The purpose of this assignment is to think about your current place in history in a symbolic way. So, you will consider who you are, where you are, and at what point in time you find yourself. Humans have been making symbolic visual choices for 60,000 years to explore the ideas and concepts of who they are and what is important to them. You will need to review the material relating to this module.
This assignment relies on using and creating personal symbolism. Symbolism is the use of imagery to represent ideas or qualities. Symbols use various levels of visual abstraction. Look at the following example:
A padlock has been used to describe the status/ action of “unlock”. Even if you see this for a computer application, you aren’t physically opening a padlock, but the symbol is used to convey the more abstract idea of unlocking something.
Or, in this example:
A broken glass is being used as a symbol for the concept of fragility. It isn’t directly describing that what is in a package is literally made of glass, but it is making the parallel that whatever is in the package has a similar fragility to glassware and should be treated in a similar way.
Supplies
Paper bag
Crayons, pens, or markers
Instructions
Imagine that 60,000 years from now, an archaeologist from another planet finds your living quarters like a cave that has been untouched and forgotten in time. You will make a symbolic representation of the world you live in and as you see it in the present-day similar to the Caves at Lascaux. What types of imagery would you paint on your walls? What can represent significant aspects of your life? What values do you have? What aspirations do you have?
Try to avoid more universal symbols and create your own symbols in your drawing. For example, a Miami “M” will of course be a part of your current life, but it doesn’t differentiate you from all the other students enrolled at Miami. If you play basketball, try to avoid using a basketball as a symbol. If you are of the Christian faith, try to avoid using a cross as a symbol. If you are worried or concerned about money, try not to use a dollar sign to represent this.
PART I:
On a sheet of paper, sketch out some visual ideas for the following:
Using whatever drawing materials are around you, create a drawing that expresses your world for this future archaeologist. Consider the main aspects of your life that you want to convey?
Who are the subjects and how can they be described symbolically? (yourself, your family, significant people in your life)
What are the most pressing issues you face? (time constraints, work relationships/ tensions, travel, cultural issues)
What are some goals you have? (educational, work, relationship)
Find a paper bag, and cut it so that is easily laid out as a flat surface. Using whatever drawing materials you have around you, begin to utilize some of the concepts from your sketch and how they can interact with each other. Where are the main characters? Where are they going/what are they doing? What obstacles are there?
PART II:
Include with your drawing a written companion piece that explores what symbolism means in your drawing.
The written companion piece should be at least 200 words in length and written in the third person.
Submit an image of your paper bag drawing and the written companion piece together.
