Art History and Gender in Literature

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Questions and Answers

What material did Argenis use for his prints when he lacked ink?

  • Cow's blood (correct)
  • Oil paint
  • Watercolor
  • Charcoal

Goya's work is strictly focused on the sociopolitical paradigms of his time without any mythological elements.

False (B)

What did Professor Herman begin the first art history class with?

What had happened in the last ten years, the nineties.

Argenis felt the ______ on his skin of that other morning opening up to him.

<p>sun</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the artists to their contributions or styles:

<p>Marina Abromoviç = Performance Art Jeff Koons = Contemporary Sculpture Takashi Murakami = Superflat Art Damien Hirst = Conceptual Art</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what year was Acilde invited to join the artists’ colony and eco-restoration project?

<p>2001 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Acilde is a male character who undergoes a non-surgical sex change.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the male survivor of the shipwreck in the narrative?

<p>Roque</p> Signup and view all the answers

Acilde works as a maid for __________ Escudero.

<p>Esther</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following characters with their roles:

<p>Acilde = Maid for Esther Escudero Roque = Lone survivor of a shipwreck Iván = Curator/Professor Eric Vitier = Performs non-surgical sex change</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Argenis adopt as his name?

<p>Côte de Fer (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which artistic role is Malagueta described?

<p>Ex-baller, performance artist</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Ananí taught regarding discussing certain subjects?

<p>Never to speak of them with anyone (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Ananí completed her education up to high school.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which region was Nenuco born?

<p>Barahona</p> Signup and view all the answers

The cacique who led a 13-year uprising against the Spanish was __________.

<p>Enriquillo</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

<p>Terra preta = Hyper-fertile, anthropogenic 'dark earth' soils Plaintains = A type of starchy banana Avocados = A green fruit often used in salads Cacique = A chief or leader in indigenous communities</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Nenuco's property consist of?

<p>Three parcels of land including both fertile and red dirt (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Fonso, the policeman, respected Nenuco's ownership of the land.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of plants did Nenuco grow on his land?

<p>Plaintains, cassava, squash, and avocados</p> Signup and view all the answers

Ananí's uncle was married to a descendant of __________.

<p>Enriquillo</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'gardening' symbolize in the context of the text?

<p>Indigenous ecosystem management (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The character Ananí gave a clay potiza in the shape of a heart as a symbol of unity.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Nenuco bring to life around his house?

<p>The garden</p> Signup and view all the answers

The muscle that lifts and lowers the testicles is called the _______.

<p>cremaster</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts with their descriptions:

<p>Biosemiotics = Communication through care of the land Taino sexuality = A sophisticated notion of sexuality Cremaster muscle = Lifts and lowers the testicles Metamorphosis = Transformation and becoming</p> Signup and view all the answers

What political ideology did Said Bona declare himself as once he gained power?

<p>Socialism (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered an icon of transsexual transformation in the novel?

<p>Argenis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Said Bona imprisoned corrupt ex-government officials without any charges.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The narrative thread in Matthew Barney's Cremaster 2 focuses on the process of sexual differentiation in the embryo.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What plants were mentioned as part of the garden that blossomed in the shade?

<p>Almond trees, roses, bromeliads, dwarf palms, and ferns</p> Signup and view all the answers

What colors did Said Bona change his party’s colors to in honor of Legbá?

<p>red and black</p> Signup and view all the answers

The 2024 seaquake caused the dispersal of biological weapons into the __________ sea.

<p>Caribbean</p> Signup and view all the answers

The heart-shaped potiza symbolizes the union of male and female identities into one single _______.

<p>beating orgasm</p> Signup and view all the answers

What political challenge is referenced in the context of 'water protectors'?

<p>Dakota Access Pipeline (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the biological weapons being warehoused in Ocoa?

<p>Environmental crisis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Acilde used a physical method to manipulate the window to the past.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What emotional response did Esther Escudero have during her morning prayers?

<p>She cried</p> Signup and view all the answers

Said Bona was in a tight spot after agreeing to warehouse Venezuelan __________ weapons.

<p>biological</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of disaster did the oceanographers and doctors respond to?

<p>Seaquake (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Acilde's Initial Circumstances

The protagonist, Acilde, is thrust into a dystopian future where he is forced to work as a maid for a wealthy woman named Esther Escudero. He undergoes a non-surgical sex change and initiation ceremony by Eric Vitier, becoming Omo Olokun.

What are Goya's "Los Caprichos"?

