Jones thesis in “Computer Graphics: Effects of Origins” is found on the first page of the text, “The effects of origins and prior practices in both technology and art on form, content, material, technique, meaning and purpose of computer graphics are explored”. Jones points out that “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”.

To illustrate her thesis, Jones uses the example of ancient Egyptian architecture, and how the stone columns were based on “earlier bound papyrus columns” (pg. 21). A second example is when Jones describes oil paintings, “early oil paintings were similar in technique to egg tempera paintings and did not take advantage of oil’s mixing properties, slower drying and  resultant appearance of softer edges” (21). Both of these examples emphasize the idea of how current practices of art and technology lead to how we have created computer graphics and how it is all relating back to historical examples and innovations. Jones pushes readers to realize how important education on cultural backgrounds and significant historical events are because they shape the most current forms of art and technology today.

I think that computer graphics is a whole new element within the art field. It is so unlike traditional painting or sculpting, but both can express and evoke emotions all the same. An example of an illustration of Jones’ thesis at work in todays culture would be the concept of medicine, or “natural” cures. We use all sorts of man-made chemicals and things now for curing ailments, but at the same time, many natural ingredients stem from way back in time when these herbs were the only solutions available to cure someone. These concepts are still studied and utilized to this day, and without knowing history and the successes and failures, we would not be able to evolve the medicine further.

I found an article titled “The Marriage of Art and Technology”. It described the concept of “Beam, a new technology that allows users to interact with remote locations through video and audio”. This could create tremendous opportunities for those who are disabled, and allow them to experience art. These virtual experiences can alter the traditional forms of displaying art, and it all connects back to how these current ideas would not be possible without understanding the historical context and culture of those from the past. The article ends saying “In the diversity of life, people with disabilities are an essential part of the community and society. Beam will shrink the world…and provide greater accessibility to all.”

Bibliography:

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

Laskey, D. (2015, May 4). NPQ. Retrieved May 25, 2015, from https://nonprofitquarterly.org/policysocial-context/26066-the-marriage-of-art-and-technology.html