Artifact Eight: Technology
Technology has exponentially impacted everyone in the 21st century. Communication and art have both been significantly impacted by the rise of technology.
Objectives:
- Learn about the history of computer graphics
- Examine the role of technology as force for cultural maintanence and change
- Discuss the validity of art created with the aid of machines
Artifact:
Art, Games, and Technology Research
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.”
This TED talk by Jane McGonigal completely altered my view of how technology (specifically gaming) can impact people in a positive, empowering way. I have never been a gamer, but listening to her games she has invented, such as one to teach people to save fuel, has proven to decrease fuel usage by those who have played the game.
Reflection:
This was an interesting topic. To be honest, I was not looking forward to it when I learned that I had to watch a TED talk on the importance of gaming, I honestly laughed out loud at the thought of “importance” and gaming being in the same sentence. But to my pleasant surprise, the TED talk more than altered my views on the impacts gaming can positively have on our society. Technology is a fantastic platform for change, and you can do that in so many ways. Social media, for example, has been able to access billions of people across the globe. When natural disasters hit, the way I typically find out about what has occurred is through Facebook, not the traditional newspaper or news show. Then, programs such as donation sites, can spread like wildfire throughout gaming or social media outlets to help those in need.
Regarding validity of art with the use of machines, I think digital art is absolutely beautiful and takes serious talent, just as it does to paint or sculpt something. I have dabbled with computer graphics, and it seems so simple from the outside, but there is so much attention to detail, and inspiration that goes into creating a fabulous piece of digital artwork. I think especially in my generation, there is a deep appreciation and love for digital art. Several of my posters and pieces of artwork in my room were created and designed using graphic design applications, and although some will disagree, to me there is no question in whether or not digital art is “valid”.
Future:
After watching this TED talk, I do plan on trying some of the games Mcgonigal mentioned, such as the fuel shortage simulation, or similar ones. I have also always been inspired and interested in graphic design, so learning how to use those applications such as photoshop and illustrator are definitely on my radar for the near future. I hope to convince others to try out games that can actually cause you to think about real life situations, rather than the toxic video games where the primary goal is killing. There is so much potential for leveraging technology for the better, and I can’t wait to see where it takes society in the coming years!
Bibliography:
Artifact seven: Creative Spirituality