Discuss:  For your first post, Step One: Watch the Excerpts for John video, linked here (Links to an external site.). If you have any troubles opening this link, you can also find it on You Tube by typing the following in the search feature – Excerpts for John: Vincent Valdez.

Note:  The content of the video contains powerful imagery related to recent wars and contemporary soldiers. While the video is not violent, loss and grief are part of the content.  When you begin this video, I would not recommend having it open around young children.  If you believe that this content is not for you, please contact me directly by email ([email protected]) for another option.

Step Two: After watching the video and making your notes

1. Write one paragraph about the CONTEXT of the work.  Include a brief description of Valdez’s background, his relationship to the military, and how the person featured in his main artwork is related to Valdez. Describe the purpose and function of the artwork of Vincent Valdez that is featured in the video.  Who does it serve, why is he making it, who is the primary subject of the work? 
2. In a second paragraph describe in detail the main artwork featured in the video. In your description, include the MEDIA, general STYLE, SUBJECT, three VISUAL ELEMENTS, and the dominant PRINCIPLE OF DESIGN. Remember, this post is due by no later than 11:45 PM on Monday.

For your second post summarize your thoughts and opinions about Valdez’s Excerpts for John exhibition and his work in general. What is the purpose or function of this body of work?  What message or meaning did you get out of the video.  How does the work relate to your life? What do you think the video say about the world we live in today?