The art world has long been ruled by the stroke of a paintbrush and the arthritis-inducing sculpting of clay and etching of stone. But what about the click of a mouse and the illuminated colors of a computer monitor?
Since the mid-1950s, artists all over the world have been using technology to press the boundaries of art. However, despite being around for decades, technology-driven art still has to fight for respect. In the past, critics have tried to turn a blind eye to the advances of digitized artwork but to no avail. However, digital art has gained a great deal of respect in the last few decades, especially since computer software programs have gotten better at catering to artists.
Today technology has integrated with art to such a degree that it has grown to include digitally manipulated photography, computer-made illustrations, and realistically rendered digital full-size paintings.
Many purists ask: if a painter uses a computer to create a painting, who then is the artist -- the computer or the person? However, I believe that art is the realization of a vision in the mind, period.
Purists should realize that the computer, good or bad, is here to stay. Instead of looking down on computer-aided art, they should think of ways that the computer can enhance art and change the definition of successful artistic expression.
After all, the computer is a tool. Doctors who use scalpels are no less doctors because they used an ergonomically designed scalpel versus a dull spoon. So it should be for artists. The creation in the mind is where art becomes art. If the computer aids a person in bringing their artistic vision to light, is it anything less than art? I think not.
I'm not saying that there isn't any bad digital art out there because there definitely is. But bear in mind that digital art hasn't been around nearly as long as, say, drawing. As all of you Survey of Art History students should know by now, the first signs of drawing were done in caves around 15,000 B.C. Since art that utilizes technology has only been around for 50 years or so, it hasn't had nearly enough time to mature and learn from itself, nor have its critics. As time marches on, the flow of knowledge will hopefully go back and forth between the artists and critics. It's important to say that not only does the digital artist and the field of digital art need to mature, but so do the critics.
Sure, there tends to be a lot of really bad computer art, but trust me, this phenomenon is not exclusive only to this particular field of art. There is a lot of really bad art out there, period -- digital or otherwise. So there's no need to pick on the computer artist. But we should definitely offer constructive criticism that can push the art form into its next level of maturity.
HIRED:
- New iPods: By the time you are reading this article, or not reading it, rumor has it there will be some bigger (memory-wise) iPods hitting the market, 10, 15, and 30 GB. Apple is doing away with the smallest 5 GB model. They'll all also have a new charging cradle. Rock-a-bye iPod. My precioussss.
- Apple's Music Service: The rumor mill is also full of talk of Apple having a new "browse, one-click purchase, and download" music service that will be fully integrated into iTunes as well as the iPods. Napster's back and this time it's legal.
- New Film Software: Apple has announced DVD Studio Pro 2, Final Cut Pro 4, and Shake 3. These products will allow for the most professional of final films as well as the slickest of DVDs. Once you go Apple you never go back.
- A couple of other side notes: Apple is reportedly working on a new communication device of some kind. This rumor has been around for a little while so who knows if it's based on anything valid. But the mere thought of it piques my interest. Also, when the first iMacs were released, Best Buy refused to carry them because they weren't allowed to pick which color of computers they would receive. The only Apple product that has graced Best Buy shelves has been the iPod. Well, the Apple-branded computer we all know and love will be returning to Best Buy. Look for it.
FIRED:
- Apple to Buy Universal Music? There was a rumor in the beginning of April that Apple was going to purchase Universal Music as a part of their new Music Service. After a week of speculation and the dropping of Apple's stock, this rumor was laid to rest by Apple. It would have been a bad move since it was said that they were going to pay about $6 million for the company and Apple has about that same amount of cash on hand.
Logo by Rebecca Kramer