herstory is a weapon

The Veldt

1/28/2023

Author

xiouping
is a new genres California based artist who resides in the Sequoias and in Venice beach

The Veldt, a band known for their ethereal and futuristic sound, has not released an album in 24 years. Despite this, their music continues to resonate with listeners, piercing their souls with its dynamic vibrations. As a timeless and ageless force in soulgaze and Afro futurism. The Veldt has maintained their relevance and influence over the years.

With each note they play, The Veldt manages to stir up emotions and reignite a love for rock music in their listeners. Their music acts as a catalyst, bringing a fresh energy and passion to the genre.

As a director and artist, my goal in creating "Sweeter" was to challenge and engage viewers by exploring complex and intellectually stimulating ideas through the medium of film. One of the central concepts I sought to explore was the idea of double consciousness, as first articulated by W.E.B. Du Bois in his classic work "The Souls of Black Folk." In the video, I used the visual metaphor of twins to represent the duality of this concept, in which the individual is constantly torn between two different identities and ways of being in the world.

In addition to this, I also sought to capture the idea of transformation and metamorphosis through the use of visual effects that show flowers growing backwards and returning to the earth, undergoing a reverse metamorphosis. This transformation can be seen as a metaphor for the human experience, as we are born, grow old, and eventually return to the womb of the earth, in a constant cycle of rebirth and renewal. The blurred and unclear nature of this transformation is meant to reflect the complexity and multifaceted nature of these ideas.

Another important concept I wanted to explore in "Sweeter" was the idea of "selfie consciousness" as discussed in Malik Gaines' essay "Quadruple Consciousness of Nina Simone." Gaines argues that in an age of social media and the proliferation of the "selfie," we are increasingly debauched and addicted to the self, creating a culture that is both self-indulgent and self-obsessed. Through the use of twins and other visual elements, I hoped to capture the complexity and multifaceted nature of this concept, and to encourage viewers to think more deeply about the ways in which we all navigate our own identities and relationships to the world around us.

I am beyond excited to share "Sweeter" with you on January 30th, 2023, and I hope that it will inspire you to consider these complex stimulating ideas in your own life and work. The themes of double consciousness, transformation, and "selfie consciousness" are explored through thought-provoking imagery, and I believe that the result is a video that will leave a lasting impression on all who watch it. Mark your calendars for January 31st, 2023 and indulge in "Sweeter."

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frightened by the sound

1/9/2023

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Its cray. The atmosphere has been heavy with rain lately in Kern County, and all of California. I am living on the banks of a river, it's hard not to feel a sense of nervousness and concern. But even in the face of uncertainty, we must hold on to hope and do what we can to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

I find myself calling upon the ancestors, asking for their guidance and strength in navigating these trying times. I thank the great creator for all that is, and pray for the safety and well-being of the plants and animals that call this place home.
But as humans, it's important that we not only take care of ourselves, but also pay attention to the signs and warnings that the universe provides. It's up to us to listen and act, not just for our own sake, but for the future generations that will inherit this earth.

-xiouping

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January 2023

1/9/2023

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Happy New Year 2023!!!!
it was a full cancer moon this last weekend and the cleansing rain was healing.

As someone who spends a significant amount of time on the internet, I can understand the appeal of taking a break from social media. It can be overwhelming to constantly be connected and exposed to the endless stream of information and opinions that these platforms offer. That's why I've decided to embark on a digital detox, with the goal of improving my mental health and well-being.
For the past nine days, I've abstained from using TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. I've removed these apps from my phone, and I plan to reload them at the end of each month to see how my experience has changed.
One of the main reasons I decided to do this was to break my cycle of constantly checking these platforms for updates and notifications. I found that I was getting sucked into the "fear of missing out" (FOMO) mentality, constantly feeling like I needed to be aware of what was happening on social media in order to feel connected and informed.
But as I've spent more time offline, I've realized that there is so much more to life than what I see on my phone. I've been able to focus more on my own interests and passions, and have even started posting more on my own website and blog.
In the coming weeks and months, I hope to document my experiences with this digital detox and share my findings with others who may be considering a similar break. I'll be posting updates on my art happenings and other personal projects, and I hope to provide a space for others to share their own experiences as well.
Overall, this digital detox has been a challenging but rewarding experience. It's allowed me to take a step back and reevaluate my relationship with technology, and I'm excited to see how it continues to shape my life in the future.

heres to a better future-xiou

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