Wish On Yourself!

Embarking on a Magical Journey with Disney's Newest Animation

   

    Experience the enchantment of 'Wish,' a captivating animated Disney animation that has just hit the big screen!

    In the city of Rosas, the wizard king, Magnifico, invites all community members to share their biggest life dreams during special public ceremonies. People's aspirations are captured in magical bubbles, drifting freely around the palace, shielded from the outside world. Magnifico then decides which wishes to fulfill and when. 

    Although the citizens live with the impression that their dreams will come true someday, that may not necessarily happen for everyone. In the king's view, he is protecting his folk, as not all wishes are sensible or possible to fulfill. 

    A young girl named Asha believes things should be different. With the assistance of an adorable talking goat named Valentino (voice by the formidable Alan Tudyk), her friends, and some magic from the stars, she embarks on an ambitious plan to change the rules in the kingdom.

    This delightful family movie imparts an important truth: take responsibility for your hopes and ambitions. Those who promise to fulfill them for you often have a hidden agenda and their own game plan. Dreams are a part of you. Do not wait for a government, a social media guru, or a fairy godmother to keep a promise they never intended to fulfill. Use your own initiative, follow your heart, and be in charge of your own aspirations.

06.12.2023

Agnes Prygiel

The Creator - Film Review

Chronicles of Tomorrow: The Prodigy Child's Tale

The Creator - Illustration by Agnes Prygiel

    I hold a profound affection for cinema, where films stir my deep emotions and thoughts. Gareth Edwards's recent masterpiece, 'The Creator,' struck a chord with me due to its visionary storytelling and its connection to my cherished 1986 movie, 'The Golden Child.'

    Set half a century in the future, 'The Creator' unfolds in a world where advanced AI entities closely resemble and emulate human behavior, establishing connections and alliances in diverse societal roles. Blamed for triggering a catastrophic global incident, they face extermination, sparking a rebellion against humanity.

    The narrative explores the subtle boundary between robots and humans, accentuating their diminishing numbers during the war. Tables turn when the advanced humanoid child is constructed, giving hope for AI reproduction and survival. Unaware of its full potential, the state-of-the-art artificial offspring forms a profound emotional bond with Joshua Taylor (portrayed by Josh David Washington), a former soldier who becomes its guardian.

    'The Creator' depicts the evolution of AI, showcasing advanced AI machines and their integration into society. Drawing parallels with algorithms like ChatGPT in our daily lives, it raises questions about the responsible use of AI and its potential impact on humanity.

    While the movie serves as a fictional exploration, it's essential to note that ethical considerations, regulations, and responsible development practices play crucial roles in shaping the future of AI. Keep in mind that humans design and program AI software, giving us the influence to choose its direction.

 

Agnes Prygiel, 06/10/2023

The Old Oak - Film Review

United by a Meal: Ken Loach's Plea for Diversity

 

The Old Oak - Illustration Agnes Prygiel, 2023

 

    Ken Loach's latest film, "The Old Oak," portrays the arrival of Syrian refugees in a small Northern town. TJ, the local pub owner, and Yara, a Syrian photographer, establish a kitchen offering free meals to anyone in need. This initiative serves as a bridge, fostering connections among individuals from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing the movie's motto: "Those who eat together stay together."

    The film touched me on a personal level as in some ways it is not only about the Syrian refugees in particular but also about me - a Polish migrant (now a British citizen) and people from diverse backgrounds living together in the UK without knowing or understanding each other's journey. I would say that those who do anything together usually stay together. Ken Loach pinpoints a bigger, underlying issue - the shortage of social enterprises allowing people from mixed cultural origins to meet and bond. 

    Every individual arriving in the UK carries a part of their heritage within them. Immigration is motivated by varied reasons: economic, political, or personal. It is easy to generalise, pigeonhole, be hostile or just patronising. But at some point you have to form connections and make friends with those around you. Where will you start? How do you explain your culture to someone else? Ken Loach's exploration of these themes is particularly important in today's political climate.

04.10.2023, Agnes Prygiel

Live at the Palace Festival: A Celebration for Ages 5 to 75!

Superstylin' at the Palace: A Groove Armada Night

Groove Armada by Agnes Prygiel, 2023

    

    I don't go out so much these days, I have to admit the unpopular fact. Adulthood can be somewhat uninspiring. I always try to time my not-so-wild-anymore late-night explorations with the TFL's timetable and head back home before the departure of the last tube. I would not leave home without a phone charger, comfortable shoes, and a cashmere jumper in my backpack (just in case it got chilly in the evening). Trying to party while knowing I have to get up early the next morning somehow takes away the sheer spontaneity of the experience.

 

    On 28.05.2023, I ventured out to Live at the Palace festival, featuring Groove Armada. The past and the present come together when you listen to one of your favorite bands live. I used to play Groove Armada's records at university while working on my last-minute art projects during those late nights in the dorm. Revisiting the music of my younger days at a slightly different stage of my life was like an affirmation of growth and change.

 

    It was wonderful to enter the accommodating space of the festival, joining in with the dancing crowd ranging from 5 to 75 years old. It was impressive to see such a diverse and inclusive crowd.

 

    The concert was organized on the premises of Fulham Palace in West London, with a quiet zone and beverage station in the Tudor-era gardens, currently transformed into a community-run project. The garden's entrance gate was so tiny, I had to lean down when walking under it. It made me realize that people in the past were much shorter than we are today!

 

Agnes Prygiel, 31.05.2023, London

Exploring the Artistry of Motorcycle Journeys

Wanderlust on Two Wheels

 

Illustration: Agnes Prygiel, 2023

    It's been nearly a year since my last post. The past 12 months have been dedicated to travel, photography, and my motorcycle. Can motorcycling be somewhat artistic, fitting the original theme of my blog?

    For me, the worlds of motorcycles and art are distinct and distant. On my motorbike, I escape everything, including art and the concept of being an artist. At the peak of my journeys, I disconnect from everything except the challenges of the road. Muscles tight, body exhausted, senses alert, I sharpen my focus and clarify my future goals.

    Considering this, does the element of hardship and battling against the rain, wind, and our own weaknesses not remind us of Matthew Barney's "Drawing Restrain"? In his performative work, he explores hindrance, difficulty, and monotony by attempting to etch lines on a wall while connected to an expanding rubber rope. The rope restricts movement, challenging the artist to overcome it with sheer strength and muscle power.

    A 250-mile ride in adverse weather conditions is incredibly tiring and extreme. Let alone a much longer touring experience, spanning days and geographically varied lands. Your body stiffens and aches from hours in the same position, often soaked despite wearing supposedly fully waterproof £1000 laminated Goretex gear. So why endure this hardship? 

    Adversity is transformative. I change after each tour, feeling more resilient, capable of handling more than expected.

    During expeditions, I encounter the profound beauty and power of nature. Stunning places, hidden waterfalls, phenomenal cliffs, and the breathtaking sea resonate with my sense of serenity and solitude. I'm often amazed by the shapes of rocks, the direction of waves, and patterns on trees. I stop for hours to capture memories as a woman traveler and to photograph the perennial landscapes.

    So, is it art or not? I suppose it is.

Agnes Prygiel, London 30.05.2023