I believe the thesis of the “Computer Graphics: Effects of Origins” by Beverly J. Jones to be “an examination of the functioning borders between computer graphics theory and practice in scientific/technological use, in artistic use and in ‘everyday’ use revels differing patterns of cultural authorization” found on the bottom of page twenty-one (Jones 21). I believe this to be the thesis because it encapsulates the whole articles main points in one sentence. Personally, I believe the author was fighting to promote the idea that the use of computer graphics across many fields of work, have allowed for cultural changes. A constant theme throughout the paper is the progression of technology and artist’s access to technology. The first stage being the “early years” can be described as “indiivudals and teams produced work that presaged later and current technologic/scientific and artistic work” (Jones 24). The author further explains, “things that have never been seen and may never be seen are presented as graphic imagery to stimulate conceptual thinking” (Jones 24). Therefore the early years images allowed for a lot of “conceptual thinking” of future discoveries that had not yet been seen. A more modern day example of this can be seen with visual simulations. Many a time for athletes, soldiers, astronauts, etc., for training they are put into fake simulations to prepare themselves for real events. By using imagery to create a mock scenario, participants become more prepared for the real life scenario because they have already been in a similar experience. Allowing them to conceptually think of how to react if said scenario were to really occur. The use of imagery and simulations allows for a “demonstration applying theory to the real-world” as said by the Marine Board National Research Panel in their book Simulated Voyages (38). Visual imagery can bend current realities allowing for future changes in culture. One can type in codes and use different technologies to create things that do not yet exist, almost as if creating options for future events. Obviously the in the very early years, technologies that are available today did not yet exist but they did provide a glimpse of what could be possible in the future.
Jones, B. J. (1990). Computer Graphics: Effects of Origins. LEONARDO: Digital Image – Digital Cinema Supplemental Issue, pp. 21-30.
http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=5065&page=R1. Marine Board National Research Council. National Academy Press. Washington D.C. 1996.