Final Intervention Project - Shayna Pullo

 PMDD in women

(Premenstrual Dysphoric disorder)

I decided to choose this topic to raise awareness among everyone but especially women. PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome PMS that appears 1 to 2 weeks before your period. PMDD is a biological disorder, it is not a behavioral choice to act this way. PMDD is an abnormal brain reaction to the normal hormone cycle. PMDD can come with emotional and physical symptoms. Some of the emotional symptoms are anger, irritability, crying, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, sadness, confusion, and feeling completely out of control. Physical symptoms can be things like swelling, joint and muscle pain, severe fatigue, nausea, and even insomnia. All these symptoms that a woman has to go through every month, it can impact the quality of our life and our daily functioning. That is why it is so important for women to know this.

Treatments for PMDD include:

• Antidepressants are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs change serotonin levels in the brain. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved three SSRIs to treat PMDD:

• Sertraline

• Fluoxetine

• Paroxetine

• Over-the-counter pain relievers may help relieve physical symptoms, such as cramps, joint pain, headaches, backaches, and breast tenderness. These include:

• Aspirin

• Naproxen

• Ibuprofen

• Stress management, such as relaxation techniques and spending time on activities you enjoy.

But PMDD can be serious enough that some women should go to a doctor or nurse to discuss treatment options. 

Non-medical treatments

When you speak to your doctor, they may suggest some lifestyle changes which could improve your physical and mental health. This may help to reduce your PMDD symptoms to a manageable level without the need for further treatment. Or it may be something to try alongside another treatment.

Possible suggestions they might make are:

• Daily exercise

• Changes in your diet - such as reducing caffeine and alcohol

• Setting a regular sleep routine

• Trying to reduce your stress levels

• if you smoke, trying to cut down or stop entirely

Yoko Ono, Diana Ocholla and Judy Chicago are the ones who inspired me. Yoko Ono with her artistic performance “cut piece”. She appears vulnerable while people cut pieces of her own clothes, and this reflects when women go through PMS or PMDD and feel so vulnerable. 

Judy Chicago with her work Menstruation Bathroom. During the 1970s and through the 80s, Chicago wanted to create a visual representation of women menstruation to normalize the menstrual cycle in women. 

Also, Diana Ocholla who defends the right of women to feel safe wherever we go. This is how women should feel, safe and understood by their menstrual cycle, that we don't have the power to simply choose not to have it and that we're not just acting “weird.”

 https://youtu.be/vvx-uGT-xWA?feature=shared 

Quotes: 

"As artistic activists we create Culture: creative forms we think best represent and communicate the ideas and ideals we would like others to share" p. 136

This is one of the reasons of why I choose this topic, I felt that it was seriously important to inform women of PMDD.

"Art is powerful. It's a way we can express our understandings of the world as it is and articulate our visions for how it could be." p. 137

The world would feel safer for women if we all were informed about how a women's life can be affected by her menstrual cycle; PMS and PMDD. 

"As artistic activists, we dive headlong into the ugliness of the world that most people try to escape" 

   p. 336

Women go through PMS symptoms every month, for us is scary to know that we have to go through so many emotions for 1-2 weeks and we can't control it. We don't know how many of us women have PMDD since the symptoms are the same, but it feels stronger. 

"We need to make sure that in every piece we create there is a kernel of our utopia." p.337

Research:

PMS & PMDD - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

Is your severe PMS actually premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)? | UCLA Health

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): Causes & Treatment

Final Intervention Project - Chahinaze Mama

                                        Final Intervention Project - Chahinaze Mama 

                                            Unique 

What is your project? Why you have chosen this topic and form of outreach? What is your message for the audience? 

For my final project, It highlighted the differences that exist between people, whether it’s between friends, family, or strangers. Often, we focus on the things we have in common, rather than the unique qualities that make us who we are. In society, being different hasn't always been met with positivity, but these differences are what shape us. Whether it’s our culture, faith, favorite foods, or even the side we sleep on, every difference matters and contributes to our individuality. For my previous project, I used trees, but for this one, I will focus on the people around campus. I will have two strangers sit across from each other, introduce themselves, and for two minutes, they will try to identify as many differences as possible. The first minute will be spent silently writing down the differences they notice visually, and then  a minute of discussion. After the two minutes, each person will compliment the other on a difference they admire or find unique. My research will explore how our differences not only make us stronger but also help shape our identities. My inspiration comes from Yoko Ono, whose work encourages embracing differences and stepping outside the boundaries of societal norms. Her performances, often considered controversial or unconventional, convey the message that it’s okay to be different.

