NALAM, Beth A.

BSN 2 NA

REFLECTION ESSAY: Of the main points on art that John Berger shared, what has
struck you most and why?
The notion that beauty is always an exception and that it’s always in despite of is
what struck me the most in John Berger’s “The White Bird”. He states that we are
individuals living after the Fall of man and that despite being in this world of suffering,
the ‘aesthetic moment’ gives us hope. It reminds me of a certain line which has now
become a spun off meme for some and it says that “if we want the rewards of being
loved, we must submit to the mortifying ordeal of being known”. It implicates that
intimacy can be terrifying, especially for some who are used to being solitary. So, I find
it brave that people still submit themselves to being known by another person in hopes
of being loved despite the harrowing ordeal. I think it is similar to creating and
witnessing art, even after the supposed Genesis chapter and in the era of the Fall, in
hopes of awakening a feeling of warmth, appreciation, or optimism in the hearts of the
viewers. The process of being known by someone is scary but there is beauty in
intimacy and, in the same manner, the existence of art in this period may be pointless
and susceptible to the taints of evil but there is hope in the aesthetic.

SHORT PARAGRAPH: Transforming the Instantaneous into the Permanent

They say that a glorious sunset is the epitome of fleeting beauty. One moment you
are basking in hues of red and orange; next thing you know, nature is kissing you good
night with shades of purple and cerulean blue. Sunsets are akin to moments of our lives
with each one an entirely different version from the last. Being in Surigao means that
beaches are just one breath away from you despite being in the city. I was able to
capture this moment where we went to the beach and witnessed an awe-inspiring
display of colors in the sky. The photograph did not only immortalize the instantaneous
sunset but also the fleeting moment of pure bliss that we felt as we bonded.
YOUTUBE VIDEO SCREENSHOT: