HUM FPX 1150 Assessment 4 Creative Process of Creating and Interpreting Cultural Artifacts

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Capella University

HUM FPX 1150 Cultural Understanding in a Global World

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Date

Creative Process of Creating and Interpreting Cultural Artifacts

Throughout history, culture and artistic expressions have profoundly impacted human thoughts and behavior. The particular artifact I chose, “PMA Highlights: Tim Rollins and K.O.S.,” may influence individuals’ thinking and behavior in the future as it depicts the hardships faced by African Americans. The painting was created collaboratively by Tim Rollins and K.O.S., a collective group representing kids of survival in connection with their struggles, drug use, violence, and poverty. Their main goal in creating these paintings was to provide a refuge for children experiencing multiple trials and tribulations at a young age. This artifact is set in the 19th century and alludes to the racism African Americans endured through slavery. It inspired many historical leaders to strive for change in the segregation between blacks and whites. Today, this piece can encourage individuals to continue advocating for positive changes in African American culture, as history has shown how many have worked tirelessly for equality for all. Despite the negative connotation associated with the African American lifestyle, it is possible to achieve success in life despite economic challenges and daily hardships (Elwell, 2020).

The artists’ process for creating the artifact involved collaboration. Tim Rollins and K.O.S. produced similar paintings connected by descriptive imagery that portrays the pain and suffering of African Americans. Both artists were inspired by pairing book literature with paintings, often using books that described a slave’s or an African American’s perspective during times of racial injustice. If a line or page in a book was inspirational, they would draw what came to mind. Both artists contributed their interpretations and creativity to shape and craft the final artifact by sharing ideas from specific books that could enhance their painting. For example, they incorporated text from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, and writings by Martin Luther King, Jr. The artists’ cultural and personal experiences are evident in the cultural artifact, as the genre they chose to paint reflects their personal hurt. A prime example is the image of the artifact, which shows a man kneeling, possibly out of exhaustion. The artists were likely tired of witnessing the continued injustices faced by African Americans and sought change (The Portland Museum of Art, 2016).

HUM FPX 1150 Assessment 4 Creative Process of Creating and Interpreting Cultural Artifacts

The creative process used by the artists involved finding inspirational quotes and pages from books. This approach allowed both artists to employ problem-solving, relationship-building, and self- and social-awareness skills to complete the artifact. They used problem-solving skills by developing a strategy to create their artifact collectively as a team. They also used relationship-building skills by communicating with each other to determine the topic, which was portraying African American struggles. Finally, they utilized self- and social-awareness by connecting their own and others’ experiences with racial injustice and poverty. Each of these components contributed to the creation of the artifact. An example of how I can apply the artists’ process and methods to support my endeavors is by discussing my issues with others. Just as both artists shared their ideas to reach their end goal, I can share my concerns with relatives or close friends to find solutions to my problems.

In conclusion, individuals in a group, by sharing ideas, thoughts, and experiences, can influence one another in interpreting the artifact. While one person may not have considered an idea, hearing someone else’s perspective can direct their point of view. A prime example of this occurred during a class seminar at school. When one person shared their interpretation of a painting, the entire class agreed, expressing the same point in different ways. When discussing my connection with my sister, I appreciated the different and similar viewpoints we had. She pointed out how the artifact displayed not only a man tired of the injustice he is facing but also someone determined to keep striving for change. I connected with my sister and found shared experiences related to the artifact, as we both had faced some form of injustice in our lives. Despite being tired of the recurring situations, we never gave up until the issue was resolved appropriately. This experience revealed something I didn’t know about myself: I hadn’t realized how determined I am to achieve something. Overall, this artifact allowed me to see the importance of collaboration and being open to other perspectives.