Page 22 - RACE HEALER Mag Volume 1
P. 22
Transfixed on the Light
By: William Williams and Jasmine
Thompson
This project, entitled “Transfixed on the not confined by the past) so that we might spirit of growth that is necessary to move
Light” is a multimedia project which build more genuine bonds with each oth- forward.
consists of an oil painting and an accom- er. That’s when we realized this piece was
panying video. The painting portrays my meant to be something greater. Our hope is that this project will spark
friend and fellow classmate, Jasmine meaningful conversations aimed at ac-
Thompson. When I first approached her “Transfixed on the Light” is not only a knowledging the dark history of our state.
about being the model for this massive 5 portrait of Jasmine, but a portrait of our The words we recite in the video are also
ft. by 5 ft. painting, state that shows both where we’ve been meant to be breathed into life by others.
and where we’re going. Our state has a
I wanted to use this opportunity to not history of tonal variances. We’ve experi- By personally reciting the very honest
only share my voice, but for it to be a plat- enced many highs and many lows, but in words of this video, you are acknowledg-
form she could share hers. I wanted this order to move forward, we must embrace ing the painful truths of our past while
project to not only be my story, but our the differences and seek to find the com- promising to do your part to improve our
story. We soon began talking and simply monalities that unite us. future.
sharing. We shared stories from through-
out our lives - each from completely dif- In the painting, Jasmine is turned away In order for change to occur, we must
ferent perspectives. from the darkness of the history that have hope. I encourage you all to use the
haunts her, and her eyes are transfixed on link below to watch the video and share it
Soon I realized, although our experiences the light that unites us all. The sun has within your community using the #Trans-
were unique, our ideas were largely the set on yesterday. The darkest days of our fixed on the Light.
same. We both wanted to bridge a gener- state are no longer. She is clothed in the
ational divide and pave the way for future color of our state flag, and the color of our I truly believe this small act has the po-
generations to work towards changing the state flower, Yellow Jasmine, surrounds tential to ignite a spark of hopefulness
social climate of our state (to one that’s her - representing the renewed hope and that can breathe new life into our state.
Get to know the
creators
Will Williams is a student at the College of Charleston and an alumni from the
Academy of the Arts, Science, and Technology where he studied Advanced Art. In
his work, he strives to convey concepts that he believes are essential for learning.
His artwork is rooted in the landscape he’s been surrounded by living on the coast
“These scenic landscapes have stirred me to create artwork that juxtapose the
of South Carolina.
beauty and charm of the South with the often harsh reality of what occurred on the
very land,” he said.
Jasmine Thompson is a senior at the Academy of the Arts, Science, and Technology
where she studies Entertainment Technology. She plans to attend film school and
pursue a career in the television industry.
“The message of the piece is very important to me because we see so much division
happening in this generation, and I believe that everyone has to find a way to come
together and be unified,” she said.
