Mona Lisa: Decoded

Poker Face. If you can look beyond the painting, then that's the time you can decode it.

If I can just take a journey back five hundred years ago and meet the Italian artist Leonardo Da Vinci, may be I could be the luckiest modern-day artist in the world. Imagine I could see him paint the most famous portrait of all time, the Mona Lisa right before my very eyes. But who is Mona Lisa? What are the mysteries behind her smile? The Mona Lisa portrait is probably the best known, most visited, most written about, most sung about, and the most parodied work of art in the world. Mona is an Italian word for Ma’am or Madam during the High Renaissance period and Lisa Gherardini was her name, but was later on called Mona Lisa. The painting was made in roughly three years, from 1503-1506. There had been a hundreds of parodies of the artwork that made it really popular. It has been seen in a lot of movies and also mentioned in some modern songs.

 My curiosity about Mona Lisa was brought by Mandy Moore’s song rendition of Mona Lisa and Mad Hatters which, in the song, Mona Lisa is portrayed as a rich businessmen living in New York. In my perspective, the Mona Lisa is a timeless work of art since it brings a lot of interpretation and enigmatic mystery. I have watched several films that featured Mona Lisa like Da Vinci Code and Looney Tunes: Back In Action. Maybe it’s the reason why it keeps being famous. Having watching some films featuring Mona Lisa kept asking me in myself who is she and why is she so famous. Probably, in my opinion, she is a rich woman living in Italy at the time where rebirth of art has emerged. Possibly, because art was an expensive thing way back then. I don’t really know her real identity but her portrait somehow tells her story. Her facial expression so much resembles to 9Gags’ “Poker Face” meme. It seems she doesn’t show happiness or loneliness.

The Mona Lisa painting became a center of mystery as technologies emerged. One mystery is here eyebrows. According to historians, eyebrows were shaved during the early times in Italy. Later on, the mystery was unfold. According to scientists who studied the painting using the technology is that her eyebrows seem to be painted by Leonardo but was eroded as time goes by. Another mystery is her smile which has been a topic for films and songs. Mona Lisa's smile has repeatedly been a subject of many—greatly varying—interpretations. Some have described the smile as both innocent and inviting. Many researchers have tried to explain why the smile is seen so differently by people. The explanations range from scientific theories about human vision to curious supposition about Mona Lisa's identity and feelings. As of today, it remains a mystery in what is the meaning of her smile.

*Premise: Who is Mona Lisa?

Week 10 | Magnum Opus

Art Brainiacs. Many scientists argued the creative solvers exhibited major activity in the regions of our brain's right hemisphere. 

It takes a lot of hard work to create a single masterpiece but squeezing your own creative juices is another story.

Most of the today’s great artists in any form of art frequently degrade their own work by not taking the lead to inform the public about what it really takes to produce it. I notice that most people in some art show, museum or entertainment keep on asking, “So, how long did it take you to make that?” Usually, it’s a blameless question and the person asking is just curious how long it takes a professional to create something they can’t imagine creating themselves. Sometimes, though, the question isn’t so blameless. Sometimes it’s a criticism of an artist’s work. It’s meant as an underhanded way to say, “That’s so simple. I could have made that myself in an hour.” Discourteous, no doubt, but people do ask. Personally, I appreciate things and criticize in two ways: aesthetically and technically. Applying what I have learned to create beautiful things is like knowing how an art could be defined as art itself, a hungry imagination that could lead to a great masterwork. 

I consider creativity as a process. When I was a little kid, I am fond of doing doodle in our wall. The sketches of the sun, trees and mountains filled the other corner of our room that’s why my mom got angry as she hardly wiped out my masterpiece. I believe that creativity is in our system. It’s like the air that we breathe and water that we drink. It reflects a part of who we are yet most of us don’t appreciate this. A simple thing like participating in poster-making contests, writing poems and stories and watching films are my perfect formula to squeeze my creative juices. The rest comes out naturally. I used to live in a creative and artful life. I love beautiful things --paintings, anime, films and alike. They are my inspiration to make the masterpieces of my own knowing that it's not something to push but to live up. Creativity is an endless process and now, I'm still learning to bring out the best in the world.

