CAMD Student Stories

Sharing student stories and work from Northeastern University's College of Arts, Media and Design

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“Afrofuturism is a literary and cultural aesthetic that combines elements of science fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, Afrocentricity, and magic realism with non-Western cosmologies in order to critique not only the present-day dilemmas of people of color, but also to revise, interrogate, and re-examine the historical events of the past.” 

John Jennings’s acclaimed artwork explores, disrupts, and recontextualizes racial stereotypes in traditional comic art. His art celebrates the importance of black images in the genres of sci-fi, fantasy and horror and how the presence of those images radicalizes the notion of the black subject...read more.

Presented by Northeastern Center for the Arts and Northeastern College of Arts, Media, and Design. 

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Come talk race, identity, and comics with an awesome crowd tomorrow, January 14th at 9:30AM to 3:00PM in the Curry Ballroom! Here's the link to the event! http://ow.ly/X0wl2

Presented by Northeastern Center for the Arts and Northeastern University Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion

[northeasterncamd]

Minerva Teli is a Chemistry and Environmental Studies student at Northeastern University. She participated in the CAMD Goes Global Photo Challenge and submitted this photo from her travels in South Korea while studying music through the “South Korea: K-Pop and Music Business” Dialogue of Civilizations. Here’s what she had to say about her experience:

“This Buddhist temple is a touch of traditional culture in the center of the metropolitan and modern city of Seoul. Hung under each lantern is slip of paper. Every year around Buddha's birthday the mother of each household writes down her good wishes for the family in hopes that they stay healthy and affluent. The temple celebrates this festival by holding several dance performances, music concerts, and a parade.

Before visiting Korea, I thought I was experienced in its culture through my favorite Korean dramas and kpop. However after actually visiting, I saw what a dichotomy the country was. On one hand its fashion, technology, and entertainment industry are incredibly advanced and modern, while the shaman cultures it has shunned from society, the age-old buddhist temples, and the conservative ideals, make it still seem like a traditional society. These stark differences have showed me how in some areas of the world, tradition and modernity are able to thrivingly coexist.”

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McKenna Curtis is a Graphic Design student at Northeastern University. She participated in the CAMD Goes Global Photo Challenge and submitted this photo from her travels in Italy while studying abroad last spring. Here’s what she had to say about her experience:

"This photo was taken during one of my first weeks in Florence. It shows a man who would often visit this particular piazza, Piazza della Repubblica, and use his giant bubble wand to entertain the kids who were there. This quickly became my favorite spot in Florence--with the carousel, the bubbles, and the street musicians and artists who liked to hang out here, it was always magical.

Studying abroad and living in a different country for four months opened my eyes to more of the world than I ever thought I would be able to see. Experiencing a culture that was so different from my own taught me just how unique everyone's worldview is, and how much that is affected by where you are from. It was amazing to me how many differences there were, big and small--from the importance of family, to how a grocery store works. And even though there were many cultural differences, it also taught me just how similar we all are, despite where we come from”

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Madison Murphy is a Music Industries major with minors in Business and Music Recording. She participated in the CAMD Goes Global Photo Challenge and submitted this photo from her travels in Iceland while studying abroad last fall. Here’s what she had to say about her experience:

“This is Gullfoss waterfall in Iceland. I had the opportunity to visit this waterfall among several other natural wonders during my solo trip to Iceland in my time across seas for NUin England '14.

I've become far more independent and confident. Before this experience abroad I never could have pictured myself being able to organize and carry out such a trip all on my own.

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Lydia Ioannidou is a Graphic Design student at Northeastern University. She participated in the CAMD Goes Global Photo Challenge and submitted this photo from her travels in Havana, Cuba while studying photography through the “Cuba y La Fotografía” Dialogue of Civilizations summer session. Here’s what she had to say about her experience:

"In Cuba you always see people outdoors, it’s as if people live on the streets rather than in their houses. This was one of the things that fascinated me the most, how people stand on their doorstep observing every movement that's happening outside. During the first photo tour in Old Havana, I was walking in one of the many narrow streets and passed in front of the local food market. Its owner was standing on the doorstep, listening to music and staring out towards the street. He seemed to be waiting for someone or for something to happen, like everyone else in Havana he was lost in his own thoughts. I asked him if I could take his picture and he nodded, as I approached him, he smiled at me and I took this shot. This photograph depicts a tranquil moment in the chaotic streets of Old Havana but at the same time gives a glimpse of its history and politics with Fidel Castro’s portrait in the background. During my three week trip to Cuba, I was able to see a very different reality than what I was used to. I realized that I can never be certain about anything and nothing can be taken for granted. Even the smallest necessities which we are used to acquiring very easily, are hard to find or do not exist at all in Cuba. Even though it was challenging at first, I embraced this new environment, and learned to be independent of the many objects or daily routines I was used to prior to my trip.”

