American Dream W7

Student 1: Jessica Randhawa

Here is a link of the art I chose to write about, it was not uploading directly so I have provided the link.  https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/11632?sortBy=Relevance&deptids=2&ft=murray&offset=0&rpp=20&pos=3 (Links to an external site.)

The painting I selected was by artist Samuel Aloysius Murray. This art sculpture was created in 1923 and is showcased in the Met Museum in NYC. This sculpture was given the name of, “Thomas Eakins” who was an instructor at the Art Students’ League of Philadelphia during the time Murray was enrolled as a student. In the statue, Eakins is shown seated cross-legged on the floor in the process of painting The Agnew Clinic, a canvas that was so large, it could not fit on an easel. To me, this painting has true meaning in its expressions as well as the fact that Murray was thoughtful enough to incorporate and spent time creating a piece of art that symbolized somebody else, Eakins. This shows his views towards their friendship and also demonstrates the ambition Eakins had to create something so large that it was impossible to place on a frame alone, yet he still tried. I think this piece of art says a lot, the look on Eakins face displays determination seen through his eyes and eyebrows, and seriousness seen through his facial expression. He looks dedicated, and ambitious to achieving what he has planned, even though he knows it might be nearly impossible; yet he is still following his dream and trying. The lack of color in Eakins paint platter shows the lack of hope he has for his dream, yet he still is attempting to make it happen through his hard work, determination and self-confidence.

This art reminded me of several characters we read about in our course. It represents the story of Black Boy, who sees no hope for a future due to an abandoned father, non- supportive family and no money or shelter but still, he dreams and works hard to achieve his dreams of being a writer, publisher and Communist party member. It also reminded me of Jay Gatsby, who kept making attempts to “win” his love, Daisy through several failed visits and hosting lavish events. Just like the empty plate with no colors in Eakins hand, Jay Gatsby also saw no hope or faith, but still tried until the day he died. This work of art surely conveys America and American society because it is relatable to many individual’s life story. It conveys a message that even if you see no future, no hope, no green light at the end of the tunnel- do not lose hope, nothing is certain until you try and give your best effort in making it come true for yourself. This art by Murray surely connects with our course theme because it provides a unique perspective in sculpture form to portray and convey the message of the American Dream and hard work must be incorporated in order to achieve it, even if you see no hope and even if others ridicule you for trying. Sometimes words can cause misunderstandings and miscommunications, I think this sculpture entails a lot of detail and says a lot about Eakins and delivers a great message for the rest of America which I hope everyone will understand and follow.

 

After watching The Pursuit of Happyness, I found that the character of Chris Gardner was comparable especially to that of Ragged Dick, by Horatio Alger. Ragged Dick is shown to also carry a lot of responsibilities on his shoulders without having the help and support of anyone, however his good and big heart was what won him love from others. Ragged Dick’s story as well as Chris Gardner’s journey portray the tough path in life they face with the hardships of money and lack of financial support. However it is shown Ragged Dick having a big heart when he offers food to another homeless individual in a local café even though he himself, is not very wealthy yet. This is similar to the time when Chris Gardner offers his boss five dollars, when he is in major debt and stress in his own life. Another factor these two characters share is there selflessness, they do not go around begging or stealing or even complaining about their hardships, instead they take advantage of their resources and work hard in order to overcome their problems and be successful. The idea between both stories displays what success means to each of them and what they do in order to achieve it; is also shows the audience how the idea of success is affected by the social system, people trying to keep up with one another’s success. I believe, as well as seeing these characters Ragged Dick and Chris Gardner, that suffering, obstacles and tough time are all included in the term success. There is never a clear identified path set for you to just walk upon and reach your destination without any hardships your way, suffering is a part of success. However, that is where hard work, ambitions, and honesty come into play. If you have your mind set to achieving success, you will certainly get there no matter how much rough the path may be. Since everyone has unique dreams and goals, everyone’s journey to success is unique as well. Some take years to reach their success because they carry bigger dreams that take longer to fulfill. Others, may have a smaller dream which can be attained a bit easier, and quicker. If dreams and achievements are reached easily, it does mean you have not had success. Everyone carries their unique story and journey; as long as what you had planned is achieved, you have attained success, whether it be a large or small success. I think the role of children in literature is a great idea because it allows our upcoming generations read and understand what these children went through according to their situations, and prepares them to face hardships in life as well. It also sets a great example of how you can be a hard worker, have a dream, and work in order to win success and accomplish your goals no matter what age you are; the sooner you start and have the ambition, the more accomplishments you will make throughout your life.

Student 2: Viviana Vega

1- The art piece I chose was one painted by Vincent Van Gogh, Corridor in the Asylum. As soon as I saw this piece I could relate the message of the American Dream to it. The painting was done back between 1853- 1890. The look and feel of the painting initially appears to be that of a creepy long, never ending hallway with many side hallways and doors. The arch ceilings give the appearance of opportunity and hope at the end of the hallway. The floor on the hallway is not smooth, but patchy and almost appears to be bumpy as well. At the end of the long hallway is yet another door or an illusion of a door that leads to a bend in the hallway itself.

I was able to connect this piece to this course because week after week we have been talking about a goal or the American Dream and how each character we have read about had to obtain various obstacles to get to where they are. Maybe not their ideal dream, but a dream they chose to get to by their own account.

This painting to me signifies just that. The hallway is our life, ideally we would have a straight hallway that leads us right to where we need to be but of course that is NEVER the case. The side hallways and doors, I perceive are there are the twists and turns we all have to endure in life, especially when trying to attain goals in life that are significant to us. The road, as we see is not smooth, it’s layered over, appears unfinished and even bumpy. So regardless if we did stick to a straighten way of life and chose not to take the side stops of education, love, families, children, career changes, relocations, etc., that same road would still provide us with unexpected bumps and detours. These could include accidents, deaths, promotions, vacations, etc.

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/336327 (Links to an external site.)

Corridor in the Asylum (Links to an external site.)

Vincent van Gogh (Dutch, Zundert 1853–1890 Auvers-sur-Oise)

Date: September 1889Medium: Oil color and essence over black chalk on pink laid ("Ingres") paper

2 -The Pursuit of Happyness has to be one of my favorite movies; full of all the emotions one can give. Chris Gardner’s story of a newly single parent trying to land a well deserving job all the while being homeless and poor is captivating. I would relate Gardner’s character to that of Richard Wright. Their stories are not the same but the drive they have is very similar. Both have to go through adversities to believe in themselves, proving they are worthy to come out on top. Gardner and Wright are real life characters. Their stories are not fiction, but of lives lived and struggle more real than we would like to believe. Both had to prove themselves through the rejections and stereotypes of others, because of their appearances.

This movie highlights the American Dream because it showcases one’s desire to want more for themselves and for their family. I would not necessarily say that suffering is a part of success, but that the willingness to live where you are uncomfortable provides the extra push to believe in yourself and set forth the extra needed push to really grab hold of your goal.

I don’t think Gardner’s story is an exception to the rule because we hear of homeless people gaining scholarships to Ivy League schools, etc. It doesn’t happen often, but it does happen and I truly believe that if you look for what you want, you will find it. In regards to Gardner’s journey, as a parent, without a doubt I believe his child was his main motivation. When you are a parent, there is nothing more fulfilling than being able to provide for that child and see them happy. So, given the situation Gardner was in, he knew that unless he worked the hardest he’d ever worked in his life, his child would be without. That fire within him was and is enough to move anyone to move the mountains needed to make dreams come true.