The Creators Project: Dutch art director and curator Erik Kessels told a classroom of second-year photography students from Écal to embarrass themselves as creative practice. The workshop then exhibited these projects as a group show titled The Embarrassment as part of the Unseen Photo Fair in Amsterdam.
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I think as grown ups we think that our fear of embarrassment is innate. But it is not. We put that on ourselves, and we create the pressure that society put on us to be perfect. I was talking to one of my family friends the other day. He is in his 50's, and has a son my age. We were talking about the concept of acceptance and that my generation just does not care about people being different. He said that there wasn't the same stigma against weirdness, or embarrassment that there was 30 years ago. Embarrassing stories, and quirks make us who we are, and I think that in art it is important that we emulate the way society is changing. I hope to raise my kids one day in a world where weirdness is not only accepted but encouraged, and where embarrassment is just another thing that adds to who you are as a person.
I agree with Sarah, embarrassment is something that we all bring on ourselves. We know that it is mostly in our heads and that we have the power to get over our fears, yet they still haunt us. I think that the assignment put on these students was one that we should all learn from. Embarrassment can hold us back but i think it can also show us how strong we can be. Like the students who did this project, we can all learn something from facing what we think of as embarrassing. Especially in a profession that involves so much emotional commitment and openness, to face our fears is to not be held back by what scares us. It is also really interesting to see what other people are embarrassed by. From the article it is interesting to know just how simple or how complex embarrassment can be.
I find this photo series very interesting, and I think a lot of that has to do with the open ended prompt. Some are photos from the person’s past that represent something, others are crafted compositions meant to show something symbolic. Some have a more obvious meaning, like the girl who edited the photo so her nose would take up her entire face, but others, like the man wearing eye make-up, I wouldn’t have any idea what it was about without reading the description. I also think it is interesting what aspects of embarrassment people latched on to. The photo about bulimia latched on to the element of vulnerability and, depending on how she sees it, shame. On the other hand, the series of photos in the bathtub shows more the ideas of embarrassment as people seeing you not put together/ presenting yourself how you want to be perceived. When it comes to the burned wedding photograph, I see how it is an incredibly meaningful photo, but past the vulnerability of the story, I don’t see the element of embarrassment, though that doesn’t mean it isn’t there. The first photo is the article makes me wish I show itself, as the layout of the gallery looks very interesting.
Embarrassment is unique in that it can be the quickest unifier or the fastest divider between two people. I love the idea for this exhibit because it puts those moments out in the open for everyone to see, but at the same time shows that we aren't defined by our embarrassments because they are something we all have in common. An exhibit like this can make us feel more in tune with other people because it shows us their vulnerability in a judgement-free setting. We all have things in our lives that embarrass us, and by putting them on display we can both conquer our fear of judgement and show the world that those things don't make us who we are. The choice of photography as a medium is an interesting one as well, because it gives the pieces the sense of realism necessary to connect their experiences with the rest of us. I don't think the exhibit would have been as powerful if it was a series of paintings or pencil sketches of embarrassing moments, because it would have taken away from the ties to realism and common humanity.
The best art in my opinion is vulnerable art. It is difficult to shed the outer veil we all put on every day that covers up our greatest embarassments and inner hardships. but when any artist does, be it a painter, actor, or in this case a photographer, them allowing themselves to be seen underneath the skin, also invites the observer to do the same. The most moving pieces of art, or performance I've ever seen and will never forget, are those that tell a real, visceral story. Those who give themselves fully to the art are rewarded in knowing that their audience is moved and touched by their story.
It is strange how,at least, my earliest memories aren't sweet Christmas by the fire, or playing with my siblings, but instead the most embarassing moments of my childhood. A moment where were are embarassed can stick with us forever. And I personally have never told anybody about these memories, despite how petty they seem now, just by the sick feeling they evoke, that brings the shame of when they happened rushing back. So, to me this is a difficult exhibition that the artists had a lot of guts to put on and I applaud them for that.
I really identify when with the idea that if you’re not willing to humiliate yourself... you should consider working in a cubicle farm. That's a really good metaphor for your life, because if you're not willing to put it all on the table, then you shouldn't be in a creative field. We are required to take chances and push ourselves creatively and sometimes our best efforts have us falling flat on our face. We need to be ready for that scenario and be able to pick ourselves up by our bootstraps and continue working. In a way, if we face our deepest fears or embarrassing moments head on, we open ourselves up to discussions about those subjects. We all have things that we guard. In a way, it doesn't matter what exactly we share, but rather that we share them. The realism of the pieces are striking and give the subjects a lot of life, even more than simply talking about them.
Photography series are extremely difficult to make compelling. For me, looking at photography in museums can often be difficult and boring because they're so stagnant. However, the series presented in this article is absolutely phenomenal. The one photo regarding "Gilles" really stuck on me because I think pedophilia is an interesting topic, however taboo it is. I read "Lolita" this year and for those who don't know the plot of the story, it's essentially about a pedophile who in in jail, writing a story about his life and a little girl he looked after who he dubbed as Lolita. The book was regarded as a piece of literature that provided insight for the psychology community on pedophilia and perhaps why it happens. I'm not arguing that it is by any stretch of the mind a moral act to commit pedophilia, but I do play with the idea that maybe, what if pedophilia was a sexual orientation? It's not enough and it's not right to cast away this part of society and ignore it by shoving it into the dark because it is present and it needs to be discussed. I feel this is what makes a photo series really successful-- it sparks more conversation about the poignant topic at hand.
