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Emily

Posted on April 27, 2012 by Avi Chanales

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……….Former Rutgers student Dharun Ravi sat in trial awaiting his sentence regarding his alleged hate crime against his former gay roommate, Tyler Clementi. The resurfacing of this news story almost a year and a half after Tyler’s suicide forced the world to re-confront the harsh reality of gay teen suicides. Tyler’s suicide in October 2011 marked the fifth suicide in just a short three-week period and prompted a nationwide awareness effort regarding the serious danger of gay teen suicide.

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Emily

Three weeks ago, my friend Emily, also sat in a room awaiting her sentence. After 21 years of hiding her identity, Emily courageously came out in a public speech in front of the entire Orthodox Jewish community at Penn. She bravely spoke of her struggles growing up gay in a traditionalist community, but the main portion of her speech focused on her struggles with suicide. For the Orthodox community, gay teen suicide was no longer a news story; it was personal.

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Emily

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Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. The Suicide Prevention Resource Center estimated that between 30 to 40% of LGB youth have attempted suicide. A major factor influencing suicidal ideations is internalized homophobia that leads to self-loathing and deep internal conflicts about their sexual orientation.

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Emily described her constant questioning of her own self-worth. She described days that were so overwhelmed with depression that she could barely find the energy or motivation to do anything. She would just sit, numb and immobilized.

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For many gay youth, it is their religious beliefs that add to their internal conflicts. Emily described times when she simultaneously hated God but also felt like He was the only person she could turn to.

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Emily

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In response to the suicides of teenagers who were bullied because they were gay, author Dan Savage and his husband Terry Miller founded the “Its Gets Better Project”, to inspire hope in teens struggling with their sexual identity. Emily embodies this mission. Her courage, poise, and optimism instills hope not only in those still struggling with their sexual identities, but to everyone she encounters. The faith she instills? That one day we might actually live in a world that sees sexual orientation as irrelevant.

About the Author: Avi Chanales is a Candidate for Bachelor of Arts degree in Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania. Class of 2012

Andrew

Posted on April 26, 2012 by Andrew Jakubowski

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………The image that I envision is a mishmash of roughly applied body paint and color-driven sensations; it also includes a body position that excites but does not reveal. This image is based on a personal belief that the erotic is a state of mind resulting from the desire but inability to know reality. For me, the act of body painting is an extension of juvenile tendencies, a return to the very stage of life during which human curiosity (and ignorance) is at its peak. It denotes playfulness, innocence, and imagination – all of which contribute to my erotic, sensual, and sexual feelings.

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Andrew

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Within the context of Philo, this image is a seemingly striking juxtaposition against the wealth of knowledge present in the halls and possessed by the members. However, I contest that such knowledge is the result of innate inquisitiveness:  intellect itself is a product of refined interests. Therefore, the image gets at the root of what Philo is as an organization. It is a reminder that we are all motivated by childish curiosities and aroused by the unknown. Both the book and the body serve as means for satisfying our personal desires.

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Andrew

To Be Continued………

Jennie

Posted on April 19, 2012 by Jennie Shapira

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MISPLACEMENT

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……….For me, eroticism tickles the uncomfortable; it’s the delicate play of contrasting themes, acting perversely to make the viewer experience the combative feelings of ease and unease. It’s the product of a dichotomy between overt sexuality and something that both pushes you back and draws you in. What defines erotic as erotic is precisely this interaction. The concept of seeing only enough to force you to fill in the rest plays strongly with my views of eroticism, allowing a not-fully nude image to sometimes be more sexually driven than one where everything is purely raw.

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Jennie

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As a deeper conversation with the viewer, the creation of a scene which beckons for an accompanying narrative causes the interaction to deepen. In the end, it doesn’t matter if the story is the same as the stories imagined by all the others, nor the story imagined by the subject at the time of creation, as long as it is one that spawns a desire to know the character and know how the depicted situation managed to occur.

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Jennie

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In order to embody these themes and appropriately have them relate to the ‘philo’ environment located at UPenn’s College Hall, I imagined one half of the dynamic play to involve the concept of purity and intellectual soundness. The Philomathean Halls are gilded with knowledge, so a fair counter would be one that’s slightly disturbing and somewhat scandalous, which would eject itself from the ‘ivy-bubble’ as much as possible. To show eroticism, I plan to pose myself in an uncomfortable, tied-up fashion, as if just left in this building, for non-specific torture to ensue. Such would invoke much internal conversation, a discomfort with the image, and a great contrast with the neat, orderly, olden feel of the library.

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Jennie

To Be Continued………..

Desert Beauty

Posted on April 16, 2012 by Madeleine Shiff

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……….Why is a distorted lone tree in the desert beautiful? Why are the simplest things often the most beautiful? With this assignment I chose to explore the complexities and contradictions of the Arizona landscape. I became particularly interested in the juxtaposition of twisted, grotesque trees, and the majestic Catalina mountains. The exploration of the concept of ‘what is a photograph’ is particularly interesting to me. As Susan Sontag states in On Photography, “ although there is a sense in which the camera does indeed capture reality, not just interpret it, photographs are as much an interpretation of the world as painting and drawings are”. What do we really see when we view a photograph? To me, a photograph is compelling when it does not just depict reality. A photograph is compelling because its composition evokes a deep visceral reaction in the viewer.

