Objectives:
• Learn about the history of computer graphics
• Examine the role of technology as a force for cultural maintenance and change
• Discuss the validity of art created with the aid of machines
Original Post:
Beverly Jones, the author of “Computer Graphics: Effects of Origins” writes a very compelling article on the innovation of art and technology. Her primary thesis,
“Those who originate and use new forms of art and technology embed their assumptions in the new symbolic and material forms. As time passes the users develop familiarity and facility. New users bring additional assumptions and considerations of form, content, material, technique, meaning and purpose. However, some traces of the origins and practices remain in these forms, which consequently contribute to both cultural maintenance and change. Cultural patterns are affected in proportion to the spread in the use of these forms.” (Jones 51).
In other words, she means that technology has advanced from the past, thus creating technological innovations to the present and future. As a historic example, Jones refers to Duane Palyka’s works. Ever since computer graphics were made, inventors found large complements to the images; since then, “images were done by engineers and technicians employed by the government” (Jones 53). Palyka was a normal user who began to make ‘computer painting’ popular and used computers to express the new art form, where “alphanumeric printer output for designing two-dimensional artworks was based on variables in the programming” (Jones 53). Computers not only are an advancement from the evolution of technology, but it’s art as well.
One of the current examples of Jones’ thesis is brought by video games that require motion and an active body to play. These exercising games, such as Just Dance, is a revolution that is both entertaining and is a great workout to do. This innovation is helping people burn calories while having fun at home, without having to go the gym. Video game systems like the Wii or the Xbox kinect is one of the most innovative technologies of all time because they include motion control remotes that require people to move and get active. The new innovation to technologies is that it has now all evolved to a combination of gaming, technology and fitness into games which support a very healthy lifestyle.
Reflection:
This assignment of technology helped me learn so much about computer graphics and the innovation of technology as well. It also helped me realize how much technology is involved in society nowadays, especially with social networking. The world today is based off of technological advances such as, graphic designing which makes up a lot of advertising, 3D imaging and animation in television shows or movies. And to put it all together, it makes such a beautiful art piece. The photos above are an example of what graphic designing can do to make a something look completely realistic.
I feel that technology is changing the world and the next generation a little too much at the same time as how fascinated I am. I know that my little cousins live in the generation of iPads, iPhones, iPods and video games. They are all so attached to these graphic designs of games on these little technological devices that they do not acknowledge nature and the great outdoors, as I did when I was their age. All they do is play games, and it is ruining their health because they do not get enough exercise and their eyes are getting bad from the bright screens of their computer monitors. I think there needs to be some new technological advance where it limits screen time for kids under the age of 12.
Goals:
• Understand how art and technology can be related
• See how technology affects my life, positive and negative
• Examine art created by machines
Sources:
“DUANE M. PALYKA.” Artist and Computer –. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 May 2013.
“Top 10 Fitness Video Games Pictures.” CBSNews. CBS Interactive, n.d. Web. 27 May 2013.