This blog is an updated equivalent to a journal where records, pictures and comments on my assignments are to be shared with my peers, professor, and the world.
The flip book was probably the longest project I worked on in my 4 years of college. It took over 3 consecutive weeks to work on it. I did not realize how long it would take once I started it but once I did I could not turn back. It was a fun project to work on I just wish I had given myself more time to work on it. I definitely want to keep it for memorabilia of my senior year and of my Art and Technology course. I will look at it from time to time and it will remind me of the great times I had in the course and throughout my enrollment at UT. This project is by far one of my favorites to see completed but also one of my most hated for how long it took.
The performance art video I shot was a homage to my past 4 years at The University of Tampa. The clips I had were shot over the course of the 4 years. They were shot using my iPhone camera and through the Snapchat app. The montage of clips was not my original plan but soon developed into what it is now based off of an epiphany I had. Most of the transitions were all shot in the Vaughn building while my favorite shot of the voice box was shot in the ICB building. Overall, I am pleased with my performance art piece but would like to do a reshoot of the handcuff scene with a realistic cop car and police officer. 12 out of 10 would give my project an A+.
I love the idea behind this art instillation. Having the installation present without a projection alone astonishing, however, once the projector overlays video, it becomes an entirely new piece. This is by far one of the most creative uses of projection I have seen. What is great is that the images and installation are 2D yet when the projections play through, the installations have great depth and the illusion of 3 dimensions. Haunted houses and amusement parks should feature most visuals like this as it draws onlookers attention away from reality. Each little set made for this installation features its own background story that can be viewed and interpreted in various ways. I believe that for an art piece this is most important. The audiences perception of the piece should always be a consideration that the artist makes. It is great that the traditional art is given new life with the projector. Overall, I am really impressed with this installation and how it seems like a contemporary take on Wayang Kulit.
The video attached above features one of the most lifelike body projection I have ever seen. The lighting is so masterfully altered so that the video projection is extremely vivid and transforming. Face tracking technology has made this ever more so possible than just a stationary face. I rather enjoyed the many faces the model had projected onto her. My favorite projection throughout this video was the robot face that opened up as if the model was an android. There should be a vegas performance based solely on body projections. It is so inviting and enthralling for audiences of all ages. There are endless possibilities with a performance such as this. Overall, I am getting increasingly impressed with the technology and art that transcends the human mind.
Youtube Video of Leafs vs. Hurricanes
(Courtesy: Toronto Maple Leafs)
This video of the ice rink video projection was amazing. I have only seen brief projections and images displayed on the ice before, but nothing this detailed and engaging. I even enjoyed the use of the song Tsunami by DVBBS. This is surely a good choice for a hockey game as it gets people hyped up before the teams face off. The introductory images were truly cinematic and overwhelming. I rather enjoyed seeing the rink lit up like that, and would like to play hockey with just the projections on the ice. It would make for a great challenge and one of a kind experience. The blend between sports, art and technology have really evolved over the past decade. I can only imagine what the future will bring to societies favorite pass times. It is interesting to think that sporting events are now more than ever reliant on marketing and promoting of certain brands as well as products.
Yoko Ono's 1965 cut piece was a great example of performance art. She subjected herself to the will of the public. It was a bold choice to let the audience interact with her as a live art installation. Much more credit is given to her for letting the audience cut off her clothes. I don't fully understand the message or original intent behind this performance art, however, I know it provides deep meaning into the life and beliefs of Yoko Ono. Being as prominent of a social figure as she is, this performance art is one to be admired for bravery and impact. The music that accompanies the video is certainly strange enough to make listeners reevaluate what they are watching solely based on the eclectic sounds made throughout the track. It is worth noting that throughout the entire video she maintains a calm and soothing look, rarely phased by the audiences interactions. Overall, I enjoyed Yoko Ono's cut piece, although it is not an approach at performance art I would take myself.
This performance piece hosted by Oprah was interesting to watch. At the time, in 2009, I'm sure this flash mob came close to if not set a record. To orchestrate and coordinate this many people together is outstanding. I personally have never been part of a flash mob before but am sure it is quite difficult to rehearse with so many people. I would imagine that it takes weeks of practice to perfect the choreography and timing. Since this event I am sure there have been larger scale flash mobs that need helicopter coverage just to capture the vast amount of people moving in unison. In order to pull off such a large scale flash mob, each person must be familiar with the live performance by the Black Eyed Peas. This is a feat that not many people can pull off. Oprah is truly a great host who has just about done it all with the goal of pleasing her audience. This performance art is nothing short of Oprah's on camera magic that seems to bring out the best in everyone. Her success can be attributed to her commitment to all.
The performance piece in which Banksy modifies and recreates Paris Hilton's new CD is amazing. I was unaware he even did this, despite knowing about his work for years now. I must applaud Banksy as I share a strong dislike for Paris Hilton along with the rest of the world for having little to no talent. I enjoyed the idea and concept behind this event, however, the quality could have been better. I believe the way in which the CD's were switched out could have been easier. Assuming that this video was taken years ago, I will not critique this video as harshly as I would a modern day reproduction. This was most certainly shot during the age where hard copy disks were as heavily guarded and monitored than jewelry. Nowadays CD's have been rendered obsolete with the popularity of streaming and now store owners would be lucky if thieves stole their hardcopy disks just to free up the space they are taking up. Overall, I enjoyed the performance and hope to see Banksy recreate this old video with a newer more relevant artist.
The link above directs to Vice.com where readers can learn more about the forgotten floppy disk art by Andy Warhol.
