POST 5 | ANGELICA CISNEROS - Carrie Mae Interview

 

"You can't talk about the pros without talking about the cons. You can't talk about the 'positives' without talking about the 'negatives.' And you can't talk about the truths without talking about the untruths." – Carrie Mae Weems

Response:
This statement highlights the necessity of embracing complexity in art, identity, and history. Nothing exists in isolation every narrative, every image, and every truth is shaped by its counterpoint. Weems challenges us to reject simple binaries and instead engage with the full spectrum of reality. In doing so, we create work that reflects the layered, often contradictory nature of human experience.

"And the value of most prominent white photographers is not determined by audience response to their work. Yet folks will tell me, ‘Well, I'm troubled by Carrie Mae Weems's work, because it doesn't work with the audience.’ The assumption is that there is one correct response, rather than multiple responses." — Bell Hooks

Response:
Bell Hooks highlights the racial double standard in art criticism. White artists are often granted creative freedom, while Black artists are scrutinized for how their work is received. Weems’s work, like much of Black art, is expected to serve and satisfy a particular audience, rather than be understood as a multifaceted exploration of meaning. This expectation limits the space for Black artists to experiment, fail, and challenge norms, reinforcing the very power structures that their work seeks to dismantle.

NOTES: 

  

   - She challenges fixed notions of identity, particularly black identity, highlighting its fluidity and complexity rather than allowing it to be confined by stereotypical interpretations.  

   - She rejects essentialist views of blackness and emphasizes that there is no "ownership" of it.

   - She explores themes of exile, longing, and displacement, particularly in relation to African heritage and the black experience in America.  

   - She discusses how emotional landscapes are central to her work and often overlooked in favor of racial interpretations.  

   - She critiques photography's historical bias towards whiteness in its technical and aesthetic standards 

   - She questions how photography could have evolved differently if it had developed in a non-Western context.

   - She insists on art’s role in questioning dominant narratives, particularly regarding black masculinity, gender dynamics, and power structures.  

   - She believes artists need critical dialogue and engagement to better understand black visual culture and its broader implications.  

   - She sees a need for more collaborations between artists and critics, as well as alternative platforms for critical discussion beyond mainstream spaces.

I believe this interview: https://www.creativeboom.com/insight/ferran-feixas/ is extremely relative to graphic designers coming into the industry currently with the impact of social media and the importance of sustainable design. 

Ferran Feixas is a designer known for his insights into branding and digital culture, discusses in this interview how social media has reshaped the branding landscape. His key points focus on how brands must now engage with audiences in real time, maintain authenticity, and adapt to rapid trends. The accessibility of social media has made it easier for brands especially small businesses to build strong identities without traditional advertising. However, this also means that brands need to be highly strategic, visually compelling, and interactive to stand out in an oversaturated market.  

He also highlights the pandemic’s impact, which accelerated digital transformations and forced brands to rethink how they connect with audiences. Many companies shifted their focus to digital-first experiences, further emphasizing the role of social media in branding.  

Another crucial theme in the interview is the importance of sustainable design. With growing consumer awareness around environmental issues, brands are expected to incorporate eco-conscious practices into their identity, packaging, and overall messaging. Designers are playing a key role in developing visuals that communicate sustainability without greenwashing ensuring that design choices align with genuine ethical commitments.  

For today’s market, this means that branding isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about storytelling, transparency, and impact. Brands that leverage social media effectively and embrace sustainability authentically are the ones that build lasting relationships with consumers.