AAD250

In the article Computer Graphics: Effects of Origins by Beverly J. Jones the articles main thesis is regarding how technology and art have simultaneously evolved and developed at the same time.  The thesis also goes further to say how both technology and art have influenced each other since the early 1940s. One of the historical examples that Jones provides as an illustration for her thesis is the example of Ben Lapofsky and Herbert Franke. These two individuals were the first to develop graphic images. “In the 1940s analogue computers were used to generate the earliest computer graphics and display them on oscilloscopes (Jones 22).” With new technology allowing the depiction of graphic images there was a whole new area or way for artists to create appealing art. That is art on a computer screen. No longer did artist have to use a canvas or paper to create art but now they could create it on a digital screen. Today, graphic design is a huge area of art and there are many people who create art through this outlet.  Lapofsky and Franke clearly were pioneers in the field digital art, which is very popular today. Their invention clearly gives a concrete example of Jones’ thesis and the relationship between art and technology. Jones’ thesis can also be seen today through electronic music. Electronic music is also called EDM. “EDM is short for electronic dance music, which could conceivably describe any music with a beat made on a machine. But in practice it describes something more specific (Yenigun).” Electronic music is very popular today and it can be seen as an art form. These electronic artists use mix boards, synthesizers, keypads, and electronic mixing software to create music. All of these tools are new technological advances that have made this new art form possible. Without the technology the electronic music would not be possible. With the creation of electronic music there have been many new websites and programs created for artist to create, mix, and share new music. The most popular ones are Sound-cloud, and Beat Port. These are forums where the electronic community at large shares their art digitally. As a college student that has a moderate to severe social life; I commonly hear electronic music at parties. It is upbeat, new, and a different genre of music that younger generations enjoy. I would compare electronic music as our generation rock and roll.

Jones, B. J. (1990). Computer Graphics: Effects of Origins. LEONARDO: Digital Image –Digital Cinema Supplemental Issue, pp. 21-30.

Yenigun, Sami. (2012). Dance Music Looks Beyond EDM and Hopes the Crowd Will Follow. The Record: Music News From NPR. March 1. Web.

I think the Ted Talk about video games and its players brings up several good points and ideas. Some of the points that are presented I agree with and some that I do not. I don’t agree with the statement about the World of Warcraft lifestyle or sense of community, “Tons of collaborators, everywhere you go, almost one hundred thousand people that are ready to work with you, to achieve your epic mission.” The speaker, Jane McGonigal believes that this is the main difference between the real world and the World of Warcraft. I do not think this is the case. There are plenty of places where you can collaborate with your peers to achieve a goal. One example would be at college or a university. There is a large student body and people that are willing to listen to new ideas, solve problems, and collaborate to achieve this so-called “epic mission”.