*Premise: How to Enhance Creativity

Week 9 | I Think, Therefore, I Blog.

See No Evil. John Ian depicts unprejudiced opinion through blogging on the problem of society, our nation and the world.

Blog is an open diary and it goes like this: What I believe, I blog. What I think, I blog. What I feel, I blog. What you read, I am.

Realizing what French philosopher René Descartes reacted if he exists is like my answer to the question why do I blog--"I think, therefore, I blog."  The habit of blogging especially among students has become mainstream. As a multimedia arts student, I have taken my entries as fast as wildfire and most bloggers are having a hard time in the issues of privacy, posts evaluation, responding to comments and other significant blogging challenges. Most bloggers tend to consider, "Write about it now, worry about it later," relying that the art of writing is more vital than the duty of confidentiality. The current year’s report showed that there are 31 million bloggers in the United States and 60% of them are men according to blogging.org. If blogging remains to be a voluntary activity like social networks and other forms of social media, increasingly, blogging will attract other than money. With no reservation, blogging is a gold mine for those people whose concern is to make money online, but from my personal understanding, it’s more than money, it’s an expression. We are the diarist of our own lives. I can say that now, I am a certified blogger. For me, writing online is therapeutic; in fact, such an exercise is likely beneficial to me and helps me express what I think while getting connected to the society. Another interesting factoid entangled what is influencing their choice of what to blog about. They say the only constant in this world is change as people continue to be influential in topic choice, too. Our nation and the world face more challenges everyday and there are millions of topics to choose from. Other social media accounts are also having more influence on what people blog about.

On my ninth week of blogging, I like to reflect myself fairly new to the blogging world although this platform has been around for many years now. I keep on trying to complete my blog as required in my subject but more of that, I blog to learn. This learning doesn’t only make me busy but teaches me to communicate effectively and express myself rationally.  Take my last post for example, it has been done for several hours and took my first-ten sentences into a scrapped typescript.  I really should make more of an effort to commit myself on here as equally as I do on to my other school projects and proudly, I always made it. Even in a short span of time, blogging truly helped me to expand my horizons allowing myself to contemplate at things from different perspectives. Now I can express my opinions and sentiments through words, which also opens my mind to everything I see. As I constantly write blogs, my ingenuity, creativity, and writing skills improved during the routine unlike any other writing medium. Moreover, I can discuss trending topics for a variety of audience, without compromising my ideas. Not many people can understand the advantages of blogging but I can confidently say that it may also result to a positive social change. Our philosophies can really inspire others to do something about the problems that surround us all. So now, keep on blogging.

*Premise: Blogging

Week 8 | The Confessions of a Weboholic

Shop 'Til You Drop. Staying online for a long time is like a non-stop shopping... it's addicting!

It’s more than the indulgence of luscious dark chocolate or almond vanilla sundae but it’s the internet surfing that is addictive ten times more.

My mind is totally infested by cyber addiction, but don’t get me wrong, it’s just a routine to gather information in real time, socialize with people more than miles away and share my magnum opus to the rest of the world. I must admit, I surf the internet to the scope that it interferes with my daily life. It’s in my system to take a plunge to the deep sea of virtual realm where everyone is in to. I must say “One click a day keeps the doctors away”, - a psychological condition that I found to be my stress reliever from everyday work. As probed by computer-based director and project manager John Nicholas Rushby, he argued that people can be addicted to computers and may possible to experience withdrawal symptoms, also mentioned in a study of computer dependency by Margaret Shotton in her 1989 book entitled Computer Addiction. A bit scary that’s why it’s been my mechanism to constrain time against my excessive use of internet. The beginning of the internet saga is also the beginning of my new-fangled lifestyle. The greetings of “good morning” after the sunrise doesn’t only voiced by the lips but hurled via web. This life-changing practice is now adapted by billions of people around the world and the ongoing modernization keeps offering easy-going traditions. I may sleep for a while, but once my ego awakened, surely the new media goes with it.