The art piece you see above is one of Andy Warhol's digital drawings that was recovered in 2014 by the Carnegie Mellon Computer Club. What is great about this story is that the digital drawings were formatted with a obsolete file format on a set of floppy disks. In order to recover the drawings, the team of computer specialists had to use a Kyroflux device which allowed them to run obsolete file formats and then run an emulator of Amiga, the program Warhol used to make the drawings. This was quite the discovery as 28 unseen Warhol images were recovered. This is in some respect digital archeology. It is truly amazing what technology has the capability of considering its ability to interact with outdated hardware and software. It is also amazing that a file that was written more than 20 years ago has maintained its integrity and is able to be viewed with today's technology. Thanks to the Carnegie Mellon Computer Club, the world has more Warhol art pieces to admire and appreciate. This is truly a great time for art and technology.
Speedy Graphito Painted Amongst His Works (Courtesy: keskispass.devilles.ca)
The link above directs to Hypebeast.com where readers can learn more about Speedy Graphito. Speedy Graphito is an amazing artist who is known for his graffiti infused pop art style. In the image shown above, it is clear that Graphito, holds a consistent style with all of his works. Each visual is as appealing as the last, bringing back fond memories to many audience members. He presents most of his art in an abstract fashion yet still conveys his message and imagery across to the onlooker. He is quite talented and can inspire various emotions from just one of his pieces. As mentioned in my pop art blog post, I would definitely display pop art in my home depending on the artist, quality, and appeal of the piece. Learning of Speedy Graphito, any one of his works would seem to fit those guidelines. I absolutely love his work, and now that I am familiar with it, I would visit a gallery just to see it in person. As a millennial, many of the images depicted in his works have significant value to me in addition to provoking happy thoughts.
The link above directs to About.com where readers can learn more about the history of pop art. Pop art, is the appreciation towards popular culture expressed in a youthful visual language. It is characterized by large text, bright colors, and recognizable imagery. The example shown above falls under this description as well as Andy Warhol's Campbell Soup art piece. In today's society, both examples are well recognized and identifiable with pop art. Comic's have been standardized with such forms of art. The images and colors instantly draw the attention of its viewers. Nowadays many artists switch between both hand drawn pop art and graphic representations. Personally, I consider this one of the better ways of catching an audiences attention, many graffiti artists have applied this technique to their work with outstanding results. In my opinion, not enough artists use this technique especially in marketing. It would be nice to see a modern cartoon use the pop art style as it was once used at the height of its popularity. I am such a fan in fact that I would display works of pop art in my home depending on the quality and its personal appeal.
The Civilization franchise is a revered game series in which computer players can build their own civilization and engage in turn based strategy while war's are waged, and history takes its course. Personally I have never played any of the civilization games before, but am familiar with the turn based strategy structure that Age of Empire and Starcraft are based upon. For anyone who is into gaming, these are great games to play that involve critical thinking and tremendous patience to reach certain milestones. The game using history as its frame of reference, infuses many historical events around the graphic design and structure of the civilization franchise. For those who appreciate period based games, this is one to play. From the gameplay posted on the official Civilization website, the graphics are sharp as well as visually appealing. Sid Meier and his team do a great job blending the graphic art with technology for a new Civilization game every few years.
The link above directs to Wired.com where readers can learn more about the 1984 Blue Busters ad released by Apple.
Apple's original corporate philosophy was nonconformist and untraditional to the standard set at the time by IBM. This commercial had sent the message to viewers that the new Apple computer would rid away with the suit and tie IBM salesmen promoting their generic computers. What was especially great about this commercial was that it was sung by Ray Parker, Jr., the same guy who voiced the original ghostbusters theme song. At the time ghostbusters was such a hit that anything associated with the film was almost guaranteed to be successful. Watching both the Ghostbusters and this Blue Busters ad, there are plenty of similarities that viewers can pick up on, bringing authenticity to the commercial. Years later, this commercial is just as nostalgic as it was when it was first released. It is truly a blend of both art and technology.
The link above directs to wired.com where readers can learn about Apple's introduction of the Mac. In 1984, Apple had taken a brazen approach at marketing their newest product the Macintosh computer. With IBM was competing heavily against Apple at the time, the marketing team along with Steve Wozniak had launched a TV commercial that would air during the Super Bowl. Thanks to this decision, this commercial has earned the title "Commercial of the Decade". According to the article, the commercial impacted thousands of people despite only being aired once. Now considered one of the highest performing computers made, the Mac product line offers users the ability to conduct their business with ease and simplicity. For those who have used or own a Mac, can testify to its ease of use paired with fast processing. With Windows computers still being the majority of computers around the world, Macintosh has established itself as expensive, high performance computer that meets all users' needs. By looking back at the origin of the Mac, one can easily identify how far the product line has come and the evolutionary stages it has gone through since its release in 1984. Surely it has done a significant job with marketing as it has won the battle over the IBM's computer line.
The link above directs you to pbs.org where readers can learn about the history of the telephone. After reading this article, I was astonished at how involved Alexander Graham Bell was after inventing the telephone and creating a new industry. I found it interesting that doctors and pharmacists became the early adopters of this new product while it was no surprise to learn that the wealthy were among the first to acquire the telephone as well. History has shown that the wealthy have always tried to stay concurrent with all the newest trends. Even more so today as social status is greatly dictated by the number of assets one has in their possession and how expensive it is. The telephone is one of mankind's greatest inventions. It revolutionized the way people communicate across long distances and increased the chances of a recipient receiving a message. Without Alexander Graham Bell's invention, widely successful companies such as AT&T and Verizon may never have existed. I would imagine that a world without cellphones would be less exciting and much more inconvenient. From the perspective of social interaction, people would not be able to communicate as easy throughout the day, talking less frequently than with a phone. From the perspective of commerce, people would lose the option of paying with their phone, restricting the maximum profits made by businesses. Overall, the world should recognize Bell's contribution to society and appreciate his great invention.