*How did you reach an audience (ie "publish" the project)? How did the audience engage with the project? What feedback have you received?

My audience for this project was the students of NJCU. I selected two individuals who were strangers to each other, allowing them to engage in a conversation and explore the things they differentiate in. Through this 2 minute discussion, they were able to lightly share the their perspective, backgrounds, and features, building a deeper understanding of each other's uniqueness. After the conversation, each person walked away with a greater appreciation for their own individuality and the diversity that exists around them. This exercise highlighted how our differences can lead to meaningful connections and learning opportunities. 

*How does this project fit into your professional aspirations and your portfolio?

This project fits into my professional aspirations as I will be connecting with many different people. As someone who isn't set on just one career yet, understanding the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and needs of people is essential for providing compassionate, effective care. As I'm majoring in biology with the goal of becoming a doctor, attending to the varying needs of different individuals will be one of my biggest responsibilities. Similarly, as I aim to get into real estate or even interior design, understanding the different preferences of individuals would also be an important part of my job. 

*What artists or other projects have influenced or inspired your own project? List 4+ artists that connect with your project with brief explanations of why they connect or inspired your own project.

Banksy - This anonymous street artist’s works often address social, political, and cultural differences. Through provocative imagery and social commentary, Banksy encourages viewers to question norms and think critically about the world around them.

Frida Kahlo - Kahlo is known for her deeply personal, symbolic, and often painful works that explore identity, disability, and cultural differences. She celebrated her Mexican heritage, her physical and emotional struggles, and her unique perspective on life. Her art challenges societal norms about beauty, gender, and pain

Yoko Ono - Yoko Ono is an artist and peace activist known for her conceptual art and performance pieces that emphasize individuality and personal expression. Her "instruction pieces" invite others to engage with art in unique ways, encouraging viewers to embrace their differences. Through her work, Ono promotes themes of freedom, peace, and self-expression, inspiring people to celebrate diversity and recognize the value of being different.

Keith Haring - Haring's bold and vibrant artwork often addressed issues of social justice, human rights, and the celebration of individuality. He championed the rights of marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ+ community, and used his art to promote equality and acceptance.

These artists all connect to my project idea because they emphasize on individuality, diversity, and the importance of understanding differences. Through their art, they challenge societal norms, promote self-expression, and advocate for communities, much like my  project encourages people to connect and learn from each other's unique perspectives. Their work fosters empathy and appreciation for human diversity, relating to the goals of  my project to highlight how embracing differences enriches our lives. Artist are a continuous inspiration to many people around the word and i believe there ability to show its okay to be different inspires others. 

*What research has helped you inform this project?

 List 5+ resources that informed or inspired your project in a resource list at the end of your project summary.

https://www.morningcoach.com/blog/the-value-of-being-different

https://www.huna.org/html/differences.html 

https://medium.com/the-ascent/being-different-is-a-good-thing-9cfaae6ce4e7

https://zenhabits.net/weirdo/

https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_find_strength_in_being_different

 Quotes - 

1. "In addition to become good story-tellers, we need to teach ourselves to be really good listeners. By listening to the stories that people already tell themselves, we can begin to figure out how to fit our facts into their stories."   i think in order for us to be able to tell good stories, we must also be good listeners. By understanding the stories people already believe, we can find ways to share our ideas in a way that fits with what they already think.

2. "By telling stories people are open to hearing, and under-standing how we can fit our concerns into stories people already tell themselves, we can get them to listen to what we have to say and look at what we want to show them. A bit of knowledge about how the mind and brain work, and a creative, story-based approach to activism, allow us to bypass some of the cognitive barriers that stand our way."  By telling stories that people are ready to hear, we can help them understand our concerns. Knowing how the mind works and using stories creatively in activism helps us get past mental barriers to make our message heard.

3. "In order to reach people where they are and show them another world is possible, we must appeal to their emotions and their intellect." To connect with people and show them a better world, we need to touch both their feelings and their thinking.

Link To Slides -  https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1NsFRchbdagaiUY6Y9WTnGF9wAVKjLWY2b6YnjrVD0Ec/edit#slide=id.gd851afca02_1_75

Final Intervention Project - David Gonzalez

Final Intervention Project - David Gonzalez

*What is your project? Why you have chosen this topic and form of outreach?