Since all the facets of the internet where cybernatics are spending the excessive quantity of time online have to do with social connections, it would appear that socialization is what makes it so addicting. Whether it's via social networking sites, e-mail, a discussion forum, chat, or an online game, it would be my satisfaction to do all this in a single day. Would we ever depict everytime we spent in the real world with aquiantances as addicting? Definitely not. I do talk with my family and friends on the phone for hours on end so can I tagged as a phone addict? Off course not, it’s because I still have the capacity to control and be aware about the span of time I spent in the internet or phone. This would be how can I classify myself to other internet-goer. I tweet most of the time. It’s been my passage to connect with people that I can’t imagine they would reply back to me. International celebrity like the Irish band, The Script and the local comedian Pokwang keeps on retweeting me once I made a mention about their performance. That was definitely a powerful means of communication. It affects me in a positive way wherein my daily habit becomes easier to accomplish. Almost half of my time everyday are connected to the new media and I know that in a certain perspective, it could also be dangerous. Research about internet engagement among the youth of today always reminds us that technology addictions may lead to increased stress-levels, shorter attention spans and irregular sleep-patterns. Even I am directly influenced by the new media, I always bear in mind these helpful reminder in spite of technological warfare. We may ask ourselves, “technology is a great tool, but is it worth our well-being?”

*Premise: The Effects of New Media in Myself

Week 7 | Love Songs, Cupcakes and Raindrops

Perfect Combination. What makes rainy day stay more satisfying? It's music + comfort food + heavy downpour.

Now I understand why Billie Joe Thomas crooned that the raindrops kept falling on his head and the reasons why Elvis Presley badly needed the rain. They are both true and now I feel the same way too.

I peeked through my window this morning believing surely it can't be raining, but still, I was wrong. I checked the CNN weather forecast which assured me that it would be raining for the rest of the week as well as in the coming months. As if to rub it in, weather predictions informed me that Metro Manila, Southern Luzon and some parts of the country are all expecting bad weather. So how do I take comfort in all of this and find something positive to take away with me? Perhaps the answer is what Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said "The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain”. I love every smell of it. Watching the cold dew slipping in the fresh green grass keeps my mind refreshed as my soul fondled with serenity. The relaxing sound of every droplet is like paradise as it just makes me want to fall asleep and dream. While Thor hid beneath the dark skies doing his mighty growl, my ears were covered with headset playing the sweetest love songs.  I love being trapped in doors because of it, but when I have to go out walking down the street holding an umbrella over my head, this opportunity gave me such a delightful experience. Let me reiterate... I truly love the rain.

Rain unlocks such desire and it's something other than air pressing around you. It's just like a melody other than the beating of the heart. Love songs blends in with my chocolate pudding that I baked for a while. I whipped white cream on top of the pudding and named my recipe “White Rain Choco Pudding” as it were sprinkled with tiny mallows on top.  To partner the cupcake, I also cooked my favorite rainy day season craving, Tom Yum soup. I watched a wide range of movies from comedy to thriller until the grey sky was washed away by the golden rays of the sun. The fun has been doubled when my housemates appreciate the chocolate pudding and the Lao-Thai soup. Just like me, I know that most people have no secret meaning as to why they like the rain. It's extraordinary when people who appreciate the sound of the raindrops sluicing down the windshield or the wild torrent of stream under the bridge. It’s a magical feeling that everyone can sense. I was so upset to not bringing my binoculars and camera with me.  I wish I could have snapped a few images to reminisce those precious moments.  Hopefully these words will do and if the rain comes again, I am not tiring to do this all over and over again. 

