Artist statement
The reason why we chose to focus on race labels is to display the multitude of racial slurs from then and now that hold negative, neutral, and positive connotations. We believe that most racial slurs were created to segregate minorities and prevent them from truly integrating into American society, such as “half-breeds” and “hybrids”. These labels connotate “lesser beings” than those who had “pure blood”. Currently, some of these racial slurs are becoming more accepted in society, but still cause some controversy, such as the labels “Chicano” and “Hapa”. For the top portion of our infograph, we define two terms that directly correlate to the race label identities we have chosen. The definitions highlight the broad, yet complex meanings that society places on individuals that do not fit into the socially accepted images of “racial purity”.
In this case for our infograph, we noted that most of the labels stemmed from physical or biological characteristics. As well as doing our own research we discovered that the lack of information about mixed race labels is still prevalent even with the unending knowledge the World Wide Web can provide. Through copious amounts of research/articles we came across many terms that ultimately meant mixed race but had different connotations. Therefore, we decided to highlight some of these terms through our “race label timeline”.
To produce our infograph, we used a website called Canva. As artists, it was helpful finding a site where we chose the background, fonts and colors to highlight specific aspects of our infograph. We displayed our terms in a timeline-like format, showcasing the impact each has had historically and dating them to the start of the 16th century and how it is relevant today. Race labels are used as cultural identifications to tie heritage, culture, and homeland to an individual. Unfortunately, some of these terms do not place that cultural value, instead it strips the person of their identity, placing one over the other.
Words are powerful tools that carry connotations in addition to denotations. Therefore, using language, instead of laws, to delineate the stigma of mixed race people through time was very creative. Your artist statement supports the piece sufficiently and there is no need for improvement.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy the simplicity and clarity of this infographic. It reflects the negative reputation mixed race people have had throughout history. The statement is well written and accompanies the piece well, no need for improvement found.
ReplyDeleteI like how the info graphs incorporate date with terms that has been used at that time. I also enjoy how at the beginning of the chart it has the definition of outcast and deviants. The artist statements clearly explains the inspiration, methods and idea of the piece. The artist statement can include the purpose of why being an artist, but overall great work!
ReplyDeleteYour group presented a different way in looking at these so-called "race labels." I found it especially interesting that these terms had various meanings attached to them, and how the terms emerged over the period of time presented above. Your statement was clear and informative. The infograph was simple and easy to understand. However, I would have loved to have seen more visuals, images, symbols, etc. associated with your terms.
ReplyDeleteI really liked how your group chose to talk about labels that our society have used in the past to categorize the different groups of mixed-race people. I think words are very powerful and should be understood and recognized for people to better understand them; only then can we figure out solutions to break down labels and prevent new labels from occurring in the future. Your artist statement went well with your artwork and needs no change. Maybe one thing your group can add to your artwork would be where the different terms are used in the world.
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ReplyDeleteI liked the simplicity of this project, but I would recommend adding more colors or pictures to make it stand out. The statement does go hand in hand with the infograph. I learned a lot about the different types of labels and the project does fully explain it. Great job overall!
ReplyDeleteThis infograph serves its exact purpose. Very informative and clear. The artist statement is very helpful in explaining everything and how the topic connects to class content. Very good
ReplyDeleteI love the simple yet powerful history of how we have labeled those that are mixed race. I thought the artist statement did a good job of describing the thought process and reasons for the piece, they connected very well with one another.
ReplyDeleteI love the simple yet powerful history of how we have labeled those that are mixed race. I thought the artist statement did a good job of describing the thought process and reasons for the piece, they connected very well with one another.
ReplyDeleteI love the simple yet powerful history of how we have labeled those that are mixed race. I thought the artist statement did a good job of describing the thought process and reasons for the piece, they connected very well with one another.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy how you took a chronological approach to your infographic. It does a really good job showing the progression and evolution of mixed labels in society. The statement reflects this kind of message, good job!
ReplyDeleteYour infographic gave an elaborate understanding of how mixed-race has been defined and re-defined throughout hundreds of years. The statement was very clear and went into more specifics that I would not have known just looking at the infographic. Overall great piece of art and no need for improvements!
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