The smell of acrylic paint permeated the air throughout downstairs Wilder this past Saturday evening as students took part in the Art Jam held inside the ’Sco. At any given time, there were between 25 and 35 people in the space. A handful of the group were making their marks on a cloth banner on the floor, while others were making designs on paper plates or scraps of cloth.

Anyone who wanted to could be an artist at the Art Jam: all one needed to do was to pick up a Crayola marker or paintbrush, or just dip a hand in the paint and go to it. Guidelines were posted for all to see, clarifying that at this particular event, “art should attempt to deal with issues of social/political awareness and/or your own personal identity, especially as they relate to race, class, gender, sexuality, religion, body image and/or able-bodiedness.” Guideline four advised, “Remember this is about dialogue and cooperation.” 

The banner was covered in a variety of forms of expression, ranging from cryptic words — “Anarchy Cookie Dough” — to provocative phrases — “My sympathy is with the mouse, but I’m feeding the cat” — and drawings of all kinds — a giant eye, figures and faces, a black city skyline with a crack through the middle against an orange background. On first glance, the final product somewhat resembles the chaotic, painted wall that can be found in the lounge of Harkness, but the Art Jam banner is more focused in its subject matter. 

Some artists at the Jam were evidently more skilled than others, but skill was beside the point; instead, the artists focused on collaboration. For example, I noticed that one artist’s vine and leaves were surrounded by another artist’s maze-like design. And in terms of making a statement about social and political issues, in my opinion, some artists’ contributions seemed more relevant and thoughtful than others’. 

Everyone painted to the sound of ambient music, and on the stage, Baraka Noel, OC ’06, and two other performers participated in a cypher (freestyle battle) with the intentions of turning a form of expression that is usually about verbal abuse into something more positive.  The three guys on stage did not seem to be performing for any audience other than one another, as there were no onlookers. This aspect of the event would have been more appropriate if it did not seem so exclusive. 

The Art Jam seemed to be a thoroughly Oberlin event: collaborative, colorful, politically-zealous artistic endeavors probably happen in the college community somewhat frequently and spontaneously on campus, or at least in Harkness. But the unique — and I feel, positive — thing about the Jam was that it was a well-organized and well-focused project. Judging from the turnout, it was a good community effort on a larger scale.