My project will be about undocumented workers, the exploitation and the hardships they face in the work place. I created a poster of the 53 workers that are under my command. I represented my coworkers with 53 Origami Lotuses, because to me they are not just workers, they are people too, even though through upper management's eyes say other wise. Currently I am a logistics manager for a meat company, so the environment for our supply is always kept either the refrigerator or frozen. Whether they are in production or in the warehouse working from 6pm to 6am at nights 6 days a week, to get product out the door, those gentlemen are working. I want to raise the awareness for them because I work with them. What is your message for the audience?

What is your message for the audience? 

Despite them working these long hours and these conditions, at my job anyway they do get paid well, and they do get benefits from the company. However, not every company is like that, if undocumented workers get checked for papers and proof of citizenship, on the company's behalf, we are not defending them from that. And almost every company which do employs undocumented workers have the same thought process. Except, most are paid minimum wage, and a lot do not get benefits.

How did you reach an audience (ie "publish" the project)? How did the audience engage with the project? What feedback have you received?

I want to reach an audience of college students going for business, management, or some type of leader ship in the work place as their major to rely this message about undocumented workers and the reality they will face when they go into the field they are pursuing. I asked each of them to think of someone who is working like that (Immigrant Audience), and place a lotus on the poster to let them know someone is thinking about them.

How does this project fit into your professional aspirations and your portfolio?

This project fits the reality of my major as well, because I will be commanding these people on a much more broader scale, and if I am not prepared to face these hardships as well, I won't be as good as a leader as I want to be. I know my business is of the company and for the company and by the company, but do not think for one second I do not disregard these gentlemen's hardworking work ethics.

What research has helped you inform this project?

FINAL INTERVENTION PROJECT - EVOLUTION - CHRISTOPHER MCVICAR

EVOLUTION

Steps to Complete Intervention:

1. Construct a butterfly as a central composition in any medium 

2. Ask those around you "what a butterfly represents?"

3.Fill negative space with components of feedback

4. Share artwork for public to see and interpret

The Process:

Intervention 2 (Butterfly)

 Project Overview

    My proposed artist intervention project is a mixed-media artwork that explores the complexities of cultural identity, and the struggles of balancing personal heritage with societal expectations. Through the creation of a large-scale butterfly image on canvas, I aim to communicate the themes of transformation and resilience that migrants often face. The butterfly, as a symbol of change, serves as the central motif like how it was used in my first project, reflecting the journey of migration and the adaptation required to fit into new cultural realms. The butterfly will be drawn and collaged with paint and construction papers, whereas the negative space within the canvas will be used by others to reflect.

    I have chosen this topic because migration is a deeply relevant issue in today's globalized world. People are constantly moving across borders, and many face discrimination, and the challenge of preserving their cultural identity while integrating into unfamiliar places. The intersection of new societies and cultural upbringing is fraught with misrepresentations. This project allows me to express these struggles visually and provide a platform for others to contribute their own experiences. My ultimate objective is to make art that expands beyond my circle.

    The form of outreach for this project is a participatory conversation that invites the audience to develop an artwork from shared ideas. By combining a canvas collage with a participatory input component, I aim to facilitate a dialogue between the artwork and the viewer. The collage will feature pieces—each fragment representing a unique experience or cultural marker. The exterior of the butterfly will be left open for the audience to share their thoughts on what "change" means to them.

Message for the Audience

    The primary message of this project is the importance of empathy, understanding, and open dialogue in a world that is increasingly divided by cultural, racial, and national borders. The piece speaks to the migrant experience, where the concept of change is not only a personal journey but also a collective challenge to confront biases and stereotypes. The butterfly, both delicate and resilient, embodies the idea that transformation can be both beautiful and difficult, but it is always necessary.

Audience Engagement and Feedback

    The outreach and engagement of the audience will take place through the display of the artwork in a public space, specifically as an outdoor installation. The interactive aspect will involve providing markers or pens for visitors to write/draw as they please. This participatory element allows direct confrontation, making their voices an integral part of the artwork. The act of writing encourages dialogue between people from diverse backgrounds.

    The feedback I expect to receive will likely vary, with individuals offering personal reflections on their own experiences of migration, transformation, and adaptation to new cultural environments. The collaborative nature of the project ensures that the piece evolves over time, as each person adds their own interpretation of what change means.

Professional Aspirations and Portfolio

    This project fits into my professional aspirations as an artist who is committed to using my work as a means of social engagement and cultural reflection. It is aligned with my desire to create art that is not only visually compelling but also addresses important issues such as migration, identity, and social justice. As a professional, I aim to expand my portfolio with works that reflect my interest in interactive, community-driven art. This project will serve as a significant example of how art can serve as a platform for dialogue and reflection, encouraging both individual and collective engagement with critical issues.