*Premise: What to Do on a Rainy Day

Week 6 | 2012 Mbps: Chasing the Cyberspace

Ian Reloaded. Internet connection running on 20.12 megabyte per second via Wireless Fidelity.

 Traffic rules always remind us to follow speed limits, unless you are talking about the INTERNET.

It’s more than the speed of Karma Lee in the iOS-powered Temple Run or the rush steered TurboFly in Android devices, but it’s the information superhighway that fuels the networks all over the world. At its core is a backbone of high-speed data communication lines through which any allied computer can switch information with any other linked computer. One of the most amazing things about the cyberspace is the plethora of knowledge it puts at our fingertips. It's a far-fetch fountain of knowledge sustained by sources all over the world. You can find everything from information on the latest update on stem cell technology or what will be the Apple’s most-awaited next phone generation. The information never stops, either. New sites are being added each day. This information superhighway is a monstrous mechanism for us humans, whereas we have been able to use the internet in more imaginative and productive ways.  And what’s payback plan? Your accountability.

No traffic. No hassle. One of the reasons why the internet could be the fastest highway in the world is the velocity of its information transference but it may also the deadliest one. Few years ago, people who cross the modern world can’t imagine how things could possibly happen—the feasibility to share interest via internet. People may also criticize that internet connections may sometimes be lethargic and erratic. In spite all of this, those slaves of technology once devised WiFi and WiMax, another triumph for humanity to enter a new dimension and connect the two different worlds. Today, the new technology and transformations to the heart of the cyberspace are making a lightning-fast interaction among the people of the world. The EDGE, 3G and now, LTE, is one of the fastest admissions of people to the cyber world and so, most of the internet service providers made an overhaul to provide us the speedy connections in our home and offices. Many countries in Europe and America are now serving their citizens with high-speed internet through wireless connections; unfortunately, some areas do not experience this kind of technological wonder. Three, five or may be ten years from now, the internet superhighway will not be the ordinary road you know. It could possibly be the mega highway that will drag everyone to a new cyber experience. Scary in a good way, isn’t it? 

*Premise: The Internet Highway

Week 5 | You Are My Home

MMA As One. Representing the multimedia arts student body SY 2012-2013 under one name, MMA.

"If the family were a boat, it would be a canoe that makes no progress unless everyone paddles." 
-Letty Cottin Pogrebin

For almost two-month stay at Lyceum of the Philippines-Laguna, I found a family that nurtures and cultivates talents and aptitudes among its members. Being an affiliate of Multimedia Arts Society (MMAS), the organization does not only discourse about books, lectures and research.  Along with academics comes a whole host of activities and events that broaden our horizons. I am a multimedia arts student and I know that this is a hotspot for getting involved.  I gained life-long friendships with my colleagues and develop camaraderie with other students. Activities and events mean there’s never a dull moment in the life of multimedia arts students. The MMAS, even it’s a small community, inspires to embrace diversity — both in the people who live and learn and the experiences that enrich life in the classroom and beyond. Multimedia Arts Society as a family comes together for a particular purpose. This is to share ideas and impart setbacks in order to solve it as one. Since MMAS is just newly formed, I am self-assured that we could be strengthened through expressions of caring and appreciation.  

Remember what Lilo said to Stitch in the Disney-Pixar film Lilo & Stitch when she expound what family is all about? A valued friend or teammate can be considered as our 'ohana. An entire group of close friends or associates can be their own 'ohana. This is what goes with MMAS. We created a family to sustain the best of ourselves, believe of what we can offer and value the gift of creativity. We are the future of multimedia industry. Before reaching these heights, the MMAS must integrate to build a strong relationship and shares same interest. Just like a real family, each member must support and sustain each other. Busy schedules can be another matter to consider yet it can be intensified by keeping in touch. In the end, whatever MMAS may encounter difficulties in time, like a family, it will be solved together, in our place called home.

 *Premise: MMA Family