Update on Senior Proposal Ideas

-

Exploring My Heritage: Old Town Jacmel as Inspiration 

(Ideas for Senior Thesis Proposal)




From the very beginning, I knew I wanted it to be deeply rooted in my Haitian heritage. Whether it delved into the vibrant cities, the rich history, the diverse religious and cultural practices, or the everyday life of this beautiful nation, I was determined to explore a topic that resonated with me.

My research has taken me down many exciting paths, and a recent blog by Katie Cook about Old Town Jacmel truly sparked my interest. This historic district, nestled in the southern Haitian city of Jacmel, offers a vibrant tapestry of history, culture, and architectural beauty. Founded in 1698, it was once a major port city, playing a pivotal role in Haiti's coffee trade. Today, it stands as a testament to the nation's resilience, boasting well-preserved colonial architecture characterized by colorful buildings with intricate wrought-iron balconies and cast-iron pillars.

The resilience of the city, particularly after the devastating fire of 1896, resonates deeply with me. The rebuilding process, utilizing fireproof materials like cast iron and brick, resulted in a unique architectural blend, a testament to the strength and perseverance of the Haitian people.

Learning about Old Town Jacmel has ignited a fire within me. I'm excited to delve deeper into its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning visuals. This exploration will undoubtedly influence my senior thesis proposal, allowing me to explore the potential of using my design skills to tell the story of this remarkable place, potentially attracting tourism and fostering a deeper understanding of Haitian culture.

Through this journey, I aim to not only create a compelling design project but also contribute to the ongoing conversation about Haitian heritage and its significance in the global landscape.

Stay tuned for further updates on my research and the development of my senior thesis proposal!

Mardline Prevot

Advertising Design Major
VCDMA
BSU'25 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

-
Image
Embracing My Roots: A Black Advertiser's Journey Through Hip-Hop Studies by: Mardline Prevot Vision Collage by Mazopal Design   Hey everyone, Mardi here, and I'm diving deep this semester. As a Black advertiser, CEO of Mazopal Design, and a proud Haitian American from Northeast DC, I'm embarking on a journey of self-discovery through the lens of Hip-Hop Studies. This isn't just another class for me; it's a profound exploration of my heritage, my identity, and my artistic expression. Hip-Hop and My Life: More Than Just Music Hip-hop isn't just a genre; it's a culture, a movement, and a mirror reflecting the realities of my life. Growing up in DC, I was immersed in the beats, the lyrics, and the raw energy of hip-hop. It was the soundtrack to my youth, a voice for the voiceless, and a powerful tool for storytelling. Now, I'm excited to dissect the five elements of old-school hip-hop – DJing, MCing, breakdancing, graffiti, and knowledge – and compare them t...
Read more
-
Image
A New Home for Haitian Art in Bowie by: Mardline Prevot  Via Mazopal Design ( Haitian Community: The Vintage View) The words sting, even when they're not directed at me. In my courses, when Haiti comes up, it's a predictable script: poverty, political instability, a place to avoid. A casual dismissal of a country so rich in history and resilience. It's a narrative that paints my home as a lost cause, a cautionary tale. And for a long time, I just listened, the words sinking in. But then I realized something. They're not completely wrong. Haiti has faced incredible challenges. But that's not the whole story, and it's certainly not the only story. What's missing from their textbooks is the vibrant, powerful history that makes Haiti what it is today. They don't talk about the incredible strength and ingenuity of a country that, after 1804, became the first free Black republic. They don't mention the Black liberation that sparked hope across the diaspora...
Read more
-
Image
Bowie State University - McKeldin Gym Edition: The Graphic Designer for the I Am BSU Bless You by: Mardline Prevot  Courtesy: Bowie State University Okay, y'all, so boom! Let's talk about this flyer for the BSU intramural basketball league. First off, can we just acknowledge the graphic designer? Like, they understood the assignment. This ain't your grandma's boring event poster. This is a whole vibe, a whole mood, a whole experience. The yellow and black color scheme? Poppin'. The distressed texture? Immaculate. The sihouette of the player with the basketball? Iconic. And the HOOF DREAMS CALLING?  Pure genius. This flyer is loud, its bold, and its definitely gonna catch your eye when you're scrolling through your Insta feed. Big shoutout to Mardline Prevot, the Haitian American advertiser who designed this masterpiece. SIs really understood the culture and delivered something that speaks to the students. This is what happens when you let creatives of color shin...
Read more