Mary Harris

Original Post

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.

Objectives

• Learn about the history of computer graphics.
• Examine the role of technology as a force for cultural maintenance and change.
• Discuss the validity of art created with aid of machines.

Reflection

Before this assignment, I had a belief that technology was the downfall of our society. Never in my mind did I think that computer graphics and technology could be considered a “cultural stimulant” as suggested in the article by Jones (21). Nor did I even realize how there could be conflict between the arts and science communities over these graphics. If it were not for science, computer graphics would not be possible if it were not for art, these graphics would not be worth looking at.

This assignment helped me realize the commonly overlooked connection between the arts and sciences. Mainly I did not realize that certain art forms got their start due to science. No matter how far they try to distance themselves “electronic and photonic art forms have been and will continue to be influenced by their origins and practices” which is science (Jones 21). More than anything this opened my eyes to truly how many different art forms there are in this world.

Future

Post assignment, I believe I will now look at computer graphics in a different way. I always thought that since it is technically machine produced that it was not art in the way a painting would be. Not only is that not true, there is much more to it. I now believe that the machine that helps produce these graphics, are art forms in themselves and then the graphics that they help produce count as a whole other type of art.