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The Woman Who Gave Birth to Rabbits

When I first read the play, I was filled with mixed emotions.  The whole story about a woman giving birth a rabbit was really confusing.  I believed that the story was made up, and it was very interesting to find out that the play was based on a true story from many years ago.  I was under the impression that the rabbit symbolized something, but I was not sure what this could have been. I was surprised towards the end of the story when the audience found out that Joshua had been too aggressive when engaging with Mary, and especially how she prayed to have rabbits.  Aside from the chaotic story, I thought that Thomas’ comments helped lighten the mood.   I also liked the part where the doctor began questioning if Joshua was an actual rabbit.

When we went to the Macaulay building, I thought that the actors would just be reading the play to us.  They actually had a lot more emotion than I had expected.  I was especially taken back when the readers started screaming for their roles.  All of the readers enthusiasm when reading the play really kept me engaged.  Hearing Thomas’ sarcasm in person also made the script much more enjoyable.  I also enjoyed asking the author, Stephen Gracia, questions about what inspired him to write the play. 

The Woman Who Gave Birth to Rabbits by Stephen Gracia – Elisa Ujkashi

My journey to experience The Woman Who Gave Birth to Rabbits began with a small sweet-treat at Magnolia Bakery. Stopping in for a treat, I picked up a really delicious vanilla cupcake and ordered a venti iced chai latte to keep me going. This was my first time ever at the Macaulay building and I was definitely looking forward to seeing it for the first time. The Macaulay Honors sign in front of the brownstone was definitely instagram/picture-worthy. Also,  being in the only physical building designated for specifically Macaulay students was extremely exciting. With my cupcake and Starbucks drink in hand, I felt ready to dive into what I’d heard was a unique and captivating play reading. 

The Woman Who Gave Birth to Rabbits, written by Stephen Gracia, was intriguing from the start, but my appreciation for it deepened as I learned more about the people behind the production. At first, I was a little skeptical about the premise of the play. Why rabbits? What specific meaning did they play? I knew that the rabbits had to have a specific significance as opposed to other animals. Knowing more about Gracia’s background, his interest in blending historical oddities with social issues, added layers to my understanding of the play’s complex narrative and heightened my appreciation for his work. 

Additionally, the actors’ commitment to their characters was striking. Learning about their backgrounds, techniques, and motivations brought a fresh perspective to their performances, allowing me to appreciate the nuances in their portrayals. The way they embodied their characters’ emotions, especially in such an unconventional story, gave life to the oddities and quirks within the play. Hearing career tips and advice from the actors as well was also extremely inspiring. It was so interesting to learn about their “day jobs” outside of pursuing the arts and how they incorporate acting/the arts in their everyday lives.

All in all, I was extremely impressed with my experience in the city and this was yet again another experience that opened my eyes to how art is made and what truly classifies as art. The play reading represented how much the meaning of art changes once the viewer themselves gain sufficient enough background context. In this scenario, I definitely appreciated the play much more when I met face-to-face with the writer himself and heard his approach and personal stories.

Thoughts on The Woman Who Gave Birth to Rabbits – Amanda Alencastro

Initially, when I read through this play myself, I was quite confused and a little disturbed. I could not think of a potential motivation the author could have for writing about how a woman gave birth to rabbits. I thought that it was interesting that the characters tried to offer possible explanations as to why this may have occurred, but each time it would get more absurd. I thought that our brief discussion in seminar last week raised an interesting point about what the rabbits were supposed to symbolize, and it was interesting to learn about how pregnancy tests used to be administered. Still, I was unsure of how watching/listening to this play be performed/read would help me to gain a further understanding of the events and characters.

