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JAN. 17, 2011
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JUNE 13, 2011
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THE REPORTER
BORN THIS WAY: ALBUM REVIEW
Going Gaga Over Mother Monster Born This Way, Lady Gaga’s third studio album, is an eclectic, hit-filled powerhouse which takes on very deep subject matter and presents it in a way that’s sure to move your feet. By Zayda Costa zayda.costa001@mymdc.net Lady Gaga’s new album Born This Way proves what the eccentric pop star is capable of. The album is filled with powerful vocals and uplifting beats and features a little of everything from pop to disco, and even some rock and roll. Aside from the most popular singles, “Born This Way” and “Judas,” Mother Monster has a plethora of hits on her new album. Even though the pop star is best known for her trendy dance/pop style of music, her third album showcases the different styles she can transform her music into. Her new songs are most impressive and will catch you by surprise. Lady Gaga’s inner glam rocker is clearly heard on the album when the influences of Elton John and Billy Joel shine through on the songs “You and I”, “The Edge of
Glory,” and “Bad Kids”. Lady Gaga also shows her cultural side and devotion to her fans by singing in both German and Spanish on the songs “Scheibe” and “Americano,” respectively. What is most intriguing about the album is that it’s more than just fun-filled music. Behind all of the techno party beats lie messages of self-acceptance, conquering our fears, and staying true to oneself. Born This Way also takes on issues such as gay marriage, immigration laws, the government and death. Overall, the main theme is about equality for all. The album perfectly showcases Lady Gaga’s ability to take real, personal issues and cleverly turn them into mega hits. The pop star’s third studio album is truly a work of art.
5 out of 5
BORN THIS WAY—Lady Gaga— Interscope Records—Regular Edition: 14 tracks; 61 minutes 12 seconds— Special Edition: 2 discs; 22 tracks; 1 hour 39 minutes 51 seconds
Mother Monster: Lady Gaga’s third studio album Born This Way is sure to keep fans happy with her usual dose of wacky antics, party beats, and subject matter centralized on the theme of equality for all.
COURTESY OF INTERSCOPE RECORDS
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Artsy Rebel Brings Beauty To The Street New World School of the Arts student Miguel Mendoza is hoping to develop a name for himself in the world of street art with his mixed media creations which represent innocence and beauty.
Rebel Rabbits: Street artist Miguel Mendoza utilizes his trademark personified white rabbits, representing innocence and beauty, to aesthetically enhance the forgotten corners of Miami. COURTESY OF MIGUEL MENDOZA
By Jessica Medina jessica.medina008@mymdc.net Miguel Mendoza, 19, a graphic design major at the New World School of the Arts has taken his talents to the streets of Miami. He may not be as politically controversial as famous street artist Banksy, but he is slowly beautifying run-down neighborhoods around Miami, one sunflowerholding rabbit at a time. With thousands of U.S. Priority Mail stickers stacking up in his home studio, Mendoza—tag name Miggs—creates street art stickers for the entire downtown community to view. Making six foot black and white personified rabbits using the stickers and some spray paint, Mendoza plans to not only trademark himself, but to inspire others to pick up a can or two and make their own art for all to view. Mendoza’s detailed rabbits are a raw depiction of innocence and beauty as they stand silently suited, placing blossomed sunflowers on brick walls. Street art has revolutionized the way our generation views art. Much more than simple graf-
fiti, the likes of Banksy, Shepard Fairey, and Gaia—all infamous street artists using mixed media— have all cast their visions upon public property in an attempt to take art back to the people. The sentiment is not entirely appreciated. For some people, it is considered more of an act of vandalism than a work of art. “Honestly, I don’t like people who just spray paint anything on a wall and call it art, or do it to mark
their territory. It ruins the building and actual art,” states Eduardo Cutino, 19, a computer science major at the Kendall Campus. However, with the passing of time, more young adults are seeing this as just another form of self expression, one no different than painting on canvas. “I’ve seen his work. I love street art. What better way to show and express what you feel than to put it on the street. Street art is getting
more and more popular. Everyday I see a new tag or artwork on the street and it makes me happy,” said Robert Bolaños, 20, a film major at MDC’s Kendall Campus. After being trained in various art forms—specifically fine art—in high school, Mendoza felt a change of pace was in order and began to look elsewhere for inspiration. Inspired by Shepard Fairey’s rebellious nature, Mendoza began doing street art when
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putting brush to canvas just wasn’t enough. “I can make a painting, put it in a gallery and 50 people will see it. If I put it on the street it will be seen by 50,000 people,” Mendoza said. Still defining himself as an artist, Mendoza explains that putting something where it doesn’t belong gives him quite a thrill. However, he mainly wishes to inspire others to bring art back to where it belongs—with the people. Mendoza says his love for street art will never cease to exist. He plans to become a full-time graphic designer and use his position to advance his street art. Making a name for himself via his trademark rabbits is just the first order of business for Mendoza. His dream is to put Miami on the map—right next to New York City—for its street art. Mendoza—who hopes to one day be allowed to legally paint a mural at Wolfson Campus—confesses, “I don’t think making street art will ever stop. It’s the rebel inside me.”