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Catalina Mountains

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The Arizona landscape is harsh and savage. Few plants or animals can survive in this landscape. From far away the spikes of a cactus appear vicious and hostile, yet up close the spikes appear delicate and beautiful. This photograph lends itself to the idea that objects in a photograph can appear completely different than they do in reality. Furthermore, objects can appear ‘ugly’ in reality yet beautiful in a photograph because of its composition.

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Cactus

Sontag also examines the tension between beauty and ‘ugliness’. I believe that remarkable photographic opportunities lie within this tension between beauty and ugliness. This is a concept that I examined with my photographs in Arizona. A bare tree without leaves can appear lonely in the desert landscape; however, it can also appear proud and dignified in its bareness. Photographs do not merely capture reality; they capture the desires and motivations of the photographer as well. Through this series of pictures, I sought to capture both traditional objects of beauty such as the Catalina Mountains, as well as unorthodox objects of beauty such as an old, lifeless tree.

About The Author: Madeleine Shiff is enrolled in the College of the University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2013.

Photo: Errol Christian

Posted on April 14, 2012 by Errol Christian

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Many times, the most popular photos in sports are the photos taken directly after winning “the big game.” For example, one of the most popular photos in basketball is the shot of Michael Jordan laying on the floor and hugging his newly won championship trophy, while crying as he mourns the recent death of his father. In the Olympics, U.S. citizens will never forget the photo of Michael Phelps sporting around his neck the eight gold medals he won in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

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Photo: Errol Christian

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These photos of achievement are what capture the eyes of the masses. However, what often gets overlooked is the hard work and dedication these glorified athletes endured in order to get to the ultimate stage. In his book Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell states that true success requires at least 10,000 hours of practice. How many shots do you think Michael Jordan had put up in an empty gym before he became the greatest player of all-time? How many laps do you think Michael Phelps has swum by himself before he became one of the greatest Olympians in history?

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Photo: Errol Christian

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Susan Sontag states “The history of photography could be recapitulated as the struggle between two different imperatives: beautification, which comes from the fine arts, and truth-telling…” Through photography, audiences are able to appreciate the beauty of Michael Jordan’s celebration and Michael Phelp’s eight gold medals. However, also through photography, it was my aim to capture the truth. The truth through repetitious practice in isolation – with no cheering fans, with no cameras, with no glory.

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Errol Christian: Self-Portrait 2012

About The Author: Errol Christian is enrolled in the MBA program: Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania.

Adachi: March for Trayvon Martin

Posted on April 12, 2012 by Ryun Hobbs

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……….On March 26, The 1,000,000 Hoodie March was held in honor of Trayvon Martin, the 17-year old boy shot and killed a month prior on February 26, 2012. There is still much confusion and accusation surrounding his case – such as whether the shooter, George Zimmerman, was chasing after Trayvon, or if there was an altercation. However, some facts are undeniable. There is a 17-year old who is dead and a big reason is because his hoodie made him look “suspicious. Communities of all racial and social groups throughout the nation became enraged at this unjustified murder, demanding that justice be served. This is a series of photos taken before the arrest of George Zimmerman, at the University of Pennsylvania’s Trayvon march.

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I first saw this woman pushing a baby stroller while holding the march poster in the early stages of the procession. Adachi (Adachi.photography@gmail.com) is no stranger to protests, having photographed many of them herself. Her passion for capturing the essence of justice, however, does not stop her from being a caring mother. Both of her children accompanied her as they made a stand together.

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Skittes and Juice

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Some people never are content with sitting back and staying silent. This woman is such a person – she is “armed” with the Skittles and iced tea that Trayvon also possessed at his death, but she is also armed with her voice. Her numerous badges, like military ribbons, flash ceremoniously in the sunlight, making statements about the different inequalities in the world.

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March for Trayvon

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Despite his tough exterior, this man is a peaceful giant. Holding up his sign with extreme ease, he calls for the end of violence and the beginning of peace. “Children are our future,” the sign says, and the image of the shaking hands between cannot help but evoke memories of the late Doctor M. L. King, who had dreamed long ago of a community that rose above racial tension.

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March for Trayvon

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Protesting is almost never a solitary thing. Here, a family expresses their dissatisfaction together, bound to each other not only by their blood but by their mission. It is often easy to forget about murder victims’ families when first learning of the case, but seeing this family and their signs made me wonder how the Martin family Is faring. Condolences go out to them for their loss.

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Love

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As seen in the pictures above, advocates for justice and equality come in all shapes and sizes – spanning multiple ethnic and age differences. After all, we are all a community that must stick together when it is necessary. What keeps everyone together is a bit of anger, a bit of dissatisfaction, and a lot of love – for each other, for the victims, and for what is right.

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R.I.P. Trayvon Martin

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Not everyone’s voice is always heard, but many want to try whatever they can to make their stand as strong as possible. Here, two people sign large canvases of the late Trayvon Martin, which were delivered to his family after the march. Although it may not be a protest sign, it is still a testament to the expectation of receiving equal rights, instead of stereotyped caricatures.

