and find ways to think about undoing that and what it would mean to live a life beyond the surveillance state.
DT: How do you feel in this space? What emotions do you hope others feel when they walk through? SB: At the end of last year, writer (and) poet bell hooks passed away. We already had the title of the show taken from her essay, but having the whole quote around the gallery window has been important for me. (The title is) all around the place; it’s in that selfie mirror. Our looking relationships are more about not only looking, but also looking back, about changing perceptions. Once you change perceptions, we can change the ways that surveillance is the operating system of our lives.
DT: How do you think that art can be used as a window to look at history, and how do some of these pieces do that? SB: The pieces by Sadie Barnette — when we think about the counterintelligence program, COINTELPRO, we imagine that’s something far away, but we still have those — surveillance of Muslim communities, activists, organizers of folks through social media and other sites. The practice of state, those kinds of alphabet agencies’ interventions and their ability to index people’s commitment to freedom, liberation and equity as threats to the state still continue.
jessie curneal
| the daily texan staff
Simone Browne poses for a picture in her self-curated exhibit, “Not Only Will I Stare.”
12
SXSW 2022
UT CONNECTIONS
UT Connections at SXSW By Sofia Treviño @sofiacis_7
Music Susannah Joffe — SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake Showcasing her recent EP, “The Punch”, Joffe, a radio-television-film and Plan II senior, will take to the stage March 19. Joffe’s raw, emotional songs provide soothing lyrics for those dealing with heartbreak.
CONFERENCE SESSIONS Marissa Epstein and Claire Seigel — The Science of Eating for Your Menstrual Cycle Highlighting menstrual cycles as empowering human processes, these nutrition experts will share tips on eating for healthier hormone levels and explain different phases of the cycle. This session will run at 11:30 a.m. on March 12 at Austin Marriott Downtown. Kathryn Paige Harden — The Genetic Lottery: Why DNA Matters for Equality Drawing from her book, “The Genetic Lottery,” UT psychology professor Harden will argue for the acknowledgement of genetic luck that leads to an unequal society. Harden will speak at the Austin Convention Center on March 11 at 4 p.m.
rocky higine
Muna Hussaini — Dear Asian Americans, What Now?
ART
Honoring the one year anniversary of the 2021 Atlanta spa shootings, in which six of eight victims were women of Asian descent, this panel will share an important conversation on lived experiences and steps for moving forward. Featuring Hussaini, a UT alumna, the session will take place at Austin Marriott Downtown on March 15 at 4 p.m.
Ja’nell Ajani — Jamel Shabazz & Peace to the Queen
Julie Faure, Kasey Faust, Erik Funkhouser and Joshua Rhodes — Austin Urban Systems: Lessons from the 2021 Freeze February 2021’s Winter Storm Uri, which left thousands of Texans without safe drinking water and/or power, raised important questions about the capacity of Texas infrastructure to withstand major weather events. On March 16 at 10 a.m. at Hilton Austin Downtown, the panelists will discuss ways to learn from the 2021 winter storm.
Doctoral candidate in the American Studies Department Ajani’s curated exhibition showcases the work of African American photographer Jamel Shabazz, featuring candid portraits of women of color. Aimed to feature the personal beauty of the photographed subject, this “Peace to the Queen” exhibition will be at the Carver Museum and Cultural Center until Aug. 6.
FILM Katherine Propper — Birds Directed by Propper, a film production alumna, this film follows Austin teenagers during a hot Texas summer. “Birds” will premiere at the Austin Convention Center on March 11 at 8 p.m.
| the daily texan staff
Pamela Ribon — My Year of Dicks Created by Ribon, an acting alumna, the animated comedy memoir film “My Year of Dicks’’ follows quirky protagonist Pam as she tries to lose her virginity in a way that lives up to the standards of her fantasies. The film will air at Alamo Lamar on March 13 at 2:15 p.m.
VOLUNTEERS
FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2022
UT radio-television-film students discuss excitement about volunteering at SXSW Several Longhorns will get a peek behind the curtain when they volunteer at SXSW.
By Jessica Garcia @jessimgarc
Trading flip flops and sunglasses for comfy shoes and a volunteer badge, some Longhorns plan to spend their spring break volunteering at South by Southwest 2022. After a two-year hiatus on in-person events, SXSW returns to Austin, offering a variety of music, film, technology and more. However, an interactive SXSW student pass costs upward of $600, so many opt for a much more affordable ticket — volunteering. UT students like radio-television-film junior Levi Casias volunteer for the free opportunity to learn more about the film industry, see works from wellknown directors and find emerging talent in film. Casias, who will volunteer at the Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar during SXSW’s film festival, said the volunteer opportunity can help interested students see how much work goes into making every genre of film. However, instead of purchasing a ticket, Casias will only have to exchange a few volunteer hours for a once-in-alifetime experience. “It’s very good for networking (too),” Casias said. “It’s very
important as a radio-television-film major to go to these festivals, whether it’s SXSW, Austin Film Festival or any other festival that happens around the general Austin or Texas area,” Casias said. Like Casias, undeclared freshman Myles Garza plans to volunteer at the Paramount Theater. Garza said he looks forward to taking a deep dive into movies and documentaries. He said he hopes the experience will allow him to acquire more knowledge about the field, which will help prepare him to transfer into UT’s radio-filmtelevision program. “Given my position, I (am) just a freshman,” Garza said. “I’m still undeclared, but doing something like this will allow me to get to experience the world of film.” Radio-television-film sophomore Kaitlyn Gomez said she cannot wait to be immersed in an environment with people who share her interest in film and cinema. While still performing her volunteer duties, Gomez said she hopes to use her role to network with like-minded people and learn more about how other passionate creatives navigate the business. “I would like to be able to meet people who had the same mentality
that I do right now and see how they progressed through their career,” Gomez said. Gomez, Casias and Garza said the free entry into SXSW motivated them to help out and exchange a few volunteer hours for an unforgettable experience. Gomez said the cherry on top was that volunteers who commit to working a certain amount of hours receive badges of their
choosing to enjoy the festival outside of merely helping event-goers. Gomez said she is most excited to enjoy a week surrounded by creativity and people who share the same love for film, from event-goers to celebrities. “It’s going to be cool to see what other people can do and how they can do it on their own,” Gomez said. “It’s just sharing the love, (and) I want to be able to do that.”
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