Kehinde’s Smile exhibit was creative because it didn’t
necessarily need an explanation in order to impact the viewer. I didn’t want to
read his explanation until after I watched his video because I wanted to see it
with an unfiltered view. When I sat down to watch I didn’t really know what to
expect, I kept waiting for something to happen. But as I sat watching four
smiling faces (some with an occasional real laugh/smile and some who had more
of a grimace than a smile) I started to think. I thought about times in my life
when I’ve put on a smile without really meaning it, or forcing a happy demeanor
during tough times, and I wondered about all the times I’ve seen others without
recognizing their effort in maintaining a smile. It was also creative because
Kehinde used a sensation that everyone can relate to to help us sympathize or
feel for black minstrels.
He may have done some research about black minstrels and
tried to relate one aspect of their lives to a general public. Or he could have
gone the other way, he may have noticed the phenomenon of people smiling when
they didn’t mean it and then looked back through history to find a meaningful instance
where smiling in pain was significant.
It's interesting that you didn't read the description until after you saw the exhibit. I was stressed about not being able to know the 'why', rather than simply looking and thinking.
ReplyDeleteI think it is so interesting how you make a connection to the present. We all have had to put on a face for someone reason, and I think in the end that is what makes this work so relate-able.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't thought that the artists might have reverse-engineered a cultural significance, but I agree there is universal sentiment and application in the piece.
ReplyDeleteI had not thought about this project as an extension of black minstrels, but that is a very good connection. It definitely sheds more light on the purpose of this project.
ReplyDeleteIt's awesome how this piece makes us relate instantly. We all have that smiling face. And so when we watch it we feel their pain, because we've been there. Great insight!
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