Homework 3

Because we, the younger generation, have been introduced to all these different experiences and have access to all kinds of media, it is difficult for us to be drawn to something so "simple" such as a painting in a museum. Many people want that constant entertainment. Whenever I am waiting for something, whether it'd be for an appointment or my next class, I, and like many others, will check my phone. But what happens when I finally finish reading my texts, running through my newsfeed, checking any updates, or playing my game apps? I become immensely bored. I become so bored that I reread tweets and texts, scroll again on instagram, or force myself to play a game that I have already gotten tired of. Although we are accessible to technology and its unlimited abilities (making it impossible for us to not be entertained), we become bored so easily if we see something that is not integrated with these forms of media.

With this, I agree that non-contemporary cinema does indeed bore the younger generation because it lacks sufficient information to keep them entertained. However, the blame should not be put on the Art itself. An artist does not have the responsibility to please its viewers; an artist creates art simply because they feel compelled to. I believe that whether an artwork brings you interest or not, it is not entitled to any of the feelings that are provoked.

I agree that because the world has brought more focus on digital media, we feel the need to believe in someone or something only if we have evidence through documentation. Although I am against this, we have no choice but to prove something to others with documented evidence such as a video recording or pictures. This reminded me of the many times I was given an assignment to visit a museum and write a research paper, but credit would not be given until I had pictures of myself next to the artwork. What about the whole essay I typed up explaining each artwork? Were they not good enough to prove that I had carefully analyzed each of them? We already have that plagiarism tool attached to each essay we turn in. Although the evidence was to make sure we did not just copy other work, it took away from my experience and full appreciation of each fine art. Just like going to a concert and recording the whole performance, we lose the full experience of certain things that matter to us.

Homework 2

After reading the article "GIFs Are the New Graffiti," I think Guus ter Beek and Tayfun Sarier are truly revolutionary. Although I wouldn't exactly call it new "graffiti" based on the actual definition, never would I have thought to apply GIFs to street art. Their idea to incorporate GIFs that reflect each street's environment is very innovative and is a great example that proves GIFs can indeed be made into art; I think as long as there is a meaning for it. 

Since GIFs are now officially a form of art, I can only imagine the new ideas that will later be brought to the table. After reading about Tumblr putting digital art up for auction, I was very surprised by the range of prices they are being sold for ($800 to $1600). I don't know if I support GIFs being sold for high prices, but I guess by now being a form of art justifies being treated like an art and deserving recognition. 

Like Beek and Sarier's art, using GIFs to create a graphic novel also proves that modern art is constantly changing; there is no limit to what kind of medium is used for art. However, I don't believe the notion that GIFs democratize art is completely true. Yes, most of us have access to computers, certain softwares, and free websites to create them, but, like I said before, and like what Kevin Burg and Jamie Beck stated, there should be a reason behind making a certain GIF and not because the Internet loves them. I also agree with their reason why GIFs have become so popular- we desire speed. Because the world is now so advanced, there are lesser things that amaze us or even catch our slightest attention. When browsing the internet, usually if we see something too long to read or too long of a video, we simply ignore it or scroll on to other things. With GIFs, they have the ability to catch our attention right off the bat.

Project 1

The lamp that appears in Pixar's corporate logo was first introduced in 1986 when they released their first short film "Luxo Jr." Directed by John Lasseter, he was inspired to make this film simply from the lamp on his desk. 

I've always wanted to work for Pixar ever since I was little, so being a fan of this animation company has inspired me to make this gif. The lamp is looking around until it finally turns to face us. I added a tween so that it fades, then I duplicated all the frames and reversed it so that it makes a perfect loop. By doing this, I wanted to connect the lamp to myself and to those who are still unsure about their future and don't yet know what to do with their lives. We're still looking for that certain passion, but, like the lamp when it faces the screen, we realize that what comes first is staying true to yourself. "I can't tell you the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everyone." -Ed Sheeran

Homework 1

After listening to the “Think Again” podcast, I took note of Sarah Lewis’ perspective of art’s ability. She believes that art shifted or turned the tide in the face of massive injustice; for example, the photograph “Earthrise” being the most influential environmental photograph for the environmental movement, or, Louis Armstrong’s music contributing to the Brown vs. Board of Education. I completely agree that someone’s work has the potential to influence others. Like Banksy, he uses art, specifically graffiti, to encourage political activism and social change. While Sarah Lewis sees art as a way to change the world, new technologies and electronic phenomena today have made me also realize that in addition, the world has now changed art.

The shift in art from realism to modernism has created not only innovation but the ability to express oneself more freely. In the Introduction to New Media Art, we are taught that there is no specific basis for new media because the world is constantly being introduced to new technology, etc. Compared to before, the use of avant-garde has increased as people have been pushing their boundaries to design something original, inventive, or revolutionary. As we now focus on new technologies to express art, there are endless possibilities to what people present.

The notion that the world has changed art is also represented in the online gallery under Smithsonian American Art Museum. While many of the media art were intriguing, the Choco Drink TV by Kota Ezawa stuck out the most for me. By using mixed media, Kota created something beyond the norm and represented contemporary art. All the unusual objects formed together reminded me of Arthur Danto’s view that art has come to the end and that “there was no special way a work of art had to be.” There is no limit to what a person uses to express his or her artwork.