CjB

The primary thesis of Jones’ article “Computer Graphics: Effects of Origins” is that culture doesn’t die.  To support this thesis she states that these patterns of culture sustain themselves and that, “Only when these new forms become available to the larger population can they affect cultural patterns of maintenance and change” (21).

One historical example that Jones gives relates to computer graphics.  She recounts the beginnings of this technological discipline stating, “In the 1940s analogue computers were used to generate the earliest computer graphics and display them on oscilloscopes.  Ben F. lapofsky and Herbert W. Franke were amog the pioneers creating these images….[Lapofsky’s] work continues to explore similar forms” (52).

One form of performance art that exemplifies this cultural sustainability is in dance.  Jimmy Fallon has famously performed alongside guest appearances on his show different themes of the “evolution of dance”.  Most recently he teamed up with Will Smith in a performance of the evolution of hip hop dance.  While these shows are mostly for good fun, it clearly exemplifies the same themes discussed by jones.  For example, in the hip hop dance with Will Smith, they team up to show snippets of dances from over the years beginning with the origin of hip hop.  For example, a recent National Geographic article published goes on to explain the evolutionary and cultural value of both dance and music in humans and animals.  Lee (2014) states that the benefits of these two art forms for our well-being are what keeps them around and constantly changing and evolving.

Sources:

Jones, B. J. (1990). Computer Graphics: Effects of Origins. LEONARDO: Digital Image – Digital Cinema Supplemental Issue, pp. 51-60.

Lee, J. (2014, February 16). Dancing Animals Help Tell Us Why Music Evolved. National Geographic. Retrieved March 3, 2014, from http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/02/140216-sea-lion-parrot-music-animal-behavior-science/