Artifact VII: Art and Technology
Artifact: Art and Technology
Objectives:
- Lean 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
Reflection:
The reading did a great job of laying out the history of computer graphics, especially as it relates to art. I felt that it was a bit obvious that modern technology has greatly influenced our culture, especially in the last twenty years or so with the advent of the internet. It seemed to me that it wasn’t so much of an argument as a statement made by the author. What I found interesting was the “cyclicality” of technology. Specifically, the US (and most of Europe) music industry has seen a huge increase in vinyl sales in the last five years. We’re talking double digit increases from year to year, steadily for some time now. This by all standards is an obsolete technology. It begs the question then, why is it becoming so popular again? The concept of sound quality is definitely a major factor, which touches on idea that the technology in regards to the audio hasn’t really gotten any better, and it may have actually gotten worse when talking about the consumer end of things.
I think the question of the validity of art created by the aid of machines really comes to its climax in the music industry. I wouldn’t imagine there are many people out there who would question a graphic designers creations as works of art. With music, however, that same sentiment doesn’t necessarily hold true. This gets into the idea of remix culture in discussed in Unit 9, but many people don’t see EDM artists, hip-hop producers, and the likes as true artists, because they are using digital samples to create a new song. I personally don’t agree with that stance, but it is out there. It does create a bit of a grey area, however, because sometimes it is difficult to nail down when the original artist’s work stops, and the new artist’s work begins.
Moving Forward
I have always really been into digital art, and I plan on continuing my love for digital design, photoshop, electronic music, and hip-hop remixes.