In the article, “Computer Graphics: Effects on Origins,” Beverly Jones discusses how the development of modern technology is based on older technologies and processes. For the purposes of her paper, she mainly focuses on computer graphics, but the topic can be applied to the entirety of technology. Although our technology has continued to develop, we still look back and reference our older forms. In the article Jones states, “the new forms of art and technology are frequently cast in the mode of old forms, just as other aspects of material and symbolic culture have been” (Jones, 21).
In order to explain her point that “old cultural patterns do not die” but rather they fade, Jones gives a few examples to demonstrate this (21). One of her examples is an experiment done by a group at MIT in 1970. The team created a “computer controlled habitat for gerbils,” making an interactive environment. Today, we continue to create interactive environments using computers, think about activities at theme parks. Many have 3-D experiences you can participate in such as California Soarin’ at Disney’s California Adventure. Through technology, Disney creates an experience that makes you feel as if you smell the sweet orange groves that are now few.
An example in film that demonstrates how we reflect on past technology is The Artist, which came out in 2011. Although the film was created using modern technology, it was nonetheless inspired by the music-driven, black and white films from decades ago. Ann Hornaday discusses our nostalgia for looking back at the beginning of film art in her Washington Post essay, describing The Artist as one of the main tributes (Hornaday). She lists a bundle of others that only came out in 2011, proving we still look for old art forms in modern day cinema.
There are many more, if not all, modern day graphics that prove Jones’ point. To be where we are today, of course we have to consider the past and revisit it. It is not surprising that even though technology has developed and will continue to develop, we still look to historical forms and culture to create new forms. I also think that this topic can be applied to life as a whole. We constantly reference history to either change or mimic where we are going. In politics, in economics, in fashion . . . the list goes on.