Bohemian Revival

Bohemianism (derivative of Bohemian): n. Having or possessing informal and unconventional social habits. This idealistic practice has been repeated throughout history, originating with the gypsies of Bohemia (or the Romani people) and the artists of 19th century France, to the renaissance that occurred in the 1960s and is occurring right now. Bohemianism has been an idiosyncratic lifestyle, achieved by artists, writers, musicians, and actors, contrasting from the bourgeoisie, and in similarity with avant-gardism and modernism in culture and artistic expression. The bohemian lifestyle or "boho" is reappearing in today's culture in many different forms such as fashion, art, and music, as it always has been influencing. In the fashion image above, the clothing is heavily altered to demonstrate the nonchalant and blasé characteristics of the gypsies of Bohemia: peasant tops, neutral colors, and fringe. I too have embraced a little bit of bohemian appeal with my naturally curly locks. Music has also been changing to the experimental and effortless sounds of "boho": Radiohead, Regina Spektor, Human Highway, and Gentleman Reg are perfect examples of bohemian revival. Experimental art has been always been one of the primary subjects of bohemianism. The artwork featured is by an artist named Katherine Treffinger. Check out more of her art at www.katherinetreffinger.com

Carpe Diem, 

Indy

Music Review #1: The Filthy Youth

In a new frontier of music, there is always one specific artist or group of artists that can bring a new and discovered sound, yet still have a nostalgic appeal. And for my first music review on Spectrum, I would like to point the focus on The Filthy Youth. With a major influence from the 1980's punk era, and the current indie resonance of 2009, the group can effortlessly alter one's perception of alternative music. Think of the group as a hybrid of Bloc Party and The Ramones. One can identify Youth's frontman as Ed Westwick, the thespian behind Gossip Girl's character, Chuck Bass. The Filthy Youth's single "Le Soleil" is featured on Spectrum's music player.

Carpe Diem,

Indira

Make Art Not War

Art: a form of self expression, the usage of combining materials and making a piece of visual communication and statement. I have newly realized that I should start paying more attention to different styles of artwork and perhaps even travel to Boston, Manhattan, or maybe little Northampton to check out any galleries (any takers to join me?) The piece to the right is by an upcoming artist named Kevin Fey was featured show called Duck Duck Goose with artists Jordan Broadworth and Rich Watts. 

Check out more about Kevin Fey at http://kevinfey.com/index.php/kevinfey/

Carpe Diem,

Indy

New Year, New Blog

2008: A year to remember has slipped away from us once again like all of the memorable years from before. But don't be sad: a new one has come and it's time to reflect and resolve. 

But first, let me tell you a little about my self. My name is Indira but everyone calls me Indy. I'm a sophomore in high school and 15 years old and my dream is to be a journalist. So a blog is good practice, right? I mean, I just can't use my vocal projection as a form of self expression. That's what Spectrum is all about; topics will range from recent events to nostalgic occurrences, fashion to music, event updates to just, well, about anything I feel that needs to be brought to attention.

So what are my resolutions, you ask? Well for one thing to definitely get in shape. I may have the physique of a girl from the carribean, but I know when it's a little to the maximum. That's why I'm motivated to eat much healthier [no more of my favorite: CROISSANTS AND STARBUCKS. Well, maybe I'll just cut down and not eliminate entirely ;)], devote more time to going to the gym, and just have a positive outlook on life. Resolution #2: Keep up with this blog. Yeah, sorry people, this isn't my first time around the blog-writing-block. Resolution #3: Start my fantastic adventure into the college admission process. And last, but certainly not the least (way too cliché), have a rockin' trip to Europe! And please, don't be discouraged, I will absolutely devote a nice long blog to that event.

Carpe Diem, 

Indy