The attached artwork is not just something I own—it is something I created. Every detail, from the stickers to the tote bag design, was carefully edited by me for our school’s environmental club, the Buhay Luntian Club. Through these designs, I wanted to blend advocacy with creativity, turning everyday items into a canvas for awareness and mix of cuteness. More than just merch, these pieces are visual reminders of our mission to protect the planet—one sticker, one tote, one small act at a time.

The concepts of representation, imitation, and mimesis define art as a way of reflecting reality. Plato considered art an imperfect copy of the real world, while Aristotle saw it as a creative interpretation that reveals deeper meaning. Mimesis on the other hand emphasizes how art captures life through varying forms ranging from paintings to literature.

However, this idea has limitations, especially when applied to abstract forms of art like instrumental music or modern art, which do not directly imitate the physical world. While mimesis remains an important foundation in defining art, it does not fully account for all artistic expressions.

• Art as Expression

Every artwork has its corresponding expression which may have come from the artist's emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Other than creating art through merely imitation, it can be done through expression which is more of subjective as it prioritizes inner feelings, often through color, shape, or movement. This is one way of allowing artists to be more creative as they craft their works.

On the other hand, art as representation focuses more on creating resemblance of real-life subjects, which shows that its depiction focuses more on the outside world. While both approaches define art, the former focuses on personal interpretation, while the latter aims to reflect reality.

Whether the scene was real or imagined does not matter anymore as the emotions it conveys matters more. Van Gogh's art was deeply expressive, often reflecting light and darkness—hope and despair. The dramatic brushstrokes and intense colors created a mood of turmoil, isolation, and perhaps even foreshadow his fate. Even if the scene was not a direct, literal depiction, its emotional truth remains significant. The painting continues to captivate viewers, reflecting the depth of Van Gogh's emotions and artistic vision.

1. Art can be created for many reasons, even without being influenced by social or political issues, as it is up to the artist to decide what kind of art to make. Some may paint purely to express personal emotions, while others may compose music to show love for their partner. Art can exist for its own sake by being a way to tell stories—ones that aim to uplift others without necessarily focusing on the negative side of life.

   
   

2. Art has many purposes, and one of them can be an escape. However, believing that art is only for escape may lead people to think that ignoring problems is the right thing to do. Facing struggles is not always easy, but it should not be something we turn away from. Ignoring problems instead of addressing them can show fear, while art should encourage people to be brave.

   
   

3. History is an important part of our lives, and art helps us understand the world around us, even as things change over time. Addressing the “problems of [the artist’s] time” shows how art can reflect and challenge society. By doing this, art allows people to become more aware of real issues and may inspire them to help make things better.

   
   

4. Lopez means that artists and writers should create works that are not only beautiful but also meaningful and educational. Their works should help people understand the world better and inspire them to improve it, even in small ways. Art is more than just entertainment—it should make people think and see beyond its surface meaning.

   
   

5. Lopez believes that the highest form of art is one that frees people—whether from ignorance, oppression, or limitations. Artists should have the freedom to decide what their art is for, without being forced to follow society’s expectations. Art should allow people to express themselves and even give a voice to those who are unheard. It can be a way to entertain, but it can also inspire change and bring awareness to important issues.

One clear ideology in this episode is survival of the fittest, which suggests that competition and self-interest are natural and necessary. This connects to capitalist beliefs, where success often depends on outlasting others. The game itself works like an Ideological State Apparatus (ISA) because it forces the players to act in certain ways without direct violence. The unseen gamemasters set the rules, and the players follow them, believing they have no other choice.

Althusser’s idea of interpellation is also present, as Arisu and his friends take on the roles given to them—wolf and sheep—even if they do not fully agree with them. They act as if these roles define them, just like people in society often follow expectations set by different environments such as schools, workplaces, or the media. The game makes them believe they have control over their actions, but in reality, they are still playing by someone else’s rules.

Looking at the episode this way changed my perspective. Before, I saw it as just an intense and tragic part of the story, but now I have fully understood and noticed how it reflects real-world systems of control. It shows how people follow rules and expectations without always realizing it, which is something worth thinking about beyond just the game.

The ideas of originality and piracy deeply affect how we receive and judge art today. Altering an existing piece can be seen as disrespectful, but it can also serve as a form of dialogue — a way to critically engage with themes that remain relevant. In my case, I repurposed Magritte’s “The Lovers II” not to copy but to reinterpret, revealing how emotional distance and vulnerability persist in other ways. The line between piracy and reinterpretation can be blurry, but intention, transformation, and context matter greatly in shaping whether something can be seen as art or just imitation.