Samantha Saldana

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samantha.saldana@sjsu.edu

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Andy Tran BFA exhibition “Dream” September 27th to October 1st, 2021 in Gallery 5

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DREAM

Andy Tran

I seek the sky to represent the dream hidden in the clouds and the moon. The sky is comprised of numerous elements that could portray different types of dreams. People see the sky – whether calm or wild – and interpret many things depending on the nature of clouds, moon size, or light. The sky has a way of influencing dreams such that, some will say things like, “the sky is calm today” or “the sky is dull today” which is an indication of how people have different dreams in this life. The dream is to live a happy life that could be influenced by the nature such as the calmness of the sky or the emotions depicted by the size and shape of the mood.
  A combination of clouds and a moon in a day or night can take away an individual to a dreamland. I like taking photographs of the clouds and the sky as they help present nature and the natural aspects of life. My mission as a photographer is to represent nature as it appears in the sky to the world through my pictures. I aim to influence the world by portraying the sky with clouds and the moon which would help people to see beyond the simple illustration of what they see but visualize their dreams. Taking pictures of the clouds and the sky on a day or night is a science that can influence dreams in many ways. My photography will be an adaptation of what we expect from the clouds and the sky in human lives and help in visualizing our dreams.

Zack Lam BFA show “COVID-19 LIFESTYLE OVERTURN” September 27th to October 1st, 2021 in Black Gallery

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COVID-19 LIFESTYLE OVERTURN 
ZACK LAM

My proposed final project idea is to create a photography series that 
focuses on self-care and self-love. Many of us were quarantined or self-isolated during the global pandemic (COVID-19), attempting to be cautious and avoid the virus at all costs. For some, quarantine has extended not just a few days, but months at a time. Because there was no vaccine available at the time, many of us were forced to deal with the situation, despite the fact that the vast majority of people lacked the ability to adjust to quarantine and the abrupt constraints that come with it. Work, school, job, business, training/workout, and spending time with friends occupy the majority of our time as humans. Due to the long hour spent alone, time appeared to stop after the announcement of social distancing and
quarantine rules was made. As a result, vacations and all scheduled events had to be canceled. Human survival is predicated on daily activities, which are today restricted, limiting the capabilities of many people. The pandemic has taken a toll on many people, whether they stopped going to the gym, hanging out with friends, lost a stable income, a business partner, or a motivator.

Mental disorders have been on the rise as a result of the tremendous 
amount of stress brought on by the pandemic, as well as the inactivity that many people are not used to. I was a victim of this until I learned about self-love and reconsidered the value of my mental health. As a result, I’d like to use photography to capture a series of Self-Care/Self-Love to remind others that taking care of ourselves and putting our health first is still very important. The series will consist of seven photographs depicting what my friends and I have been up to while in quarantine.

Noemi Sesmas BFA show “Ni de AquÍ, Ni de Allá” November 2nd- the 6th, 2020

Ni de Aquí, Ni de Allá is a year long series from 2019-2020 including ten images. The images were captured in different regions in Central Mexico and Northern California. The inspiration for this series emerged when I read the book “Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza” by Gloria Anzaldúa. I was captivated by the explanation of the experiences that Chicanx/Latinx/Indiginous people from Mexico face in regards to gender, identity, race, and colonialism. I wanted to explore how far the “borderlands” reach in California and Mexico. I was able to document my environment around me and show how prevalent these ideas were in California and Mexico. Ni de Aquí, Ni de Allá is intended to create dialogue and to reach an audience of people who feel displaced in a country where they are not seen as they belong. Each image is a reminder of some aspect of their life in which they can relate to or remember a memory buried deep in their subconscious. This series is also for those who came before us who were not able to be affirmed for their existence and be reminded that they did indeed belong.