Computer graphics are a relatively new in existence, but that being said they have still gone through great amounts of change in that short period of time. In Beverly Jones’s article “Computer Graphics: Effects of Origins” she discusses how computer graphics are not just technology, but also art. I think the thesis of her paper is that the changes within computer graphics are not just changes in technology, but they are changes in art and culture to show that, “old cultural patterns do not die” (21 Jones). Jones states that, “These changes are not simply technical effects. They contribute to maintenance and change of culturally conditioned conceptual patters in the larger historical context” (21 Jones). The statement explains how the change that computer graphics has gone through, is part of our culture.
Computer graphics are not the only thing that undergoes culturally conditioned change. Jones gives a number of historical examples that go through the same process. One example that Jones gives is the proposal from 1970 where small computer systems could, “be used by individuals to create unique furniture, fabrics and prints suited to their special requirement” (23 Jones). Instead of manufacturing mass amounts of exact replicas, these programs could make it possible to customize things such as clothing. This idea is similar to the views of Borsodi who, “noted the potential for individual control of mechanical manufacture of clothing and household textile products, based on the advent of the home sewing machine” (23 Jones). This idea has held in our culture to customize things such as bathing suits.
An example of Jones’s idea that advancement in technology connects to cultural changes as well is how phones are used today. When phones were first developed they had to always be plugged in, they were bulky, and not everyone had them. With the introduction and development of mobile phones, they have become a must for pretty much everyone in our culture. With their countless capabilities, our culture has become dependent on having a phone. In her article “Mobile Phones and Society – How Being Constantly Connected Impacts Our Lives” Laura Jerpi states that, “Mobile phones have become a staple of our society” (Jerpi). Phones have developed with our culture, much like many other forms of technology. They still hold their main use of communication, but have advanced with our culture to make it possible for us to more easily function in today’s society.
Jepri, L. (n.d.). Mobile Phones and Society – How Being Constantly Connected Impacts Our Lives. Mobile Phones and Society – How Being Constantly Connected Impacts Our Lives. Retrieved May 25, 2014, from http://source.southuniversity.edu/mobile-phones-and-society-how-being-constantly-connected-impacts-our-lives-137313.aspx
Jones, B. J. (1990). Computer Graphics: Effects of Origins. LEONARDO: Digital Image – Digital Cinema Supplemental Issue, pp. 21-30.