    Ultimately, this intervention will not only contribute to my portfolio but also establish my reputation as an artist who creates meaningful work that addresses pressing social issues.

Four Artists as Inspiration

Yoko Ono- Specifically for her cut piece. I have great admiration for her comfort being on stage in a vulnerable position. I want to use fabrics and pieces of clothing to create a deeper connection with the audience.

Shaun Leonardo- Although Leonardo is known for his work exploring masculinity and race, I find inspiration for this piece from a performer’s perspective. Shaun Leonardo allows his performance and actions to generate a focal point without much explanation. I aspire to do the same for my intervention.

Marina Abramovic- I find it fascinating how Abramovic explores the psychic relationship between the performer and the mind. She allows audiences to participate without any consequence, heightening creativity and the urge to contribute.

Joseph Beuys- He uses materiality to convey messages. Specifically, with his “End of the 2oth Century” piece using rocks to depict corpses from war experiences. I aim to do the same with the Butterfly Motifs and fabrics to carry messages across space and time.

Three Quotes

“We make sense of our world through symbols and stories at least as much as we do through facts and figures.”

 This quote emphasizes the power of storytelling and symbolism in shaping our understanding of the world, suggesting that emotions, experiences, and narratives often resonate more deeply than mere data. I am inspired by this quote because I value emotional connection with my piece.

 

“Artists and activists are always operating within a cultural context. To be heard and understood, an activist needs to know how to use popular culture, but they also need to know how to transform it so that it speaks to and for their own cause.”

Artists must not only engage with the prevailing cultural context but also subvert it to amplify their own message, ensuring it resonates with, and drives change in society. Interpretation is key, and I value others’ interpretations for the outcome of this project.

“We are always drawing from repositories of words, images, and meanings that already exist.”

Nothing is original. The only exciting thing about contemporary art is that it is up to artists to be resourceful and push concepts further to communicate messages.

Research

Shaun Leonardo. Art21. (n.d.). https://art21.org/artist/shaun-leonardo/ 

Marina Abramović. Art21. (n.d.-a). https://art21.org/artist/marina-abramovic/ 

Force, T. L., Lescaze, Z., & Hass, N. (2020, October 15). The 25 most influential works of American protest art since World War II. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/15/t-magazine/most-influential-protest-art.html 

Art as activism: How protest art challenges the status quo: MyArtBroker: Article. MyArtBroker. (n.d.). https://www.myartbroker.com/collecting/articles/art-as-activism 

 

Final Intervention Project - Kobi-Lee Sanchez

My Intervention Project - " Thoughts of the Butterflies "

For my project, I took my previous intervention project and revamped it. In my last intervention project, I focused on passersby and attempted to convince them to soak in the information I wished to share with them; however, this did not work as initially planned. I should have been more aware of how sensitive Immigration is to migrants and also their families because I may be putting them at risk.

Rather than focusing on strangers and hoping to hear their stories, I asked for volunteers from friends and loved ones who could tell me about their stories and thoughts about the incoming Project 2025. 

Intervention Project Instructions

1. Read the Project 2025 Migration Information 

2. Introduce yourself 

3. Tell me your thoughts about the incoming policy implementations and how they may affect you. 

4. I will create a butterfly representing your family on my information board to show who I have informed and influenced to reflect on their journeys and other migrant families. 

I informed my volunteers of

"Project 2025 is a federal policy agenda and blueprint to restructure the executive branch. It is a playbook of actions to be taken within the first 180 days in office.  

President Trump has called for the “largest deportation program in American history.”

 

Project 2025 plans to:

 

Allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to use “expedited removal” to remove any immigrants found within the United States.

 

Actively use the military to control the border and prevent access to America.

 

They desire to expand and create more “Detention” Centers that can hold up to 100,000 people. Those held will face mandatory deportation, which can take months or even years.

 

Likely to eliminate over 15 VISA categories such as DREAMERS, Active Asylum, Temporary Protected Status, Cuban Permanent Residence, and more.

