Skip to main content

Technology and Art

I read this article this morning:

http://www.npr.org/blogs/13.7/2014/09/29/352419627/domesticated-robots-and-the-art-of-being-human

I won't quote it here, like I usually do, because it is pretty extensive. It's worth a look, though.

The article brings up questions of artistic expression and how we use technology to manipulate the world around us. There is also the idea that this technology manipulates us, as well, shaping how we see the world and how we interact with each other.

I'm particularly interested in how the evolution of the use of technology has enabled different kinds of artistic expression. The article mentions that we first used technology when the first person picked up a rock to get food - probably hunting. Since that time, we have continued to change and progress in our use of technology to express ourselves, to change our world, and to be more human. As we do so, we are also changing what it means to be a human.

I had a conversation once with a friend who is a spectacular artist. Here's his website:

http://chrisyoungfineart.com/artist.asp?ArtistID=34275&AKey=V9LPV246

His art is almost hyper-realistic, providing a clarity and attention to detail that I find very engaging. I asked him if, in his work with still lifes in particular, if he worked with photography and computer manipulation of the images. He said that at first he was very reluctant to do that, trying to stay true to the more pure and traditional work of art. But, he said, over time he started to realize that there was this great tool available to help him produce images that were easier to manipulate and did not degrade over time. He still does the work with paint and brush, for which there simply is no substitute. But the way the image is generated and manipulated is greatly facilitated using a computer to enhance what he was trying to do.

At some level, art is all about communication. Originally, art told very specific stories and tried to be as exact as the technology of the day would allow. Chris does this extremely well - folks at my house look at his work that we have on the walls and assume that it's a photograph. Perhaps it's a bit ironic that the image was something originally real, of which a photograph was taken and manipulated on a computer, from which Chris generated a painting, which was then digitized again, only to be reproduced in the print on my wall. Whatever humanity there was about the work seems very diluted and plasticized by the process.

So what, then, do I enjoy about the art? Why do I hang this work on my walls and continue to gain inspiration from it?

It's the subject matter I enjoy. The intent. The craft. The precision.


I have one similar to this on my wall at home. I find it incredibly lovely for reasons that are maybe obvious but also very personal.

So, does technology enhance our ability to communicate, to express thoughts, feelings, and ideas? Or does it remove our humanity from us, until as Jack Johnson laments -

no prints can come from fingers
if machines become our hands...

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Ephesus

Paul got around. Ephesus is right on the Aegean Sea, on the coast of present-day Turkey. Yesterday he was in Galatia, which was much more towards the middle of Turkey. And when he actually wrote these letters, he was in Rome... So the man could travel. He probably walked. Today's item of interest comes from chapter one in Ephesians. Verses 18 and 19 are particularly interesting: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power This is not the first time Paul talks about an inheritance. In Galatians he talks about the inheritance that comes of being part of the Abrahamic Covenant. He notes that we are joint-heirs through and with Christ. In Ephesians, he uses the word "adoption" - that we are adopted as the Children of Jesus Chris...

Engaged

Three Dog Night got it wrong.  One is not the loneliest number. They were more accurate when they said Two can be as bad as one.  I really wonder how people can survive Without being fully engaged. How they live through each day Without the intimacy I so very much crave... Maybe I am unusual in my desire  To have this intimacy, To want to feel that soul So close to my own Sharing light and warmth, Sharing love and passion, Sharing life. Alas! Alas! Alas! For when I do seek to share It is often only to be rebuffed Denied Or used up, Sucked dry, And left an empty husk.  I want SO MUCH to share And all I have is the cold, digital world Of typing out a blog.

Lucky!

So Tomorrow is Amie's birthday. The 12 th is Andy's. The 14 th is Alex's. And the 26 th is mom's. Happy birthday everyone. I recently found that a member of our ward has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer has a survivability rate of less than 5% and you never, ever kick it, even if you live. Once diagnosed, people are expected to live about six months. My wife and I were talking about this wonderful woman. There are very few (too few) people in this world who shine. Literally. This sister shines with a light that is perceptible and discernible . The world will literally be a darker place without her in it. Life is short, folks. Too short for hard feelings, too short for pain and misunderstanding. I love you all so much. Sorry this one is such a downer... I don't mean to be lugubrious on your birthdays... I consider myself lucky to be your brother. You have and continue to bless me and my family in many ways, for which I will be eternally gra...