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Santiago Rivera, Washington University in St. Louis

Contributing Writer

Santiago Rivera

Washington University in St. Louis
Comparative Arts and Communication Design

"I’ve lived all over the world and developed a great fascination for human expression in all its forms. I’m here to write about that in a way that hopefully interests and excites readers, too."

The image of a man in a suit and hat with a dark tie repeats through sets of images descending in three film strips, each of which is in imperfect alignment with each other. The first man is in a grey strip, reaching to touch the shoulder of his clone in a green strip, who in turn is staring at his copy in a blue strip, as if they are in a cycle repeating endlessly through time.

Black & White: The Historic Film Technique Directors Are Rediscovering

Santiago Rivera, Washington University in St. Louis

In the modern era of digital coloring and novel technologies, how is modern cinema reinventing its roots in Black and White?…

March 28, 2024

Animation vs Cartoons: A Love Letter To An Unjustifiably Underappreciated Artform

Santiago Rivera, Washington University in St. Louis

Here's why we should appreciate the diversity and magic of animated storytelling medium more than we currently do.…

March 15, 2024

Deadpool stands out against a paper-like background in his red and black uniform, swords strapped firmly to his black. A question mark hovers next to his head, held by a speech bubble made from a similar paper-esque material as the background; the material also outlines Deadpool's body, suggesting both he and the question mark have been cut out and glued to the background. His eyes are fixed in a smug glance, like he wants the question communicate just how stupid he thinks you are.

Could Deadpool be the “Messiah” the MCU needs?

Santiago Rivera, Washington University in St. Louis

As fun as the trailer was, after so many disappointing Marvel productions lately, is it worth getting hyped up?…

February 27, 2024

In this article, about how social media challenges can help users progress on important self-development goals, a purple figure is waving at a black smartphone. It casts a chalk-like blue light against the figure and the dark background, as grey stars twinkle around the space.

Follower-Farming or Self-Actualization: The Positive Side of Social Media

Santiago Rivera, Washington University in St. Louis

The growing trend of doing a daily challenge for every follower you gain. Is it selfish follower “farming” or self-improvement encouragement?…

February 9, 2024