[northeasterncamd]

Kristina Hagman is a Studio Art student with a minor in Graphic Design. She recently participated in the CAMD Goes Global Photo Challenge and submitted these photos from her recent travels in Córdoba while studying religion through the “Religion in Spain – From Moorish Rule to Christian Pilgrimage” Dialogue of Civilizations summer session. Here’s what she had to say about her experience:

“A worker cleans tombs in the Mesquita of Córdoba, which is a cathedral built inside of a mosque, an architectural decision that still causes much controversy today.

By studying in Spain and focusing on different religions, I learned that you cannot apply preconceived notions to a person based solely upon their religion. Religions are diverse and unique social groups, that both unify and divide people all over the world. I learned about the world in a new light, and I was able to connect with other Northeastern students and talk about our newfound perspectives.”

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Kelly Kasulis is a Journalism student at Northeastern University. She participated in the CAMD Goes Global Photo Challenge and submitted this photo from her travels in South Korea while studying abroad last spring. Here’s what she had to say about her experience:

“This photo was taken during the national celebration of Buddhas Birthday (May 25) in Gwanhwamun Square, Seoul, South Korea. Millions of people gathered in this area to enjoy a parade and chant/pray in unison, guided by giant monitors that were focused on a makeshift monastery displayed in front of the ancient, royal Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Studying abroad really made me understand what it feels like to be a foreigner and the amount of effort it takes to try to assimilate to a culture and learn the language. It also taught me that every society is a very complex thing made of layers of history, and that people across very different cultures can live different lifestyles but all in the pursuit of the same things -- happy, peaceful lives.”

[northeasterncamd]

Joe Thomas is a Journalism student with a minor in Chinese. He participated in the CAMD Goes Global Photo Challenge and submitted this photo from his travels in Polan while studying abroad through the “Spain: Journalism and Photgraphy” Dialogue of Civilizations summer session. Here’s what he had to say about his experience:

“On one of the first nights we arrived in Madrid everyone on the dialogue came to the Temple of Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple that was dismantled and reconstructed in Spain. It is located in the beautiful Parque del Oeste, which was right next to where I was staying so I was able to pass by this regularly, but in the three weeks we were there, the sunset was never as magnificent as it was on this night we gathered as a group. This photo was my favorite I took on the trip not only because of its aesthetics, but also what it represents to me. It reminds me of all of the amazing cultural sights I was able to experience and learn about firsthand while there. It also reminds me of how fun it was to explore a new country together as a group. The entire group sat for hours in front of the temple just laughing and enjoying each other's company. This was just one of the many moments that bonded us together as a group, but it was an especially beautiful one.

Being on the journalism dialogue specifically threw the entire group into the heart of the culture because of the requirement to write full fledged articles about issues affecting Spain. We had to learn about topics we could write about, then find experts and anecdotal sources that could help support the article. This led to so many interactions with amazing people we would have never gotten into contact with if it wasn't for us being on the dialogue. Throughout my trip, I interacted with local shop owners, immigrant communities, artists, activists, professors, entrepreneurs and many more types of people. We experienced a much more authentic Spain than we would have if we were just there as normal tourists. I had such a vague and uninformed view of Spain before the dialogue, but through all of the conversations with locals and experiencing the country firsthand I now have a much more complete view of the issues affecting Spain and the EU. Having to communicate with people who don't speak the same language was such a rewarding experience. It has given me a lot more confidence when approaching new people for future journalism and photography purposes. All of these experiences have changed how I approach visiting new places but also how I approach learning about places back home. Since I've been back in Boston, I've continued the same sorts of photojournalism projects I started on the dialogue by documenting and appreciating local stories in the Boston area.”

[northeasterncamd]

Joe Brottman is an Art student at Northeastern University. He participated in the CAMD Goes Global Photo Challenge and submitted this photo from his travels in Ireland while studying abroad through the “Ireland: Art, History and Culture in Ireland” Dialogue of Civilizations summer session. Here’s what he had to say about his experience:

“This is an image of a performance piece done by Kim Tran. It was to represent the fertility of the Burren which was the region of Ireland that we were in.

I have traveled a lot yet this trip was the first experience that I have spent so much time in a farm town. It was peaceful and truly an incredible environment to be inspired in. Every time I see more of the world, it makes it more tangible. I think that is the amazing part of these opportunities-it allows us to make the world real and live it first hand instead of seeing pictures on a computer. Ballyvaughan was a place I will never forget and I hope to one day return.”

[northeasterncamd]

Jennifer Heintz is a Graphic & Information Design student with minors in Business and Art History. She recently participated in the CAMD Goes Global Photo Challenge and submitted this image that combines two pictures: the top is from her recent travels in Iceland while studying abroad through the “Iceland: Time Machine” Dialogue of Civilizations summer session and the bottom is from her co-op in New York City. Here’s what she had to say about her experiences:

“Out of all the magnificent landscapes I encountered while studying in Iceland, one that stuck with me was a crystal clear lake located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, where the mountain above it was perfectly reflected in the water. Jump forward a couple weeks and I'm sitting in Brooklyn, staring at the manhattan skyline across the East River, after a day at my first co-op. I imagined the skyline reflected perfectly in the water, just like that mountain.

