Kimberly Drew’s story relates to the theme of photography discussed by Susan Sontag. Susan Sontag quotes in her article; “to photograph is to appropriate the thing photographed”. As described in her book, Kimberly Drew’s passion to discover and showcase brilliant black artists began with a black-and-white photograph of the artist Andy Warhol and Jean-Michael Basquait. Susan Sontag further expands on this quote by mentioning how a photograph brings you into the moment of the photograph. Kimberly Drew was able to discover her passion for exploring Black artists through the photograph, by being curious about the man wearing boxing gear, living in that moment, and wanting to know more about that man which led her to discover his works of art and her own passion.
Kimberly Drew is an advocate of the BlackLivesMatter movement. Her passion for the lives of her fellow men and women can be seen in her book. Kimberly Drew's activism wasn't something she knew right away, but something that was built up from past experiences and research. She experienced and saw the discrimination and injustices spoken about and decided to speak up. Racism is and has been a long-standing issue in America (Mineo, 2015). Kimberly Drew's activism is rooted in her own experience and in the history of the black community.
A moment in the book that I found important, is the moment when she saw a photograph of Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat (p.18). Kimberly Drew describes this moment as a simple moment that happened on break. What I find amazing about this moment is its mediocrity, where a simple look at a photo while on break and the curiosity to find out more about the photo impacted her life in such a way that changed the course of her life. That simple moment instilled in her a passion to find new black artists and gave her a new ambition. It is because of that moment, where she looks and discovers Jean- Michel Basquiat, is where I believe to be such a pivotal moment in the book and in her life.
A quote that stuck out to me in the book was by Carter G. Woodson, founder of Negro History Week (p.21). The quote Drew mentions is “If a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated.” This quote, as I interpret it, tells us that if history and tradition are not remembered or practiced they will be forgotten. The quote is impactful to me because as a Filipino I value my own culture and traditions, and in a similar way to how Kimberly Drew felt, I do not wish to see them disappear.
As of now, I am currently taking psychology as my major. Due to the nature of my course, an open mind and understanding are critical. Empathy and compassion are one of the desired traits when pursuing the course. Empathy is often referred to as putting oneself in another’s shoes but is truly reflecting on your own similar experiences to understand and comfort the other person. Empathizing with another and connecting with people is part of what makes us human as humans by nature are social creatures. As I am now, I believe that I am in a similar situation as Kimberly Drew, where there are still things that I have yet to discover that will truly make an impact on my life. As I continue to grow into the field, learning and hearing stories about other people’s experiences, only then will I discover for myself the things that I am truly passionate about.
Activism as I understood it, is bringing awareness to certain political and social issues to change or eliminate these issues. Activism can be a meaningful part of my journey as it helps bring a voice to people. Kimberly Drew states that activism is an action done by many that impacts all individuals on a much bigger scale than perceived “small actions foster change”. Activism is meaningful in my life because it not only affects my professional journey but my entire way of life. I understand activism as performing actions because you care so much.
Drew, K. (2020). What I know about art. Penguin Workshop. ISBN: 978-0-593-09518-8.
Mineo, L. (2015). Background on Black Lives Matter.
Sontag, S. (n.d.). On Photography. Retrieved from: http://www.susansontag.com/SusanSontag/books/onPhotographyExerpt.shtml
Sontag, S. (n.d.). On Photography. Retrieved from: http://www.susansontag.com/SusanSontag/books/onPhotographyExerpt.shtml
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