I'm someone who isn't embarrassed by much, but when I am it's a deep, stomach-wrenching, face completely red type of embarrassment. The most vivid memories I have are those moments that I hope no one ever finds out about. Thinking about opening myself up to audience and revealing the parts of my past that are I've buried is horrifying.
And a little bit thrilling because I know that when you are willing to be that vulnerable with your audience is when something really beautiful and fascinating can be created. This exhibit must have been very difficult for the artists to create, but just imagine how compelling it must have been for the viewers.
Good collection I think. And maybe I just can’t think much of the time when I embarrassed myself apart from something like….tipping over and fell, or maybe just lost my balance for 2 seconds. I think it’s just the fact that most people concerns all the time of how others look at them and this is simple and it happens everywhere. Growing up in my culture, like one of the pictures in the article, experiences so many transgender people which people in even my own generation, like the artist himself, thought those people are a joke but also considered as social embarrassment and they look down on the person and his/her family for raising children in the wrong way thus they became gay. Which is totally wrong, very very terribly wrong, but social judge it that way. I think and I hope deeply that it will change. Seriously, everyone has their own thing, and I think this collection is smart to try to send signals to the world to the people out there who’s hiding their fear and embarrassment to get up, accept, and move on, also to the social to accept and move on and let others live a happy life without judging.
Overall I liked this article and the art they displayed. although there were some that were very deep and emotional, some where just missing the point of the assignment i think. Some I felt were just facts that these people wouldn't share in their everyday lives. If these are the things people are embarrassed about then I think they have very boring lives. For example there was an artist that posted a picture of himself with a transgender woman from tialand. Why is he embarrassed that he grew up next to them? Did he do something embarrassing with them? does he just think its embarrassing to know a transgender individual. I've met a few myself but I don't think its embarrassing because its really none of my business and their life is their life, I should have no say because it doesn't affect me. So again why is that story/photo embarrassing? on the other hand pictures like the one about making herself throw up etc was something very personal and was something personal to her. Being embarrassed about something means that it is a fact about yourself or an action you have done that you don't want any one else to know about. if a piece in this collection follows these parameters then I think they made a successful piece.
I definitely agree with the idea of how important it is to not be afraid to be embarrassed in the world of art. In high school, my photography class had an awkward photo project, where we had to pose for and take “awkward” photos using props like mannequin legs and big prop costume pieces. On a similar note, for my senior year art class self- portrait, I drew myself doing different things that I never do in front of other people (picking my nose, singing, popping a zit, etc). I think it’s releasing to do art in a way that doesn’t pressure you to make something beautiful or everyday; it’s always a cathartic experience to show a part of yourself through art you wouldn’t normally show. However, I would say that my examples were more surface-level embarrassing than anything deeply stirring or emotional. The examples of the photos in this article, while beautiful and meaningful, I would say are more revealed secrets than revealed embarrassing moments. I think in the art world, and particularly in the theater world, it’s important to not be afraid of making mistakes or appearing silly; that’s no way to live your life, and that’s definitely no way to be approaching art.
As a designer, I think I can often be cast off as someone who chose to live a life behind rather than beyond the grand drape out of fear. However, through my experiences in theatre I have found that the necessity of embarrassment and risk and terror extends far beyond the stage. Each day designers tempt failure, vulnerability, and misinterpretation just as much as any other member of the company. And if a designer does avoid these things, they fail by default because they render themselves incapable of originality and ingenuity, just as all artists do. The only real way to fail at art is to avoid failure. By calling to attention the raw, guttural truth of embarrassment, this photo series reminds all artists of how important it is not only to risk, but also to support each other as we do so. More so, in putting under a magnifying class the things which terrify them about themselves, these students make light of an often under-appreciated part of the artistic process. Their bravery gives me hope as a designer that perhaps the courage of all artists can one day be truly appreciated.
I think it is really important for people to accept themselves, including the parts which are more embarrassing. I really enjoyed this collection, and seeing what people had to say about their vulnerabilities. Art in particular often focuses on vulnerability, and may even require a bit of embarrassment. The truth is that no one is perfect, and if we take art as a representation of life, then artists are going to have to play with the ideas of embarrassment at some point. There’s no worse feeling that that of embarrassment in my opinion, and a lot of people get embarrassed about things no one else notices. But they shouldn’t be ashamed of things that are a central part of who they are. By using art to portray embarrassment and self-acceptance, I hope the audience (is it called an audience for visual art?) can learn to be more positive about themselves.