 

Eliminate Spousal Citizenship

Eliminate Birthright Citizenship"

Final Project
Video Interviews:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7H2bli7TApM&t=18s&ab_channel=kobisanchez

The purpose of my project

My project aims to inform the citizens, residents, and immigrants within my life and inform them of what is to come. My first project gave me a lot to think about because although I thought I had found my perfect target audience, there was a lot of unexpected support for Trump and policies even though those who I spoke with were currently in the United States illegally. So, instead of trying to convince strangers and being upset with the results of my last intervention, I took some advice from Kimberly Drew, 

"Instead of leading with rage, she helped me understand this difficult crossroads. By the end of the meeting, she asked me to think deeply about what I wanted to say and, more importantly, how I wanted it to be interpreted. It was not just enough to be angry. I had to be strategic.”

"This leads me to this quote from The Art of Activism: "Activists ambush people on the street, clipboard in hand, asking people to sign petitions and donate money. We stuff fact-filled flyers and pamphlets into people’s hands. We build websites where people can access information. We organize public forums where people can hear the truth from experts and fantasize about having the media reach of a cable news station."

For me to connect to people, it won't work with strangers and pamphlets; it will work with family that I am close to, and I will design it in a way that makes me learn more about them and allows them to learn about new upcoming policies that they may be concerned about. 

This helped and inspired me to do something that targets people I am close to and become more aware of how this may affect my friends and family rather than making people I do not know to reflect on their own lives. Although I would spread more awareness through strangers, I am helping my own family by becoming an activist against the upcoming policies and allowing them to become equipped with knowledge that may prevent them from being affected. 

I reached my audience by reaching out to them, informing them, and allowing them to reflect on how this information may affect them or influence their family once the mandate comes to fruition. I will also be posting it to share with our class. 

Projects I was inspired by:

1. Undocubus, "No papers, No fear," 

2. Kimberly Drew shares Black Artists' works with a big audience on Tumblr to attract more attention due to discrimination in galleries and museums. 

3. Shaun Leonardo and his works expose and criticize the view of Latino/ Black cultures and bodies and the ongoing stereotypes. 

4. The Yes-Men inform large audiences by infiltrating big television corporations into getting interviews or conferences. Their mischief allows them to reach a large audience and create awareness of the demolition of public housing to replace it with private housing. 

Undocubus inspired me because both of our works center around immigrants. Although they exclusively single out undocumented immigrants and give them opportunities to take illegal citizenship and use it as a weapon to create awareness, we both hope to inform the people of the United States to support policies that will make lives easier for those who just wish to have a better life rather than making it more difficult. They encourage their target audience to " fight for and make the change we want to see. If our elected officials don't dare to do what is in their power, we will again show them what it looks like to be fearless."I hope to spread this message to my friends and family because although they may be done with their legal journey, we must assist others who will lose all those opportunities. 

Kimberly Drew inspired me because, from the beginning, she wished to do something different than what her employers were shooting down. She went out of her way to create a platform to share with people of color and Black artists. Although I am not using a Tumblr Page, I hope my project spoke to those I interviewed. 

Shaun Leonardo encourages Latinos to question the stereotypical narrative, and that is what I did with this project. Not all Hispanics are illegal; however, we must get rid of the toxic mentality that others do not deserve to be here; we must work harder to give more opportunities rather than diminish them by supporting Trump and Project 2025. 

Resources:

https://www.niskanencenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Project-2025-Unveiling-the-far-rights-plan-to-demolish-immigration-in-a-second-Trump-term-1.pdf

https://civilrights.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Project-2025-Immigrants-Rights.pdf

https://moreart.org/projects/the-yes-men-the-good-liars/

https://static.project2025.org/2025_MandateForLeadership_FULL.pdf

http://nopapersnofear.org/index.php

The Art of Activism: Your All-Purpose Guide to Making the Impossible Possible by Stephen Duncombe and Steve Lambert is:

Drew, K. (2020). This is what I know about art. Unabridged. New York, Listening Library.

Final Intervention Project - Rocco Francisco

 

 Mental Health Intervention Project

Full Video (5:41)

How are you doing?

Think of someone important to you. 

Tell them you appreciate them, and ask them if they are okay.

When was the last time someone checked on you?

How does that make you feel?

How are you really doing?

*What is your project? Why you have chosen this topic and form of outreach?

    My project is an expansion of my performance art intervention from November 20th, 2024. My topic is that of mental health, and is explored through short instruction and interviewing. This is important to me, as mental health is an aspect of life that should never be overlooked, yet often gets lost on both a personal and outward level.  Dr. Maura Reilly states "these are not issues from the past. This is now" (Reilly). I chose to have a personal and recorded form of outreach, as this allows for the ideas related to the topic to be felt by both participants and audience in a way that feels honest and vulnerable.

