In Beverly Jones’ article, “Computer Graphics: Effects of Origin,” Jones works to “establish  the relation of specific image, object, event, or environment to conceptual frames” (21). Overall,  Jones works to make a connection between art and technology and the role that computer graphics play within our society. One historical example supplied by Jones is the earliest computer graphics invented by Ben Lapofsky and Herbert Franke (22). The graphics were generated and displayed using oscilloscopes and the images appeared mobile and active, a new medium for art to be displayed on. Since the advent of graphics, computer generated images only grew to be more complex and widely used. Today, things like CGI’s  are common and apparent in everyday life as they are used to create animated movies and games. These new technologies have created a whole new category of art known as digital art.

One of the most interesting new technologies that can be applied to almost every discipline, including art, is 3D printing. From fashion to the medical industry, 3D printing has many applications making it an investment worthy technology. In Katherine Brooks’ article, “14 Ways 3D Printing Has Changed the Art World,” she displays 14 of the most intriguing works of art that include the use of a 3D printer. From everything to a model of Van Gogh’s ear to stop motions these images appear to be some of the most detailed digital images. One of the most awe-spiring of these 14 was an entirely 3D printed room created by designers Michael Hansmeyer and Benjamin Dillenburger. The room beautifully unites technology, architecture, and intensely intricate art work. The video below shows the process and craftsmanship that went into creating the room. The final product is an amazing piece of art work that was created by programming mathematical algorithms. The room demonstrates just one of the amazing applications that technology plays within art and how technology is  striving to evolve our perceptions of art.

To see all 14 examples in Brooks’ article click here.

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

Brooks, K. (2014). 14 Ways 3D Printing Has Changed the Art World. Huffington Post: HuffPost Arts & Culture. Retrieved March 1, 2015.

In Jane McGonigal’s TED Talk titled “Gaming can make a better world,” she discusses how virtual world video games can help people to solve problems in the real world. McGonigal describes 4 values that gamers attain from playing virtual games: urgent optimism, social fabric, blissful productivity, and epic meaning. Urgent optimism is the desire to tackle an obstacle knowing it is attainable, social fabric builds social bonds and trust between gamers, blissful productivity is the feelings of happiness attained from working hard, and epic meaning gives the gamers a sense of importance and success. Although I agree that games can be positive and creating more realistic problems within games could help inspire young people, I also believe games can bring on some negative side effects.

McGonigal admits that people use games as a means to escape reality but she does not go in depth to the issues this can cause. Although the 4 values she establishes are valid they can also set up unrealistic expectations for gamers. In a virtual world, all problems can be solved. There may be speed bumps and obstacles along the way but ultimately any problem and level can be solved. In the real world, this is not always true. Sometimes there are bigger obstacles that are so far outside of our reach that we cannot overcome them. Along with this, people can become so immersed in their virtual life that they no longer wish to work through problems in the real world because they are constantly experiencing disappointment.

Overall, I think McGonigal makes some very valid points that video games need to tackle more realistic world problems but she also negates the problems that can come from all video games. I do think when played in moderation video games can help people relax and enjoy feelings of success after a long day but people can forget that video games are just that, a game.