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.
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.
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.
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.
Wayang Kulit, the Indonesian theatrical performance of shadow puppets, is deeply ingrained in the country's culture, history, and livelihood. It is so important that there are three specific regions where it has become infamous for this art form. Careers, theaters, and pass times have been created as a result of this cultural performance. Wayang Kulit can be used to describe the current social structure of Indonesia, give out sermons, and a medium of education as mentioned in the video. It can also be used as a medium for dispersing information to the people. It is seen as an ingenious cultural heritage of Indonesia and the world to many Indonesians, often synonymous with the identity of the country.
In the video a man who now works as a Dalang, a shadow puppeteer, was taught since the age of three to master Wayang Kulit. As a Dalang he is expected to orchestrate the puppet movements in synchronization with the music and dialogue, as well as play instruments at the same time. According to the video, a single performance can use up to 400 different Wayangs, each with their own characteristics and distinct features that contribute to the storyline.
Much like Wayang Kulit, American theater has shared its history with storytelling and performances. Puppet shows, marionettes, and films have been used to achieve many similar goals that the Indonesians seek with Wayang Kulit. Despite the low technological integration that the Indonesian theatrical performance has, it still requires a great amount of skill and has remained true to its origins. American theater unless specified as solely one type of show has evolved to a more contemporary style. This change has developed in order to satisfy the ever-changing interests of the American public. Adaptations from classic performances have now become common and most of the old styles are performed for a sense of nostalgia or urge for avant-garde trends.
The link above directs you to PBS.org where readers can learn about the history of the microchip. The microchip, an invention that has spurred so many others that it can be considered a building block for most future technologies. Most commonly, it serves to be used as a personal computing device. Due to Moore's law, microchip technology is advancing, reaching greater computing power at cheaper costs. Due to this defined law, the average smartphone in 2016 has more computing power than Apollo 11 in 1969 when it ventured to the moon, says Time magazine. As described in a 2012 NASA post, "smartphones have more than 100 times the computing power of the average satellite, with fast processors, high resolution cameras, GPS receivers and several radios and sensors built in". With such vast capabilities and advanced technology, the power to create increases exponentially. The reality, however, is that the average smartphone owner will not use their phone to develop anything useful, but remain a consumer only to download applications or send text messages. For those who have contributed to the advancement of society with life improving products or services, the world thanks you and hopes to see more inspiring people like yourself. Stengel, Richard. "Making Sense of Our Wireless World." Time. Time Inc., 27 Aug. 2012. Web. 16 Apr. 2016. Yost, Bruce. "This Week @ NASA, November 23, 2012." NASA. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 23 Nov. 2012. Web. 16 Apr. 2016.
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.
Above is a depiction of what a Minstrel show performer would generally look like
(Courtesy: sideshowworld.com)
Today in class we watched Blacks on Vaudeville, a documentary on Vaudeville displaying its history and its correlation with minstrel shows. Minstrel shows, the poorly reenacted representation of how Black Americans, slaves, or "Negroes" entertained themselves during this time period. Beginning in 1843 and lasting till the mid-20th century, minstrel shows featuring musical and dance performances for crowds all over America (Minstrel Show, 2016).
Personally, I do not care for Vaudeville or minstrel shows either. As part of history I recognize minstrel shows as a point in Vaudeville's evolution, however, I cannot sit through a viewing without utter dismay. The shows reflect a point in time in which discrimination was very commended, with the specific goal of dehumanizing the Black American people.
The documentary highlighted the shows and its rising popularity in the 1840's. Before watching this segment, I had no idea that there were actually Black American minstrel performers. I always had the impression that it was a Caucasian person with black face, generating stereotypical propaganda to an all Caucasian crowd. To my surprise, I was wrong. Apparently the minstrel shows, featured some willing Black American participants, attendees and supporters. Understandably, for Black Americans at the time the wage was probably better than most paid positions, treatment was bearable, as well as the chance to perform on stage was rare. Some of these performers even used their talent, skills, and resistance to stereotyping to gain popularity amongst their community. As mentioned in the documentary, the Nicholas brothers are revered for doing just that.
The first minstrel performer to receive national recognition and have their performance considered that of a human was Bert Williams. In the documentary a frame shot is paused, displaying a quote by George Washington Carver, best known for developing a variety of uses for crops such as peanuts, then leading numerous speaking engagements as a symbol of African-American achievement (McMurry, 1991). The quote reads, "Bert Williams has done more for the race than I have. He's smiled his way into people's hearts" (Crazybluezzdaddy, 2012). As of 1910 he was the most respected comedians on the American stage and was the first Black American to be admired by people of all races. Overall, there is a collection of good stories of Black American performers leaving their impact on Vaudeville's history, however, those that were not featured are to be even more considered. With its racist and stereotypical motif, it is no wonder why minstrel shows began to disappear just as the civil rights movement started.