    A poster has been placed in the NJCU Visual Arts Building in multiple places; specifically in areas where the "GET PAID" posters used to be. These posters are by one of the windows, in the computer lab, and on one of the billboards with people having said that they noticed it's message; this change would give the mental health posters a higher likelihood of being discovered.

*What is your message for the audience? 

    My message for the audience is to pay attention to mental health. You can help the people you care about, and it's also important to make sure you're okay too. There is no shame in either action, and should be encouraged. The candid parts of the video are kept in order to drive a theme of reality; mental health should not be ignored as it is a part of life.

    I plan to reach an audience by both having people participate and by having my video available for viewing online. Active participation increases this engagement, and the availability of both posters and instructions make this a project that can be recreated by anyone.

    Reactions to the project were positive from participants, noting the topic and how it is explored. Several participants said that the format is "sneaky," creating a situation that seems calm at first with an easy question followed by simple instructions. Then, they are hit with questions related to their own mental health and are put in a position of vulnerability. The footage that was taken was done so with consenting parties.

*How does this project fit into your professional aspirations and your portfolio?

    I simultaneously have a personal interest in video creation and art, and also am taking a degree in graphic design. Creating this project helps me in these fields while also allowing me to explore an emotional topic that I am passionate about. The typographic elements are related to my pursuit of a degree in graphic design, while video editing also helps me round out my portfolio by expanding into other fields.

*What artists or other projects have influenced or inspired your own project? List 4+ artists that connect with your project with brief explanations of why they connect or inspired your own project.

    Yoko Ono was a big influence on this project because of her instruction pieces and willingness to insert herself into her work. Cut Piece is one of her most popular and profound pieces. Beyond themes of vulnerability, I took into account the feeling of black and white footage and purposefully used this color grading in my own project, even if Yoko Ono's footage is a product of its time. Her book Grapefruit also played a role in choosing to do a partial instruction piece. These themes are explored in Eva Gallagher's Passive Objectification: Vulnerability in Yoko Ono's Participatory Art.

    

    Another artist who is connected to this post is Paula Scher, whose typography has been an influence on my work, influencing the way I approached creating typography for the video and poster.

    

    Though not related through choice of medium and presentation, Vincent Van Gogh is an artist whose work I enjoy while also taking inspiration for this project. Vincent Van Gogh is a now renowned artist who struggled with mental health, and often reflected this through self portraits and the usage of color. I take an opposite approach in regards to color; however, along with Yoko Ono, Vincent Van Gogh's willingness to use himself as a subject is something that I kept in mind as I approached this project.

    

    Shaun Leonardo was an important artist who inspired my work on this project. His piece, Primitive Games, was one that influenced my decision to involve other people in my performance aspect of the project. Rather than just performing alone, other people could be involved to make the project more personal.

*What research has helped you inform this project?

        "A great deal of activism and political art is directed toward criticizing what we don't like. Occasionally it suggests the steps we might need to take to change things. But sometimes the best way to bring the world we want into being is to act "as if" it is already here." (Duncombe and Lambert 102). Part of what makes my project is the idea of acting as if something is already there. The message of spreading mental health awareness and checking in on your friends is demonstrated by documenting my own journey of checking on my friends' health and asking them questions, much of which was not used in the video.

One of my friends, a fellow student, has multiple candid interactions throughout the video.

    My project is an expansion of a previously explored topic. I used the footage I had already obtained, as well as new footage from both active participation and candid footage to use for filmmaking elements. Duncombe and Lambert state "one of the biggest mistakes an artist can make is to fool themselves into thinking they can create outside of culture. They can expand it, turn it inside out, and refute it, but the one thing an artist cannot do is create outside of it" (146). By choosing to include candid footage, I am documenting within people's actual lives and using the footage to enhance my work instead of ignoring this facet of life.

Mental Health Poster

The mental health poster in the VAB

References:

Yoko Ono - Cut Piece (1964)

Yoko Ono - Grapefruit 

Steve Duncombe and Steve Lambert - The Art of Activism
Dr. Maura Reilly - "What is Curatorial Activism?"

Eva Gallagher - Passive Objectification: Vulnerability in Yoko Ono's Participatory Art

Shaun Leonardo - Primitive Games

Bob Lansroth - "Yoko Ono - A Groundbreaking Artist, Activist and Fighter behind the Myth of her Name | Widewalls"

art21 - Shaun Leonardo - The Freedom to Move