Goya's series of engravings, "Los Caprichos," presented a satirical commentary on society through fantastical imagery, blurring the line between reality and mythology, and challenging traditional social and political norms.

The Artists' Colony

Acilde is invited by a wealthy neighbor, Giorgio Menicucci, to join an artists' colony and eco-restoration project at Playa Bo. The colony is led by Linda Goldman and Giorgio Menicucci, and includes other artists like Malagueta, and Elizabeth.

Acilde's Identity Shift

Acilde gradually recognizes himself as a figure called "Giorgio" who was a lone survivor from a shipwreck, who was discovered by the Taíno people on Playa Bo.

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What was different about the School of Design at Altos de Chavón?

The art school Argenis attended, Altos de Chavón, emphasized contemporary art trends like Fluxus, video art, and digital media, which Argenis struggled to connect with due to his traditional artistic background.

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Why did Argenis feel inadequate at Altos de Chavón?

Argenis's traditional artistic skills, rooted in Renaissance techniques like perspective and proportion, were not valued at the School of Design. This disconnect furthered his feelings of inadequacy in the contemporary art world.

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Taíno Erasure and Presence

The Taíno people, descendants of the indigenous Arawak tribe, are presented as powerful despite being erased from history. The story explores themes of Taíno resilience and the significance of their cultural heritage.

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President Balaguer's Role

President Balaguer, a powerful figure in the Dominican Republic, symbolizes the ongoing political and social forces that have marginalized the Taíno people.

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What is 'machismo'?

The term "machismo" refers to a strong sense of masculinity, often associated with dominance and aggression. In the story, Argenis struggles with societal expectations of masculinity, which can make it difficult for him to express his true self.

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How does Argenis's internal world differ from his external reality?

The story contrasts Argenis's internal world of dreams and memories with the linear, coherent narrative he experiences in his daily life. This suggests a separation between the two realms of Argenis's experience.

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Taíno Power

The story uses the power of the Taíno through supernatural elements, like the abilities of Ananí. This suggests that the Taíno presence continues to exert influence despite their supposed erasure from history.

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Afro-Caribbean Connections

The story highlights the connection between the Taíno cultural practices and Afro-Caribbean traditions through the power of Ananí. It suggests a unified Afro-Caribbean identity that endures.

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Saying nothing…and retaining power

The act of intentionally omitting or concealing information to maintain power or control, often seen in historical narratives.

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Looking without seeing

The deliberate act of overlooking or ignoring aspects of reality, especially those challenging dominant perspectives.

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Colonial history books saying nothing

A term used to describe the way colonial history books often minimized or disregarded the experiences of Indigenous peoples.

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Not speaking of things

The practice of refusing to discuss sensitive topics, often due to cultural norms or imposed restrictions.

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Terra preta

A type of soil found in the Amazon basin, characterized by its exceptional fertility and dark color, created by the ancient indigenous population.

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Enriquillo

A legendary Taíno cacique known for leading a 13-year rebellion against Spanish colonists in the early 16th century.

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Descendent of Enriquillo

A reference to a person's origins and ancestry, especially in relation to cultural identity.

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Leaving school in fourth grade

The act of leaving school at a young age, often due to socioeconomic factors or circumstances.

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To learn to read is to learn of your supposed disappearance

A character's immediate reaction to learning to read, realizing the potential for erasure and misrepresentation.

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Socialism

A political system characterized by state control over major industries and social services and a commitment to equality and social welfare.

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Bolivarian Alliance

A group of countries in Latin America that aim to promote political and economic cooperation based on socialist ideals and the legacy of Simón Bolívar.

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Totalitarian

A term used to describe a system of government where power is highly centralized and controlled by a single party or leader, often with suppression of opposition.

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Expropriation

The seizure of assets, particularly businesses and properties, by a government often for the purpose of nationalization or redistribution.

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Voodoo

A religious practice originating in Africa that combines elements of spirituality, rituals, and beliefs in spirits and ancestors.

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Seaquake

A powerful earthquake beneath the ocean, often causing tsunamis and widespread destruction.

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Environmental Crisis

An environmental disaster caused by the release of harmful substances into the ocean, often resulting in widespread ecological damage.

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Memory of Past Lives

The ability to access and remember past events, experiences, or lives.

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Days of Remembering

A period of time dedicated to reflecting on and recovering memories, often significant or impactful.

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Remote Control

A concept that refers to the ability to control or influence events, people, or situations from a distance.

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Gardening in the novel

In the novel, "gardening" represents a form of Indigenous ecosystem management that goes beyond simple agriculture or wilderness, encompassing a deeper connection to the land and its life.

