POST 5 - ARIANNA ALMAGUER - ART ON MY MIND 2/27

 Quote 1:

"I've been thinking about ways of forcing the issues, when it comes to the way in which the work gets talked about in the world. You know, I feel I can't sit back anymore and just allow people to do whatever the fuck they want to do around the work, particularly when it becomes truly disinformation."

I find this quote particularly compelling because it highlights Weems' dedication to ensuring her art is interpreted correctly. She’s not just creating art for interpretation at random; she’s actively combating misinformation. This resonates with me in my own work. I don’t want my art to be misinterpreted or stripped of its meaning, especially if it addresses significant issues. It makes me contemplate how to convey my message clearly while still allowing room for personal engagement. Weems’ frustration is deeply relatable, as it often feels like, despite the effort put into a piece, people will still misinterpret or overlook its essence.

Quote 2:

"So in terms of artists being critics, I think they are not necessarily always the same people. I'm not a critic. You're like a brilliant woman, a fabulous woman with this incredible sensibility. And you use incredible language and so forth and you're a gifted writer. I am not a gifted writer. I'm an artist trying to figure out how to do this shit. So, though it's true that I'm talking a whole lot, and actually I'm very good on my feet when I'm up and talking, I want to use my time to make art—not to write. Yet I want to hear critics talk about work in a way that makes sense."

I appreciate how genuine she is in this quote. She candidly admits that she’s still figuring things out, and I can relate to that so much. Sometimes I feel pressured to explain my work in a polished, academic way, but Weems is saying that’s not her job; her job is to create art. That’s reassuring because I don’t always feel like the best writer when it comes to discussing my own work. I prefer to let the visuals speak for themselves, but I also want people to understand my perspective. I also understand what she means about critics; if they’re going to analyze art, they should genuinely try to understand it instead of imposing their own interpretations.