About The Author: Ryun H. Hobbs is a senior enrolled in the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania. Class of 2012

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Editor’s Note: To read more articles by Ryun Hobbs, go to the search bar at the top of the page: enter name and click green icon.

Image 1

Posted on March 31, 2012 by Bennett Lee

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“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.”
-Arthur C. Clarke

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……….Beyond the glass is the world as I see it. From a small room, the city in all of its modern accomplishments is laid out before me. Everything from the buildings that graze the sky to the cars driving about, technology flourishes on the other side of the glass.

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Image 2

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It’s humbling to think about how the many innovations that I take for granted could compare to that of a god to people in a different era. In ancient Greek mythology, humanity was grateful when Prometheus brought back the gift of fire. Today, I can press a button and make my own fire. For few, a press of a button could set the whole world on fire.

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Image 3

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Technology is a force that changes our world profoundly. Only 60 years ago was the Internet invented and since then our world has radically changed. The world has so many problems and science, I believe, has every solution. Poverty, hunger, disease, every obstacle mankind has to overcome, can be conquered if the power is put in the hands of the right people.

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Image 4

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“To every man is given the key to the gates of heaven….

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Image 5

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The same key holds the gates of hell.

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Image 6

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And so it is with science.”
-Richard P. Feynman

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Self-Portraits by Bennett Lee – Copyright 2012

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About The Author: Bennett Lee is enrolled in The Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology – The Wharton School | School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Pennsylvania Class of 2013 – Copyright 2012
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Editor’s Note: To read more articles by Bennett Lee, go to the search bar at the top of the page: enter name and click green icon.

Brooke Lynne

Posted on March 29, 2012 by Lynne Brooke

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STRIPPED: A Tony Ward Studio Exclusive Blog Series – Part 4

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……….Two songs seemed like a lot but I was already a pro after my last audition. I felt at ease knowing the girls weren’t all watching and hoping I’d fall of stage. I went through the routine with much less anxiety compared to my first audition. I felt comfortable and confident. After introducing myself to the bar patrons, I received an abundant amount of positive feedback – along with about 23 dollars in ones. I got dressed and headed to the back and filled out yet another application: although I really started wondering what kind of background you really needed to get hired other than being able to dance and have a social security number.

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I was hired on the spot and was told to call the next day to go over my schedule. I left feeling excited and energized. I found my new home and Brooke Lynne was born. All I needed to do now was figure exactly what a “G-string” was and get one in every color!

Copyright 2012

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To Be Continued……
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Editor’s Note: To read Brooke Lynne parts one through three, go to the search bar at the top of the page: enter name and click the green icon.

R.I.P.

Posted on March 24, 2012

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Editor’s Note: To learn more about Mikel Elam’s work, go to the search bar at the top of the page: enter name and click green icon.

Daniel Brooks

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Toan Nguyen

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Taking on this assignment, I knew I had to photograph Daniel Brooks. As a freshman at UPENN, I have become friends with many students since the beginning of the school year. Yet, among those, there is none quite like Daniel. He has charisma – that would make anyone feel like his best friend. Miami is Daniel’s hometown, known for the sunshine and the warm atmosphere that would make any visitor feel like home. Coming from a place that values a relaxing attitude, Brooks expresses himself fully as a person that is always willing to smile. His facial expression of smiling and laughing at the same time accentuates a sense of happiness, his usual emotional state.

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Daniel Brooks

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As Brooks and I became close friends, I also got to know his other emotional states, other than happiness. Very often, when he is upset, he usually knits his eyebrow as if there are many thoughts in his mind.

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Brooks is a smoker. While many smoke to show off their coolness, Brooks is different. He finds in smoking the tranquility he needs when things do not turn out the way he wants. Brooks, then, often smokes when he is upset or feels the urge to clear out his mind. The act of exhaling smoke, as he describes, symbolizes the feeling of relieving stressfulness, which brings him peacefulness.

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Daniel Brooks

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Another reason that he smokes, is because occasionally smoking allows Brooks to concentrate. When there are various external circumstances that distract Brooks from focusing on a certain issue, smoking allows him to eliminate those distractions in his thinking process. This is fascinating, as not only smoking is helpful as a tool of relaxation, it aids him in his thinking.

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Daniel Brooks

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My friend has a habit of exhaling very slowly to watch the smoke vanishing in the air. This is also a reason why I like capturing photographs of him exhaling smoke and with this eyes gazing at the smoke slowly vanishing. This brings a dreamy mood for Brooks, the character in the photo as he seeks tranquility in his activity.

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Daniel Brooks, therefore, presents himself as a character with happiness, as illustrated by a constant smile and laugh on his face. Yet, when he is at other emotional states, there are certain facial expressions or habits that are attached with them. The knitting of the eyebrows and the habit of smoking and gazing at the smoke vanishing characterize Brooks as a very deep person in accordance with his happiness.

About The Author: Toan Nguyen is a freshman enrolled in the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania. Class of 2015