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Damien Daville, Producer
LA Judge, Editor


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Mirrors and Windows of the 21st Century

It has been written many times over that the eyes are the windows to our souls. Often what we choose show to the world is not how we perceive ourselves, but rather a message comprised of subtle visual innuendo. In 1978 photography curator John Szarkowski, of the Museum of Modern Art, New York, fundamentally changed the way we use our eyes to look at photographs. In the show 'Mirrors and Windows: American Photography Since 1960' he defined the four sides of a photograph as sides as a window frame. The frame set out either a reflection of the photographer’s environment (mirror) or a glimpse into another world beyond our own (window). He recognized that all photographs were “about” something calling the viewer to “just look”. Part of his recognition was coming to the realization that we as humans convey our culture thru a very pictorial snapshot-esque visual language not always apparent to even ourselves. In this 21 century, the internet very much has become that snapshot photographic image. The computer screen has become the frame by which we view widows of the world. Websites and blogs scream at us “just look”. This month’s website review takes a look at some of the things we as humans visually show the world about ourselves that may be missed if it were not for the visual presentation via computer.

The Mirror Project
http://www.mirrorproject.org/index.htm

The Mirror Project of Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA focuses on providing media venues that allow inner-city youth a means of showing their everyday lives. The primary goal of this organization is to create, exhibits and distributes videos that promote social, cultural, and personal-awareness. Check out the constantly changing gallery section. Here you will find the visual and poetic fruits of their labors. The words and images here are not pretty – but they are raw and real. They provide a mirror held up to a world most never know exists.

White Trash World
http://www.whitetrashworld.com

Done in a tongue-in-cheek style WTW takes a look at the cultural components defining white trash. From corn dogs to Pabst, it’s all here. WTW provides a window into cultural subgroup that many claim with pride. Here white trash is celebrated by providing visual imagery of defining cultural icons. The focus here is entertainment, but what you also get is a venue for folks to say “just look at me” in context to their chosen subculture. Here there are no judgments made, but the humorous approach does suggest that this is not a subculture that is viewed with self-pride.

Hot Ghetto Mess
http://www.hotghettomess.com

Unlike the previous website, Hot Ghetto Mess holds a mirror to a subculture and loudly proclaims, “We have got to do better”. As site author Jam Donaldson states, “…I only hold up a mirror so don’t blame me if you don’t like what you see. This site wags a shameful finger at those who bring us all down with their foolishness.” Shown here are outrageous examples of dress and behavior, all of which typify this inner city subculture. In stating cry for improvement, Donaldson calls into question the “why” behind this subculture and provides a perspective that may be missed in the rush and confusion of daily city life.

Post Secret
http://postsecret.blogspot.com

Got a secret you are dying to tell, but really don’t want anyone to know? An ongoing community art project, Post Secret invites anyone to participate anonymously via a postcard. Here is a window into the dark inner worlds of personal secrets. These homemade glimpses into others inner recesses takes us to that place in ourselves. As you wander through this site of windows, you begin searching your own soul and delving into the darker parts you tucked away but hidden even from yourself. Post Secret is updated on a regular basis so bookmark it. You will be visiting this website again and again.

Until next time.
Veritatem dies aperit.
LA. Judge

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