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Taino Sexuality

The Taino people's cosmology includes a view of sexuality where gender is not fixed and can transform. This concept is depicted through a ceramic pot with a heart shape and emerging phallus, representing a union beyond male and female.

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Icon of Transsexual Transformation

A transsexual transformation in the novel is symbolized through a Taino pot with a heart shape and a phallus emerging from it. This symbolizes the possibility of change and fluidity when it comes to gender and embodiment.

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Fertility/Love/Sexuality in the Novel

The novel explores the idea that fertility, love, and sexuality are not determined by fixed categories of sex. This concept aligns with the Taino cosmology of a fluid and interconnected understanding of gender.

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Biosemiotics in the Novel

The novel utilizes the concept of "biosemiotics" which highlights how living beings communicate through their interactions with their environment, suggesting a deeper understanding of the relationship between humans and nature.

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Symbolic union of male and female

The author uses the Taino pot with a heart shape and phallus as a symbol of a union between male and female, suggesting that love and sexuality can transcend traditional categories of gender.

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Taino Pot as a Symbol of Transformation

The Taino pot represents a transformative journey of love and human connection, where gender boundaries can be fluid and the experience of love is fluid and transformative.

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Transformation of the Body

The author uses the novel to explore the idea of a body's ability to transform and shift beyond fixed identities, particularly revolving around gender and sexuality.

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Parallel Between the Novel and Cremaster 2

The author uses Matthew Barney's art piece "Cremaster 2" as a parallel to the novel, where the character Argenis's personality splits, reflecting the internal conflict of self-identity.

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The Cremaster Muscle as a Metaphor

The cremaster muscle, responsible for regulating the testicles, is used as a metaphor for the process of sexual differentiation in the embryo. This connects to the novel's exploration of fluid sexuality and the complexities of identity.

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Study Notes

Timeline Overview

  • 2027: Acilde novel's dystopian opening. Acilde works as a maid for Esther Escudero. Undergoes non-surgical sex change.
  • 2001: Argenis, fired from a call center, joins an artist colony.
  • 1991: Nenuco, and Ananí, Taíno owners of a beach. Acilde recognizes himself in a male envoy. Acilde takes the name "Giorgio".
  • 1606: Buccaneers led by Roque. Survivors of a shipwreck.

The Gardener: Taíno Erasure

  • Gifts accompanied by cards.
  • Ananí, refused the gifts.
  • Believed the president complicit in her father's death.
  • Rejected cards because of pure lies.

(Anti)Colonial Education

  • Ananí learns to read and numbers.
  • History books contained untrue information.
  • Family were descended from Chiefs.
  • Not true stories of men from the water.

Nenuco

  • Born in Barahona.
  • His father had a descendent of Enriquillo.
  • The owner of land at Playa Bo.
  • Property included fertile black earth, and reef.

Taíno Sexuality/Cosmology

  • Garden blossomed.
  • Almond trees, roses, bromeliads, dwarf palms, and ferns.
  • Ananí gave a clay pot in shape of a heart; from whose breasts emerged a penis.
  • Taíno union.

(A Corollary) in Western 1990's Avant-Garde Art

  • Matthew Barney's Cremaster 2.
  • The cremaster muscle lifts and lowers testicles.
  • Process of sexual differentiation.

Modern Taíno Cosmology

  • Great Lord=Playa Bo.
  • Portal to the land.
  • Men of the water come.
  • Sacred creatures (anemones).

Four Ways of Looking at Playa Bo & Conservation

  • Local fishers. (Playa Bo was full of animal life)..
  • Linda & her father(Jewish refugees, from concentration camps).

1610: Argenis/ the Buccaneers

  • Osorio's devastations.
  • Island cleared of people.
  • Several towns became hunting grounds for abandoned cattle.

Once in Power: Said Bona

  • Declared himself a socialist.
  • Signed treaties with Latin American Bolivarian alliance.
  • Imprisoned corrupt bureaucrats.
  • Used false charges against opposition.

Update

  • Esther's discreet and uspecific way.
  • No need to reveal the window.
  • His only power.
  • Wanted to test the reality of the past.
  • Learned about the portal.
  • Shared the name of the animals.

Argenis/ Goya/Cow's Blood

  • Roque asks for Argenis's name.
  • He makes a superhuman effort to focus on Elizabeth.
  • Ananí brings in the coffee pot.
  • Roque is the only survivor of a shipwreck.
  • Elizabeth puts on Morcheeba CD.
  • Cattle skins cured.

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