Artifact 7: Art, Technology, & Games
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:
I think the main thesis presented by Beverly Jones in Computer Graphics: Effects of Origins is that technology is constantly evolving and is an adaptation of a previous version, due to cultural differences that are present in today’s world. In this reading, Jones discusses computer graphics and how variations within this medium reflect a change in conceptual frames. Furthermore, she mentions “these frames exist within art and technology and are present in other forms of symbolic and material culture” (21). It is also stated that computer graphics and the progression of technology directly relates to societal progression. While technology plays a major role in the advancement of our society today, artistic expressions in history are still very much relevant today in the artistic realm. She then suggests how the computer serves as a link between various spheres and transitions into recent uses of computers in art, real-life scenarios, and scientific research.
I think the perfect historical example she mentions is the development of computer design alongside the progression of electricity. When electricity was first invented, it was “theoretically interesting but had little or no practical value” (21). However, after it was invented it started to become an essential part of our lifestyle and the overall progression of society. Similarly, computer design has a huge impact on our society today; whether in fabricated virtual realities or other media forms like movies. Specifically in today’s culture, this impact is visible in video games, and it particularly relates to what Jane McGonigal talks about in her TED talk, “Gaming can make a better world”. In this talk, she tries to persuade her audience that video gamers can save the world and fix various world issues if they spend even more time playing games than they currently do. To most people, video games are just a form of entertainment and a way to divert your attention away from the real world. However, Jane believes the opposite and thinks that one can apply the lessons learned in “saving a virtual world” to real-life. This relates directly back to what Jones mentions about electricity being theoretically interesting but having little or no practical value. In a similar way, video games seem to have no practical value but McGonigal insists they do, according to inherent values that they possess, like urgent optimism and the concept of an “epic win”. I think this is an interesting correlation between the two aforementioned ideas that goes to show how computer design can have an everlasting effect on our society today.
Reflection:
This week’s topic on Art, Technology, and Games was very interesting, especially the TED talk by Jane McGonigal. I found her talk very engaging because she spoke about using video games to solve real world problems, something that initially seems so bizarre. I think technology today is definitely a driving force for our society because of how much it has evolved over the years. The very fact that I am able to take a class like this online and create personal blogs about my thoughts is amazing. Our generation is experiencing immense changes in technology that is making communication, education, and general human interactions much easier than 100 years ago. As I read the article on computer graphics, I was able to learn about how much graphics have changed over the years and how “contemporary uses of computer graphics retain traces of their origins and earlier practices” (Jones, 26).
Additionally, there is a debate regarding whether work created by machines is in fact considered art or not. In my opinion, it is still considered art, just like fast food is still considered art, although not as exquisite. I discussed the artistic values of fast food versus slow food earlier in the term, which can be found here. Using a computer just allows you to express yourself differently, which adds to the creativity. Some people think that using a computer takes away from the creativity because it is doing most of the work. However, a computer will not generate a work of art unless there is a user guiding the machine and telling it what to do. Hence, the use of a machine to create art is in fact still a skill that needs to be practiced and mastered. Below, I decided to include the collage I created for the “Remixing Culture” assignment during Week 9. The fact that we have the ability to digitally create such a work of art within minutes is amazing. This further goes to show how much computer graphics have evolved over the years and solidifies my viewpoint that something created with computers is still, indeed, art.
Future:
In the future, I want to do a better job of appreciating the evolution that technology has undergone to be where it is today. Often we take our ease of communication, whether it is via cell phone or computer, for granted. It is important to understand the changes that technology and computer graphics have experienced to give rise to the technical world that we live in today. I also want to learn more about the concepts introduced by Jane McGonigal regarding video gamers and how they can ultimately affect how we solve our problems in real-life scenarios.
References:
2. McGonigal, Jane. Gaming Can Make A Better World. TED2010, February 2010 in Long Beach, CA
Table of Contents
Artifact #1: The Nature of Human Values
Artifact #2: What is Art for?
Artifact #3: Is Food Art?
Artifact #4: The Art of Personal Adornment
Artifact #5: Aesthetics of Horror
Artifact #6: Creative Spirituality
Artifact #7: Technology, Games, & Art
Artifact #8: Remixing Culture
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