Below is a portion of the documentary by PBS, originally aired on November 26, 1997.
"minstrel show". Encyclopedia Britannica.Encyclopedia Britanncia Online. Encyclopedia Britannica Inc., 2016. Web. 24 Feb. 2016
McMurry, Linda O. "George Washington Carver." History.com. A&E Television Networks, 1991. Web. 24 Feb. 2016.
Crazybluezzdaddy. "Blacks and Vaudeville: PBS Documentary." YouTube. YouTube, 29 May 2012. Web. 24 Feb. 2016.
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.
Tuesday's class involving paper airplanes was a great learning experience. It bridged the gap between 2D material and 3D models. It was curiosity that lead man to reach new heights and discover flight. Pioneers in China around 400 B.C., discovered the earliest form of flight with the invention of the kite (Shaw, 2014). Since this event, many other innovators and inventors went on to create their own flying mechanisms bringing them closer to the modern invention of the airbus. Most notably are Leonardo da Vinci, The Wright Brothers, and Alberto Santos-Dumont (JACO, 2016).
Before class it was each student's responsibility to act as innovators and inventors, using previous paper airplane designs to craft our very own models. There were no restrictions to what a student could craft, leaving creativity as well as imagination unhindered. Personally, it was a far greater outcome without the existence of guidelines or a criterium. As for my model, I searched many sources which had claimed to feature the best design, however, I ended up testing the few that I thought to be promising but reverted to a model that had worked for me in the past. Many of the other models caught my attention with colorful and rounded designs.
The competition between the class revealed that some had the most creative, shortest, longest, and most aerodynamic designs. I personally liked moving out to the parking garage giving each student the chance to demonstrate how aerodynamic their paper plane was. During this event, it was Joey and Dozer's airplanes that impressed me the most. Their models had been crafted in a way such that the wind carried them a great distance with little to no resistance. My plane on the other hand did not do so well outside despite winning the longest distance indoors. Overall, this was a powerful activity that brought out creativity and competition amongst myself and the other students.
Shaw, Robert J., Dr. "History of Flight." History of Flight. NASA, 12 June 2014. Web. 15 Feb. 2016
JACO Aerospace. "History of Aviation: Aircrafts Through Time. " www.e-aircraftsupply.com. Jaco Aerospace, n.d. Web. 15 Feb. 2016.
The article "The World of Wrestling" by Roland Barthes brought an interesting topic to light, the difference between spectacle and demonstration of excellence. In regards to wrestling, its roots as a performance based entertainment draws attention to the dramatizations performed by the wrestlers as opposed to boxing, where a match is determined by a battle of skill and passion for the sport. Barthes identified a grave reality when comparing the two in the following quote.
"The logical conclusion of the contest does not interest the wrestling-fan, while on the
contrary a boxing-match always implies a science of the future."
What Barthes does best in stating such, is the outcome of both wrestling and boxing as well as their importance to its spectators. Personally, I grew up watching wrestling but never worried about who won so long as there was sufficient action. With the advent of the UFC and boxing ever more prevalent than in the recent years, boxing has received much more praise for its ability to attract all crowds. So therefore, I believe there is validity in Barthes viewpoint and statements to back it up. As mentioned in the reading, wrestling draws upon and shares elements of theatre. Suffering, defeat and justice as Barthes claims, can all be witnessed during a wrestling match, all while using the crowd's emotions to fuel the outcome.
Despite being predetermined matches, I would enjoy the Tables, Ladders and Chairs (TLC) matches. These always seemed to portray the more realistic violence than the proverbial punches or stomps. Fans have taken their own approach to the "sport" and have created backyard wrestling, which portrays similar themes, however, involves untrained participants who actually sustain real injuries. Many popular television shows such as Tosh.0 or Ridiculousness have aired home videos that have shown such events. Pop culture has also taken their approach at the modern day perception of the spectacle. South Park and Workaholics have parodied the theatrics of wrestling highlighting the outrageous backstories that the wrestlers direct to the audience and the whimsical gullibility of their audience. Overall, my take on wrestling is a negative perception, however, it is difficult to ignore because it is a multi-million dollar industry.
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.
