Elena Rivera ’22: Sights and Sounds of the Southwest
Sights and sounds of the Southwest is documentary project that explores landscape of Albuquerque, NM. The project seeks to point out the acute observations that make this land and culture so unique.
About the Project
This project was the beginning of my documentary studies capstone-focusing on capture the place in which I grew up to highlight the stark differences between the southwest and the rest of the American landscape. This project consisted of 35mm film photography and a soundscape. Funding for this project went towards purchasing, printing, and developing the 35mm film, as well as creating a website for the work which will be expanded upon and published during my capstone.
Reflecting on Arts Amidst COVID-19
COVID-19 posed many obstacles for my project as I wanted to respect the community I was engaging with and limit my interactions with humans, yet still tell the story of the people that inhabit the places around me. Through receiving this award, I was able explore the creative limitations placed by the pandemic to engage closely with the objects around me to tell a story. Additionally, the ability to engage in a creative project during the quietness of the pandemic has been priceless. This award has really helped explore my passions and has inspired me to go further with my works as an artist and has given me the confidence to move forward in pursuing the arts in the future.
The Benenson Award in the Arts
The Benenson Awards in the Arts provide funding for fees, travel and other educational expenses for arts-centered projects proposed by undergraduates.