Goals

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

Original Post: Art, Games, and Technology Research

In the article “Computer Graphics: Effects of Origins”, the author, Beverly Jones briefly talked about how technology and computer graphics influence the society and human life. The main thesis stated that “New forms of art and technology are frequently cast in the mode of old forms, just as aspects of material and symbolic culture have been. Only when these new forms become available to the larger population can they affect cultural patterns of maintenance and change” (Jones, 21). Her point of technology is about the constant main purpose in dramatically changing technology.

One of the examples that Jones used as an illustration of her thesis is the example of the projections made at Second West Coast Computer Faire in early period. She pointed out that “small computer systems similar to the larger systems used by Mallary for sculptures, by Laurie for weavings and by others for prints be used by individuals to create unique furniture, fabrics and prints suited to their special requirements”(Jones, 23). It is so interesting that how technique can do such many things helping people and also related back to her main thesis about the component of technology is to helping people do things more convenient and efficient.

One example that compelling illustration of Jones’ thesis at work in today is the rapidly changing technology of the smart phone. Phones as the tool of contacting, are changing fast in these 50 years. From the very beginning, phones only be used as a tool to call someone, many different factors are added with the technology developing, like texting, camera, and many different apps in nowadays’ smart phone. However, no matter how it changes, the basic component of phone is always connect between people and the society.

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

Reflection:

In this week’s artifact we discussed about the technology developed in recent hundred years, from the computer graphic to computer games. From the reading “Computer Graphics: Effects of Origins” by Jones, I learned a lot about the history of computer graphic and how it developed in generation. The relationship between art and technology is quite interesting. They are never far with each other, while when we talked about one, not everyone can associate with the other. From this week’s research, I learned a lot about how deeply they are effected unconsciously.

In addition, about the games, when I was a child, parents, teachers were all serious about it and always told us how harmful it is. In their description, games is like drugs, which will destroy my whole future. While when I grow up, I found that games is not like what I have heard from them. Many of them cannot accept games just because some specially cases. Just as the development of new things, it is always hard to accept them especially for some adults and old; however, it really not that harmful and can even be beneficial helping people learn things.

Future Goal:

Before I do this artifact, I have never pay attention on the history of technology. How technology developed in generation is meaningful to think about even though it was already become history. In the future, I’d like to pay more attention on the generation of things developed in time and hope the old will never be forgot by the time.

Table of Contents:

Main Page

Artifact #1: Life Values Assessment

Artifact #2: What is Art for?

Artifact #3: Is Food Art Essay

Artifact #4: Adornment

Artifact #5：Enjoying Horror Research

Artifact #6：Creative Spirituality

Artifact #7：Runquist Response

Artifact #8: Art, Games, and Technology Research

Bibliography