Banksy Performance Art

Youtube Video of Banksy's Performance Art Piece 

(Courtesy: Tonno Che Rotola)

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 Evolution Of Stage Entertainment

Youtube Video Of Various Vaudeville Performances 

(Courtesy: Galloping Alligator's Muck Pond)

After watching the video shown above, it is fascinating to see how Broadway has evolved from vaudeville, burlesque, and cabaret.

I was particularly impressed with the woman who could pick up a chair with her teeth and swing it around effortlessly. This is impressive by today's standards, as many people would usually break their teeth or be sent to the dentist expecting a hefty bill. It certainly holds weight against some acts seen on the television show America's Got Talent. This burlesque dancer could have made quite a living if she were born in the 21st century. 

Surprisingly, I enjoyed the footage and the various acts despite being from 1898 to 1910. The acrobat in particular is worth noting. She was able to fully exercise her talent and skill without any limitations or safety nets, making her performance exquisite and enthralling. Nowadays almost every professional performance artist has a manager who advises against many of the death-defying acts for the purposes of safety. In many cases, some acts do not get clearance and force the performer to limit their routine. This puts a damper on many performers who do not get a chance to fully express themselves. This as opposed to freelance exhibitionists, who seem to hold a reputation for doing whatever they feel inspired by and can pull off to draw a crowd, make headlines, or leave a lasting message.

Broadway is now reserved for large feature productions yet has deeply ingrained roots within vaudeville, burlesque, and cabaret. It is difficult to recognize a Broadway show for its brilliance without paying homage to the three performance styles that it has stemmed from. Today's Broadway shows are so elaborate and feature performance art, digital imaging, and an ensemble. Talent is just as good as it was as the art form developed over the years.

Walter Benjamin's The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction

Walter Benjamin, author, philosopher and cultural critic shown above
(Courtesy: http://image.slidesharecdn.com)

Walter Benjamin's essay, The work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction brings attention to technological innovation and its impact on art. He uses art forms such as photographic negatives, lithography, and copperplate etching to describe how imitation has become more prevalent over the years. Stemming from mass production, curiosity, greed and self-interest, replication have always existed.

Benjamin argues that in principle, all works of art are able to be replicated. With many objects, structures, paintings or drawings, this is perhaps true, however, there are exceptions to this principle. Many pictures are considered works of art, featuring a specific time or event that transpired. In the example of a volcanic eruption, an event that occurs very rarely, it would be difficult for someone to reproduce a picture that someone took on a specific day, time, angle, lighting, etc.  Even if the imitator managed to meet all the same criteria, there is such a minute statistical chance that someone would be able to get an identical picture. In the sense that someone could digitally scan the picture or use a negative and "replicate" it, is a possibility but is still a challenge to physically recreate.

There are many forms of art, some easier to imitate than others and some not. In my opinion, performance art is not replicable. It can be imitated but not 100% replicated. Stage performers can practice and rehearse their routine as frequently as possible yet will not be able to perform the same time with consistency. Each interaction with other performers, the physical condition of the performer at the time, mood, and attention to detail are all contributing factors that make replication almost impossible. Overall, my take on the matter leaves me to believe that Walter Benjamin is wrong in stating all works of are replicable. There are certain forms of art that are unique in that they are not replicable by the nature of their appearance, circumstances, or properties.

Benjamin, Walter. "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction." Modern Art and Modernism. Auckland, N.Z.: PhotoForum, 2007. 218-20. Print.

The Pirates of Penzance Video Game Conversion

Above, the cast of The Pirates of Penzance, 1983. Directed by Wilford Leach
(Courtesy: blogspot.com)

As assigned I created a video game based on an opera created before the year 1920. For the video I decided to choose the opera The Pirates of Penzance. The story follows a pirate apprentice, who wishes to rid himself of the pirate life now that he has reached the age of 21, the end of his contractual service. After it is revealed that he was born on a leap year and technically has 5 birthdays, the loyal pirate must find a way to please his crew but also win the love of his life, Mabel. 

In short, my game would fall under the open world category and follow protagonist Fredric, as he ventures through Penzance Bay seeking to gain freedom from the life of a pirate. Throughout the campaign gameplay, characters from the opera are featured, side missions are available, and interactions which lead to greater character development are present. 

The following images are a few screenshots of my paper. Overall, the film adaptation was difficult to watch, but the project was thought provoking as it allowed for unlimited creativity.

1st Day of ART211 with Cat Thompson

Art & Technology clash, an ongoing topic for discussion
(Courtesy: The University of Iowa)

Hey! I am Matthew Chang. I am an International Business and Management major taking this course as it seemed most concurrent with the advancement of art as opposed to the many others. Art is not one of my strong suits, however, I do favor music and drawing when I have free time. Hopefully there will be time to cover these areas throughout the semester.

My first thoughts before beginning class was that it would follow the same constructs as any other art class I have previously taken. In high school and prior to that, the course would cover topics that were determined by a board of educators that deemed particular content important. More often than not, there would not be room for additional material chosen by students in the lesson plan.

Upon arriving to class and listening to Professor Thompson, I knew this would not be the case. She made it fundamentally clear that what we learn in class would be relevant to our daily lives and the influences it draws upon.  I am particularly excited to see how art has evolved from its most basic form to its most modern representation.

After concluding our first meeting, I left with a great sense of relief knowing that the class is instructed by a professor with an unconventional way of teaching. This creative approach will surely breach the gap that many other professors have a difficult time overcoming with their students.

The story of Dr. Cuero is a fine addition to the classic tales of struggling at an early age, striving for greatness and eventually achieving it. With 9 scientific inventions claimed in his name, it is no wonder why he is considered a revered microbiologist. His invention of a product that helps clean up oil after spills and discovery of a process, stimulating anti-oxidant production in plants are extremely helpful to many businesses as well as applicable towards an environmental effort. I agree with Dr. Cuero, in that to be creative you need to exceed preconceived notions of you by innovating and changing expectations. Many born into luxury are at a disadvantage as they are not challenged to find solutions to life's most basic obstacles, leaving them with only the most challenging which are left incomplete or unsolved. Learning inductively, new knowledge, is imperative for growth in addition to advancement of our society. His interview with Patricia Ross made it clear that many obstacles can be overcome as long as the individual sets realistic goals without the fear of failing and interacts with their surroundings creating new ways of thinking.

So far it seems to be a good start to the spring semester, I am looking forward to the next class.