I honestly struggle with the fear of failure all the time. I think everyone in our industry and outside of it struggle with this fear to some extent. I think we fear it so much in the entertainment industry because there is not a margin for error. One huge failure and your career will never be the same again. The opportunities could dry up. The show could be a flop. The critics could ridicule your work. I think that we also fear failure because although our work is not us we put a lot of ourselves in our work. I think the financial climate for the arts prevents us from embracing failure. One huge risk could put a theatre company out of business. At the same time some of the best art is made when people take huge risks. I think that programs like the one we find ourselves in give us the chance to take risks and make big decisions without the consequences of the real world. I think we should take advantage of that freedom while we still can.
This article brings about a very interesting project, showcasing what embarrasses you. No one wants to make a fool out of themselves and seem stupid in front of others. The fear of humiliation is prominent to some degree in almost everyone, especially artists. The project this class did takes that fear and shows it off to the world. The fear of humiliation really only lives when you are around others, as you can embarrass yourself when your alone but it doesn't hold for long. Studies have shown that the fear of public speaking surpasses the fear of death, steaming from the fact that people hate to be embarrassed in front of others. This idea of putting not just an idea or your greatest fear into art, but putting something that really embarrasses you into art is incredible. It takes a bravery to do, and that fact it was a class that created this exhibit the community they must have build between themselves while creating the piece must have been incredible. As a viewer of some of their images, it is almost hard to look at, something that should be kept secret, but it brings about such a strong message; to accept what embarrasses you.
I think this project is a very interesting look into the word "embarrassment." Embarrassing moments and stories are generally not as deep and revealing as many of these pieces were. This exhibition took the word to another level. I think, in a way, so much of art is reliant on embarrassment. Really good art - whether it's theatre, poetry, visual art, etc. - shows something about the artist behind it. Art exposes the things that no one talks about or the things that are hidden away. This project forced those things into light and demanded that attention be given to them.
I really love this idea for an art exhibit. It is great to examine embarrassment in a public way; it allows us to think of our own embarrassments as well as for the artists to accept their own. Also, seeing other people comfortable, or at least acknowledging, their own imperfections and pasts can reciprocate the effect. This concept reminds me of something my calculus teacher would always say to us -- “Fail Better”. He always made the point that it is through our failures and embarrassments that we learn about ourselves, our craft, and others. I think that it is great that both this art exhibit and my calculus teacher tries to teach us to be unafraid of embarrassment and failure.
The kind of vulnerability inherently linked to embarrassment makes these pieces particularly appealing on a human level. They are intensely relatable, and it is from that aspect that I think they draw their strength. Though I could not exactly understand all of the stories put forward with the photographs in the article, there were elements of all of them that I understood simply as a human moving through life. Sometimes modern artwork, especially some photographic artworks, is uniquely alienating. For example, the Carnegie Museum of Art is showcasing several series of photographic works of wartime, or war torn countries. Having very little understanding or experience with such concepts, it was hard for me to grasp and metabolize the struggle the artist was trying to capture. Yet, with the concept of embarrassment, I am very familiar. Though some artworks are meant to alienate the viewer, and evoke an inability to relate, I love being able to find myself in the work of others, especially in celebrations of the human condition.
I think that my ideas of embarrassment and failure have vastly changed since I was a freshman in college. At one point in my college career, failure was the letter "C". At another point, embarrassment was having my entire idea of friendship ripped from underneath my feet while having my personal information exploited. Both of those life events inspired art, risk, self-awareness and ultimately, self-love. I agree with Sharon that the financial climate around the arts doesn't allow for us to embrace failure, because it's often the case that failure can't be afforded. However, I do find that the idea of risk is still very strongly promoted, so I don't know why failure is perceived as such a bad thing. I really love the concept of showing people the things you're embarrassed about, because it allows your audiences -which may have people who are embarrassed about the same things you're embarrassed about- to realize that everyone, whether you make art for a living or not, has insecurities, and that's okay.
The idea of capturing students most embarrassing moments on film is actually amazing in so many ways that you legitimately have no idea how amazing it actually is. I am obsessed with embarrassing photos of people for so many reasons that it is actually stupid, but whatever. First and for most, embarrassing photos are just so funny to look at you. They do not only give you a laugh but they also make you feel good inside. There is just something about seeing something that someone does not want you to see that makes it so enjoyable for the viewer. Equally as great as looking the photo is watching the person who is being embarrassed reaction to learning about the photo. And then it continues because they then try to cover it up, and that can be the funniest part of it all. I am a huge fan of all of this if you can’t tell.
Showing your weaknesses can sometimes be hard; admitting that you don’t do something well, or when you’ve made a mistake can be really difficult. For me, I find it especially challenging at the thought of being proven wrong. I will fight to the end to prove my point of view. On the other hand, if I’ve learned one thing, it’s to show weaknesses, not hold it in. That is the point of learning. No one is born with all the knowledge in the world. Most people will appreciate hearing someone accept that they are wrong and learn from a mistake, rather than saying they are right and continuing to make the same mistake again and again. Erik takes it one step further with his students by having them capture their fears and admitting them. As a student at CMU, and especially as a freshman, I see this first hand. We are constantly reminded that we are here to learn, and although we think we know everything (!) there is always room from improvement.
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