I was given the unique opportunity to spend a month studying in remote areas of Iceland, and then immediately work in one of the biggest cities in the world. It was one extreme to another. Being in Iceland and New York made me realize how extremely different landscapes and communities can be, but that one is not better than the other.”

[northeasterncamd]

Jazzmin Brooks is a Communication Studies student with a minor in Media Production. She recently participated in the CAMD Goes Global Photo Challenge and submitted this photo from her recent travels in Havana, Cuba while studying photography through the “Cuba y La Fotografía” Dialogue of Civilizations summer session. Here’s what she had to say about her experience:

“While wandering the streets of Havana Vieja (Old Havana), I came across this beautiful old woman. She was sitting on a stoop alone with two cigars next to her. I asked, “ te puedo tomar una foto por favor”  and she proceeded to put the cigar in her mouth, nod her head and gaze into the camera. From the time I took this photo I knew it was one of my favorites, it was going to be included in my final portfolio and was one of the most powerful of all my pictures I took during my time in Cuba. Her facial expression is commanding, it captivates and draws the viewer into the photo. The wrinkles as well as the look on her face speak to all the things I can’t possibly imagine she has seen over her many years. While I do not know this woman personally, I felt close to her through taking her picture and aptly named her Mi Abuela Cubana (my Cuban grandmother).

Studying abroad in Cuba opened my eyes to things about my country as well as myself. For the first time in all of my travels (Paris, Tokyo and London), I felt truly uncomfortable, and out of my comfort zone. This trip challenged me to take a step back and enjoy the beauty in a slower pace of life. It also allowed me to be truly grateful for the possessions and privileges I have. Every day I walked the streets of Havana and saw people with nothing have a smile on their face, while I was distraught about the lack of a wireless internet connection. Moments like those put things in perspective because people with so little still kept a smile on their face as if they had so much. Moments like that made me slow down, and be grateful and appreciative. I came back to America humbled by my experience as well as more conscious of the world around me. As people in an industrialized, affluent country we tend to take the important things for granted until we do not have them.  When I did not have my wireless internet, my mother, my car and a plethora of other things I’d say I need on a day to day basis, I feel as though I got back to myself and the things that really mattered. Being without in Cuba brought me to value the things and the family and friends I have around me. More importantly it allowed me to take in a rich, beautiful and colorful culture through my eyes and lens in a profound, artistic way.”

[northeasterncamd]

CAMD This Week: Winning photos, peer mentoring, an inconvenient commute, and more.

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Jason Moosikkamol is a Communication Studies student with a minor in Business. He recently participated in the CAMD Goes Global Photo Challenge and submitted this photo from his recent travels in Spain while studying abroad in the spring. Here’s what he had to say about his experience:

“Montserrat is a monastery surrounded by uniquely shaped mountains off the outskirts of Barcelona. We were given 3 hours to explore around, and saw a rough storm approaching the mountain. We ran back to the bus as fast as we could and this was the last photo I snapped before the storm arrived.

Studying abroad allowed me to let go of being comfortable and having a safety net. Spanish is second to Catalan in Barcelona, so there were language barriers beyond my control. However, people always find ways to communicate and that was very interesting to observe in my time abroad.”

[northeasterncamd]

Jameson Johnson is a Political Communications student with a minor in Art History. He recently participated in the CAMD Goes Global Photo Challenge and submitted this photo from his recent travels in Poland while studying abroad through the “Germany and Poland: Holocaust and Genocide Studies” Dialogue of Civilizations summer session. Here’s what he had to say about his experience:

"It was a sweltering day in Warsaw. We had just visited the only surviving Jewish Cemetery in Poland. It was a heavy experience, knowing that many of the people in that cemetery were killed by Nazis. I stepped aside from the group to purchase this popsicle from a local market. Just moments after this photo was captured by my disposable camera, the popsicle fell to the ground. The Holocaust cannot truly be learned from a textbook or a documentary. I will never be able to explain the terror and trauma that millions of people suffered, simply because of one man's idealistic views. On this trip, I learned the value of human life, and the importance of humanity."

[northeasterncamd]

Jackie Birnbaum is a Behavioral Neuroscience student at Northeastern University. She recently participated in the CAMD Goes Global Photo Challenge and submitted this photo from her recent travels in Germany while studying abroad through the “Germany and Poland: Holocaust and Genocide Studies” Dialogue of Civilizations summer session. Here’s what she had to say about her experience:

"This photo was taken on one of the two days that weren't program related. It was such a beautiful day: we visited a castle then biked through the German countryside to this alpine lake. It was my favorite day of the trip. This was my first time outside of the United States so I really didn't know what to expect. I got to learn and be immersed in the German and Polish cultures. It was extremely interesting to see just how different two countries are even when they border each other. It was an experience that opened my eyes to a lot of new things."

[northeasterncamd]

This week at CAMD: Trans voices, new faculty, alumni profiles, justice through gaming, and more.