Week 14 - Back to MOLAA

A visit back to the MOLAA
In the recent tour of MOLAA assignment I wrote about the art of Carlos Luna. I had previously wrote mostly about Luna's style of art and of the materials and techniques that he used.

Looking back and seeing the art again,I can see his view of culture expressed through the different art work that he has created.

Through Carlos Luna's art he tells of his life's story, merges themes of fables, mysticism, eroticism, prejudice, and cultural anthropology, all of which are organized and portrayed through the various art he creates.

His sculpture named, "War-Giro" represents struggle as a visual representation of duality, which is a common theme in Cuban art. The sculpture is a two-sided figure standing over 7 feet tall with outstretched arms extending to the horizons. On the back side of the sculpture, the figure appears as a skeleton of itself in reference to the Mexican belief in death as a cycle of birth, death and rebirth. The front side of the sculpture is a male figure wearing a Cuban Flag, obviously reconciled with his Cuban identity. Upon his head, is a sombrero adorned with a rooster to symbolize male strength and masculinity (of course...)

Looking at Latin art now, I look at this art with my eyes a bit more opened up now seeing through the art the history of revolution, corruption and the rich traditions intermixed with politics that makes this art unique.

Carlos Luna's art work present his culture in the vein of love, hate, freedom, repression, growth and decay in extremely colorful, often in very large compositions with a dynamic range of materials and styles. His work is very symbolic, but at the same time it seems grounded in the real world and his experiences in Cuba. . The culture of Latin art within itself is the visual story a region which is filled with the voices of sculptors, artists, and musicians. They all speak with conviction, enthusiasm and boldness. They create art that changes the fabric of their countries.


Student's Work Reviews
Beatriz said she (Mother Elena) had once been oppressed and later on become the oppressor. She greatly oppressed Tita and did not allow her to be with the man that she loved.

Robert commented that the symbolism presented through so much of this movie supports this theme of oppression and demonstrates the various manifestations of living under another’s control, finding methods to cope with this, and the unhappiness that occurs when you do not get to escape its ugly reach.

Shannon wrote "Were Tita's mother to believe in Freire's ideas as opposed to the banking approach to education she would have opened her eyes and heart to the beauty that was the love her daughter found herself taken by."

Susan said that Tita uses the expression “estoy como agua para chocolate” (I am like water for chocolate) meaning that she is boiling mad.

Theresa said this this story illustrated the power of oppresion and the crippling effects it has on the individuals being oppressed.

Kim noted that this film reminded her of the storyline for “Camila”. Love between two people that is oppressed - in this story by family tradition and social norms. Only 1 daughter, Rosaura is following the path that her Mother has put in place for her.

Kathy wrote that as in the previous films, Freire's thoughts regarding status, tradition, oppression and politics are demonstrated. The general idea that one must do what is expected of them instead of what their heart is telling them.

Millissa said that this story transcends boarders as well because in any culture there are traditions. Unfortunately some people are so head strong about keeping those traditions that they can't see that it could actually be hurting someone instead of making them happy.

Sara said Even with all the borders Tita broke through, I still view Gertrudis as more of the rebel of the family. From the very beggining she did not share her mother's points of view, as she would smirk to herself when things didn't go her mother's way.

Stacy worte that there is an inspiration and tenacity, usually born of pain that also provides the relief from that pain. For Tita she had cooking and her love for Pedro. Even with that, her strongest drive was to break the cycle of oppression for her neice.