I was pleasantly surprised with how helpful hearing the play out loud, interpreted by actors, was to my understanding of the exchanges between characters. For example, although the play does state that the characters are drinking and are intoxicated, when I was reading through the play, I personally did not see it in such a way that their state of intoxication was apparent. The actors made the drunken states of their characters clearer in their performance, which helped me to understand some reasoning as to why their explanations were absurd. Additionally, I felt that the screams of agony that the actress portraying Mary did allowed me to become more invested in the story than I was while I was reading it in my head. I was interested to learn that the playwright based this story off of a real hoax from 1726. When it was stated that the play was based on “real events”, I was in disbelief, but after the explanation, it is now apparent to me that the play is attempting to address societal issues such as preconceived gender roles, and I think that this was established in an interesting way.

Night at the Museum – Elisa Ujkashi

Attending the Night at the Museum event as part of the Macaulay experience was such a unique and exciting experience. From the moment I walked in, I knew this wasn’t going to be just another museum trip. The atmosphere was electric and it was so interesting and fun to have the class of 2028 in one space.

One of the highlights for me was seeing the giant “YO” sculpture outside. As soon as I spotted it, I couldn’t resist taking a picture of it. The bold yellow letters stood out brilliantly against the night sky, giving off such a playful vibe. It felt like a modern and welcoming piece of art that invited everyone to engage with it. The lighting around it also added to the overall atmosphere, it was lively and exciting, setting the tone for the rest of the night. That sculpture definitely made me laugh as it was so prominent and informal, not something that I normally associate with formal museum buildings.

Inside the museum, the vibe shifted to something more cozy and intimate. The room that caught my attention had this amazing retro decor. The green walls and warm lighting created a nostalgic atmosphere that felt like stepping back in time. The hanging lights, with their intricate designs, gave off a soft glow, which made the space feel comfortable and homey. I couldn’t help but feel drawn to the shelves, which were filled with vintage objects like old televisions, radios, and other memorabilia. It was almost like being in a living room from another era, and I found myself wondering about the stories behind each item. The whole setting was so carefully curated that it made me reflect on the history behind these objects while also appreciating the artistic design of the space.

Throughout the evening, I found myself constantly engaged, whether it was with modern art like the “YO” sculpture or the more historically themed rooms inside. The variety of exhibits kept everything fresh and interesting. I also enjoyed being there with other Macaulay students, exploring the museum together, and having conversations about what we were seeing.

Overall, the “Night at the Museum” was both fun and thought-provoking. I loved how the exhibits offered a mix of playfulness and depth, making it an unforgettable experience that was far more engaging than a typical museum visit.

Night at the museum

At the beginning of the day, I wasn’t too excited about going on the trip to the Brooklyn Museum. I thought it would be boring, and the number of people would be overstimulating. However, after getting fed, I became a little more optimistic about the trip. After the admittedly quick and painless bus ride, we went in, and were escorted to the auditorium where Dr. Byrne gave us a rundown of the night and explained why they do this for freshmen. She said she wanted to give us a day at the museum where we had free rein and didn’t have to share the experience, except with our peers. This was also intended to help build relationships between the campuses and create a sense of community across all of Macaulay.

After hearing her speech, we were allowed to explore. The first thirty minutes or so were extremely chaotic. The CSI kids all grouped together and tried to explore as a group. When we gathered, we thought it would be a good idea to start from the top and make our way down through the floors of the museum.

The top floor, focused on American art, was by far my favorite. Two of the floors were closed, so I only had two to compare, but I digress. This floor featured some beautiful art, and my favorite piece is the one below. I can’t exactly explain why I’m so intrigued by such a simple piece, but something about it caught my eye. I think it’s because the painter depicted herself in a mirror within the painting, adding an extra layer of realism. Additionally, it’s such a simple drawing, yet it reveals more detail every time you look at it. The rest of the floor also had impressive paintings, sculptures, and artistic items, but this piece stood out the most to me.

The art on the third floor was also intriguing, but not as captivating as the fifth floor. It felt more historical than artistic, and I’ve never been into abstract art. Still, I found the ancient sculptures and icons beautiful and impressive, especially considering the lack of modern technology at the time they were made.

