Event 4 (Extra Credit)

Event 4 - Weak or No Signal

Technology’s Impact

Technology and art are intertwined in the sense that technology has allowed for artists to expand their creativity in their work. That is, technology has become utilized as new tools for artistic expression (Gever). Art before the technological boom was predominantly shaped by people of power such as famous artists, art gallery owners, or art promoters (Gever). But now, technology has allowed for artists to be socially connected. That is, before technology was widely utilized in art, artists had to go to galleries to get their work recognized. If their work was not good enough according to the gallery’s standards, then your art would not be exposed (Gever).

Art and Technology (McCaslin)

Technology in Art

When did this trend of using technology for art begin? The answer is unclear as artists have been using technology to express themselves for a very long time (Rieland). However, it was mostly in the recent decades in which technology was used to mix various types of media, which subsequently also made the process of creating art easier (Rieland). In fact, this form of use for technology was a part of a larger, umbrella movement called the “Digital Revolution” (Rieland). According to Techopedia, the digital revolution, which began in the 1980s, was a transition from using electronic or mechanical devices to digital technology that we still use today.

Technology changing art (Wolford)

The Event

The artworks that I was lucky enough to see and experience verify this exact phenomena. Although my experience with art has been limited, I could frankly state that this art exhibit was the most intriguing and exciting exhibit I have ever been to. I was not simply impressed by how the artists were able to portray their artworks using technology, but also how creative and astonishing these works of art were. The artwork that caught my attention right away was the moving cart, which was a shopping cart that spun by itself. The artwork was very interesting not solely because it was something new, but also because it invoked an emotion inside of me, a mixed emotion of fear, wonder, and humor.

Emotions (LeahK)

In addition to the invoking of emotions, Ms. Joteva’s work manifested a different function. My personal favorite of her artworks was the series of Biogram Blueprints that she created. When I initially viewed her artwork from afar, it seemed as if the art was simply an aesthetically pleasing painting. However, as I looked at it up close, I felt a sensation that was, at the time, difficult to describe. According to Gaenir, this sensation is what a biogram artwork seeks to achieve. That is, the biogram seeks to spell out the relationship between our emotion and bodily experience (our bodies’ biochemical response) for purposes such as therapeutical healing (Gaenir). I didn’t even know such a thing existed!

Signal Moods (Thongborisute)

Biogram Blueprints (Joteva)

No Title (Jiang)

The art exhibit was truly something I am happy I was able to experience and recommend other students to go and check out whenever there is a chance. I had not even the slightest clue of the talent that resides within UCLA’s Art Department. It was a truly fun experience, and I only wish I had more time to get to see the artworks again.

Selfie

(Thank you Eli for inviting me!)

Gaenir, PJ. “REMOTE VIEWING.” Biogram Theory / Model / Therapy : An Article by PJ Gaenir, Palyne 'PJ' Gaenir, www.firedocs.com/remoteviewing/pjarchives/articles/pj_article_biogram.cfm.

Gever, Eyal. “Technology and Art: Engineering the Future.” BBC News, BBC, 4 Oct. 2012, www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-19576763.

Rieland, Randy. “7 Ways Technology Is Changing How Art Is Made.” Smithsonian.com, Smithsonian Institution, 27 Aug. 2014, www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/7-ways-technology-is-changing-how-art-is-made-180952472/.

Techopedia. “What Is the Digital Revolution? - Definition from Techopedia.” Techopedia.com, Techopedia Inc., www.techopedia.com/definition/23371/digital-revolution.

Wolford, Ben. “A Canadian Artist Built a Wall That Moves When You Do.” Isciencetimes.com, IScienceTimes, 28 Feb. 2014, www.isciencetimes.com/articles/6890/20140228/hexi-responsive-wall-what-happens-when-technology.htm.

Photos / Artworks Cited

Jiang, Menga. Title. University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, 2018, New Wight Gallery, 240 Charles E Young Dr N, Los Angeles, CA 90095.

Joteva, Eli. Biogram Blueprints. University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, 2018, New Wight Gallery, 240 Charles E Young Dr N, Los Angeles, CA 90095.

Leahk. “Feeling Faces.” Sunflowerstorytime.com, Pinterest, 28 Apr. 2015, sunflowerstorytime.com/2015/04/28/feelings-faces/.

McCaslin, Taylor. “Art and Technology.” Taylormccaslin.com, Taylor McCaslin, www.taylormccaslin.com/about/.

Thongborisute, Tuang. Signal Moods. University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, 2018, New Wight Gallery, 240 Charles E Young Dr N, Los Angeles, CA 90095.

Bibliography