1. Correctly identify the primary thesis of “Computer Graphics: Effects of Origins.”
   1. I believe that the primary thesis of “Computer Graphics: Effects of Origins” is that although the modes of artistic expression continue to change as our technology continues to develop, the past modes of artistic expression still influence modern artists. Jones states, “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, 51). I think this means that although we move forward with new technologies and inventions, the old forms of artistic expression will always influence our present expressions. I think this is an especially relevant point because we would not be where we are today without learning from our past and allowing it to influence us every day, so art should be no different.
2. Identify one of the three historical examples Jones provides as an illustration of her thesis.
   1. One of the three historical examples that Jones mentions in her essays is that, “In the 1940′s analogue computers were used to generate the earliest computer graphics and display them on oscilloscopes. Ben F. Lapofsky and Herbert W. Franke were among the pioneers creating these images. Frotnke’s graphics were phase forms, presented as events rather than as static imagery” (P. 52). Jones goes on to describe the many other artistic achievement’s during this period including “Fetter’s seven system man…[and] Nicholas Negroponte and the architectural machine group Seek produced experimental computer-controlled environments at MIT,” (Jones, 53).  These were all among the first computer-generated graphic images. This period also marked some tension between science and art, as the lines between the two separate subjects began to blur.
3. Provide a compelling and accurate illustration of Jones’ thesis at work in today’s culture.
   1. I believe that an example of culture changing but still being influenced by the past is apparent in the use of the mobile photo app Instagram. People are obsessed with this application and choose to use it to document their every move. This app is available on every smart phone and allows people around the world to access each other’s photos. The use of the different “filters” that people can apply to their photos allows them to have personal discretion over what their photo looks like. In addition, there are many filters that make the photos look more old-fashioned. This shows that people are still interested in and enjoy the look of photographs from the past, while embracing current technology.

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