In short, my night at the museum was extremely fun. I thought the art on display was impressive, and experiencing it with my peers made it even more enjoyable.

Visit to the Banksy Museum – Elisa Ujkashi

I recently had the chance to check out some replicas of Banksy’s work in person, and it left me thinking about how his art manages to be funny, sarcastic, and deeply critical all at once. Two pieces in particular caught my attention because of how they tackle big social issues in really clever ways.

The first piece shows two elderly women sitting in armchairs, casually knitting like it’s just another day. But what they’re knitting isn’t your usual cozy sweater. One has “Punks Not Dead” and the other has “Thug For Life” stitched into their blankets. It’s such a great contrast – these sweet old ladies who you’d normally associate with quiet afternoons are sitting there with phrases that scream rebellion and toughness. It’s like Banksy is saying that the spirit of punk and defiance isn’t just for the young. It doesn’t disappear just because you age. This piece made me smile, thinking about how rebellion and resistance to conformity can stick with us, even when society expects us to mellow out.

The second artwork, Show Me the Monet, is a more in-your-face critique of how consumerism and waste impact the environment. It’s based on Monet’s famous Water Lilies painting, but Banksy throws in abandoned shopping carts and a traffic cone floating in the peaceful water. It’s kind of shocking to see this serene landscape disrupted by symbols of modern waste. The title is a clever twist too poking fun at how art is often reduced to its monetary value while also pointing to how consumer culture is literally trashing nature. The plaque next to it explains that Banksy wanted to highlight how overconsumption is destroying the environment. I couldn’t help but think about how true this is, and how we often romanticize nature while continuing to harm it.

Banksy’s art really got me thinking about how he uses humor and irony to push us to question the world around us. These pieces are funny, but they’re also holding up a mirror to our behavior, making us reconsider what we value and how we live. It’s pretty amazing how art can spark those kinds of reflections, even when it’s as funny and unserious as Banksy’s.

Visit to the Banksy

My trip to visit the museum was alright but the weather was not too great. I did end up going with friends since we went to Soho right after so it lightened the mood. I went into this museum with an open mind because it was fascinating that a graffiti artist could create impactful art.

This is actually my second time writing this blog because the first time the website crashed on me and nothing saved so… take two on my phone this time.

The first art piece at the Banksy Museum that caught my attention was one that was seen in Ukraine. This piece showed the reality of the situation in the war. The ordinary appearance of the woman as she is depicted to be in a bathrobe and the addition of the mask and extinguisher reveals the idea that Russia is intruding into the lives of ordinary people. Furthermore, it symbolizes the dangers faced by civilians and the need for safety amidst chaos. The fire extinguisher is an interesting pick for a tool because it can not be used as a weapon and yet it is an active response to the violence. I think it was interesting that Banksy choose to portray a woman rather than the typical man we see on the war scene. Furthermore, Banksy’s choice to create this piece in an area that was destroyed by the war reinforces the idea of street art as a form of protest. It brings global attention to local struggles, making the art itself a part of the dialogue surrounding war and peace.

The second art piece really drew my attention because I think it displays modern-day romance. It depicts two lovers that seemingly are close and yet they are so far. Their metaphorical distance shows the negative effect that technology has on the new generation and the way people interact. In the couple despite their the physical intimacy, they present to be emotionally distant, highlighting how technology can interfere with genuine connections. I think it displays that close proximity does not guarantee emotional intimacy. It pushes the audience to think on how technology might have effected their relationships so much so they might be oblivious to it. It pushes the agenda to “live in the moment” and that is something I really appreciate because I try to live by that. It reveals an element of distraction that phones bring where you can have everything in front of you but be too involved with the phone. In a world where communication is instantaneous and constant, the irony lies in how phones can foster a sense of isolation. This art piece really conveyed a powerful message that definitely targets younger generations.

This piece by Banksy spoke volumes, it connects to the idea that peace is absolutely necessary. It has a greater effect because the soldiers are the ones pushing for peace despite being fully armed. Although this art piece was curated in 2005, it is still just as relevant in as the world is amidst numerous wars where peace is vital. While society may celebrate military figures, the depiction of soldiers in a peaceful light can provoke discomfort, challenging people to reconcile these conflicting ideals. Further their depiction of being fully armed pushes the idea that they are the face of war and not the face of peace. This piece makes viewers think about the impact of war and its desperate need for peace. In our society today this should serve as a call to action to try to gain peace. It was also interesting to note the color choice which is a stark constant. The peace sign in red immediately drew my attention and the soldiers in muted colors made me wonder the significance of soldiers and not regular people. In general, I think this art piece had an important message that should not be taken lightly.

 

Art Lab Reflection

The art lab was an interactive experience that was breathtaking throughout the process. For instance, before entering the art lab studio facility, you must enter the grounds of the Staten Island botanical garden which was blossoming and full of life. As I waited for Gaby to find parking which admittedly was a challenge, I wandered around the garden and admired all that nature had to offer. I especially enjoyed the 9/11 memorial they included, as though they meant to show thanks to the brave souls who sacrificed their lives for us and that it was not in vain as with the loss of their lives we commemorate it with the beginning of another by planting this garden as a memorial. 

When I entered the art lab I was greeted by very friendly and welcoming volunteers who were students from the College of Staten Island, therefore I was pleasantly surprised by how much opportunity this experience grants to others looking to volunteer. Also, considering that the art lab is free, the community service is spectacular as it requires no funds but only asks for artists on the island to come together to use their talents to inspire others. In fact, as I wandered the halls and studios of the art lab, one artist in particular invited me to her studio. There she gave me a tour of her work and took me through the step-by-step process of how to draw realistic sketches. She was obviously very passionate and kind-hearted. She even gave me her email to reach out to if I wanted to see a larger studio filled with more of her work or if I wanted her to teach me more in-depth how to draw and paint which I thought was very generous. 

Moments later I met up with the rest of the Macaulay group that also decided to come to the art lab. We then decided to enter another artist’s studio which gave us the amazing opportunity to paint fruits from life. We crowded in her studio each with a few paints, brushes, and canvases and much artist freedom. None of us were particularly talented, therefore, we were able to let ourselves go and make fun of ourselves without fear of judgment as we were all very supportive. As we created art on the canvases, art and beauty took life in the studio as our energy flourished. Art imitates life and in that moment, we became both the creators and the creation. Our paintings, though imitating the same piece, were starkly unique to each other, they were all an equal reflection of the joy and pure bliss experienced in that moment.

Banksy Museum: A Tearful Experience

♥ Trigger Warnings ♥

BEFORE YOU READ: This post contains mentions of war, violence, and sensitive political controversy. Sensitive topics will be bolded in red.

♥ Thoughts Before Blogging ♥

Honestly, I spent an hour staring at my blank page (with some tears) trying to figure out how I could possibly blog about my experience at this museum without diving deep into super uncomfortable topics. There are many reasons why people find art uncomfortable to speak about or experience, but according to Banksy himself…

I do feel comforted. Not by the topic, but by the fact there is somebody with a greater voice who advocates against everything that harms innocent people.  I am disturbed, but my singular voice is also insignificant. Banksy is listed as one of the most influential people on Times Magazine. He uses his voice when common people cannot and that is what comforts me about his art.

♥ Rats Make Me Crazy ♥

Let’s start tame. When you walk around the museum there is a LOT of rat imagery. Some of my personal favorites include “Rats Along the Seine,” “Gangsta Rat,” and “Out of Bed Rat,” all shown below.

Why was Banksy so obsessed with rats? How is this classified as protest art?

The most important quote to note is “‘…rats are the only wild living animals in cities, and only rats will survive when the human race will have disappeared and died out.’ The similarities between these nocturnal creatures and graffiti artists are clear.

They are the clever, tough, and unwanted vermin of society.”

One of Banksy’s main forms of protest is graffiti art, and as a graffiti artist, he seems to resonate with rats the most. He mentions that if you feel unloved, rats are your role model. Perhaps he feels unloved by politicians due to the fact there is definitely a lot of unrest in the world at the moment.

♠ War, Kids, Future ♠

War. Unrest. Everybody has an opinion on it. Here, I would like to focus more on the position the children are placed (or displaced) in when it comes to war. Banksy focuses on this and topics of innocence throughout his artwork. Here are some examples.

Despite war, innocence is never lost in children. They still find love on top of the hill of guns and missiles, they hug the missle made to kill them. The child with the balloon (symbolic of hope and the future) is reaching at it at a questionable angle; is she letting go of hope and her future, or is she reaching out for it? Children know nothing but love and unfortunately are born in a world with governors who don’t value their lives.

I was met with a sign that said “Exit the Warzone.” My teary-eyed friend said we should. I told him that the worst part of all this is we have the option to leave the warzone. I am heartbroken as I type this, and truly, I believe this is how true art is meant to make me feel. I am meant to feel anger, heartbreak, and desperate for change. These artworks definitely did that for me.

♠ Coppers ♠

Banksy also had strong opinions on policemen and used humor to refer to those negative opinions about the police force.

Banksy does not take policemen’s actions very seriously. He believes sometimes their actions are unwarranted (ex. chasing after a playing stickman), and a less tame idea that can be the intention of making these artworks is the rise in police brutality towards BIPOC. Banksy also alludes to The Wizard of Oz to showcase the unnecessary searching of items when unneeded, he shows Dorothy being searched by a cop, which seems very childish to us as the audience, but is this the reality? The artist seems to believe so.

♥ More About Kids ♥

Banksy loves the idea of innocence and how optimistic and naive children are. It is why he is so angry about involving them in war. Some examples Banksy has about childhood innocence are the heroes they look up to. They look up to policemen, and although Banksy is very opposed to the system they are a part of, he seems to admire that children see policemen as role models. They also look up to nurses and doctors. Children value life, so they value those who save lives.

♥ Conclusion ♥

To conclude, this was one of my favorite museum experiences. I was brought to so many emotions, both negative and positive. I would 100% go again, but I do wish it didn’t cost $26 to walk in. After all, the price of entry is one of those capitalistic ideas that Banksy goes against.

Banksy exhibit

This class continues to grow my appreciation for art, and as someone who does not care much for art I can confidentially say the Banksy exhibit is a must see. The art has such deep meaning, but always with a comical twist, in addition, the art has so many modern references such as, movies like Planet of the Apes and Pulp Fiction. Banksy is anti police, and anti capitalism, I noticed that he wants what’s best for the average person, his art is satirical to many elitists such as his mockery of Andy Warhol.

The first piece that stood out to me was the picture of an ape, with the text saying, “Laugh now, but one day we’ll be in charge.” This was easily my favorite piece especially because the Planet of the Apes series is my favorite movie series ever. I also belief this could be a reference to Darwinism and how apes will continue to evolve, and like in Planet of the Apes, will be in charge. Banksy had a few pieces with apes pictured as advanced beings, and this spoke volumes to how animals that humans used for entertainment, and hold captive may one day have the power to do the same to us.

The next piece that stood out to me was the work of this rat, and there was many other rats pictured. Banksy being the rebellious type, appreciates the nature of rats and how they exist and no one likes them, also how rats are so little and harmless but hold such great power. Banksy is technically a wanted criminal. He has to be stubborn like a rat, so he can still make his art. He is not doing harm to anyone, yet people in power want him hunted, like a rat.

All in all, the Banksy exhibit is definitely my favorite museum of the few I’ve been to, Banksy is just an average guy, not like these artists who make millions and their art has little meaning, it is just sold for the value of the meaning, and he does not encourage his work to be sold as he is strongly against capitalism.