I was really nervous to do this project. I was in fear that I would do it all wrong because I have a lack of video experience and technique. When thinking of a topic to center my video art around, I wanted it to be on an issue that somehow related to me. I thought what better topic than insomnia….it’s finals week. I focused my video on insomnia and the delusions a person would get when going without sleep for long periods of time. Since my video skills aren’t up to par, I tried to make up for it by creating a mix of songs that sounded trippy/delusional to go along with my video. The most difficult part was to try and match the music with what was taking place in the video. Although I wasn’t very good at it, I really enjoyed this project and it really opened my eyes to viewing video as art. This project makes me want to further my understanding and skills with video art, and I definitely want to continue working with it.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Video Art: Insomnia
Jim Campbell
Jim Campbell has some incredible installations, some of the best I've seen. I think it is so clever the way he uses all of these elements that some artists never even think of. One of his installations made me laugh because I could easily relate to it. Obsessive Compulsion 1988 is an installation of a woman washing her hands for long periods of time, then it shows her in the shower. A couple years ago I went through a stage were I was overly obsessed with washing my hands to the point where my hands became so dry.
Maybe I'm easily ammused, but I think Jim Campbell's works were he captured the shaddows of people walking are absolutely BRILLIANT! I would absolutely love to do something on the lines of that. I love black and white photography but besides that I think it looks cool and I was so amazed with how he actually accomplished it ( by taking a picture, and in the same spot recording those who are moving in the same setting). I love them all! I am going to post some of my favorites below.
Tourists at World Trade Center
Grand Central Station
Maybe I'm easily ammused, but I think Jim Campbell's works were he captured the shaddows of people walking are absolutely BRILLIANT! I would absolutely love to do something on the lines of that. I love black and white photography but besides that I think it looks cool and I was so amazed with how he actually accomplished it ( by taking a picture, and in the same spot recording those who are moving in the same setting). I love them all! I am going to post some of my favorites below.
Pipilotti Rist
I really like Pipilotti Rist. I think her works of art are really interesting, upbeat, and vibrant. Her pictures where she incorporates body parts into nature are gorgeous. It is entertaining to see how she connects the human body with different aspects of nature.
On the other hand, Im Not The Girl Who Misses Much...is a little bizzarre and repetitive, but you can see that she is comfortable enough with herself to wear a black dress with her breasts revealed as she hops around the screen saying the same thing over and over again. I find her to be a free spirited person just by the style of her pictures and video art.
On the other hand, Im Not The Girl Who Misses Much...is a little bizzarre and repetitive, but you can see that she is comfortable enough with herself to wear a black dress with her breasts revealed as she hops around the screen saying the same thing over and over again. I find her to be a free spirited person just by the style of her pictures and video art.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Performance Art
For my video project, I decided to show how easy technology has made it for us to communicate with another person in public without actually talking. In the video my brother and I went into Mcdonald's on a Sunday morning when it was really crowded. We arranged it look like we were on a date and everyone around us thought everything was perfectly normal until we started communicating using the computer programs Microsoft Sam (my brothers voice) and Microsoft Anna( my voice). This almost reminded me of online dating in a way. I was really pleased with this project and how it turned out because at first I couldn't figure out what I wanted to do. The only thing I was disappointed about was that because of all of the background noice, it is difficult to hear my computer talking throughout the film. I posted the script that my brother and I used below. I hope you enjoy it!
Taylor: Hi Ryan it’s so good to see you! I have missed you so much!
Ryan: Hi Taylor. I missed you too. How do you like going to school in Tampa?
Taylor: I like it a lot, I just wish that I was going to school a little bit closer to home.
Ryan: Yes. I know what you mean. Me mom and dad miss you around the house.
Taylor: Anyways. How is eighth grade going for you?
Ryan: It is good. It is a lot of work though. But I have a ton of friends.
Taylor: That is so good to hear. What are your plans for the rest of the day?
Ryan: I wanted to go to the movies to see the new movie Due Date with the guy that’s in the movie the hangover.
Taylor: Oh that’s great! I wanted to see that too. Maybe we could go together.
Ryan: Yes. I would love that. I will look up the times and we can figure something out.
Taylor: Perfect.
Ryan: Did you want to get some breakfast?
Taylor: No thank you. I already ate. I just came here to meet with you. You can get some food if you want.
Ryan: I’m okay. I’m so glad that you decided to meet me here. We need to plan another date like this the next time you are home on break.
Taylor: Yes definitely. The next time I’m coming home is December sixteenth and I will be home for a whole month. Isn’t that great
Ryan: Yes that will give us plenty of time to catch up and spend some time together.
Taylor: I know. I can’t wait!
Ryan: Well I have to get going. I will call you later about the movie times.
Taylor: Alright. Take care. I will talk to you soon.
Ryan: Bye.
Taylor: Bye Ryan.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
MUSIQUEconcrète:
After learning about concrete music in class, I had a new understanding of the type of music I listen to. Whenever I think of music I think of instruments making the sounds. In this case, concrete music deals with sound, but the sounds are not necessarily made by musical instuments. In concrete music, musicians will make music from just about anything that makes a sound. They do this by producing the sound with an object, recording it, repeating it, and sometimes even playing it backwards. This is how beats are made in most of the music I listen to today.
Concrete music was first developed in the 1940's by Pierre Schaeffer when refering to concrete music he refers to the word jeu, from the verb jouer, which in english means "to play" aka "to enjoy oneself by interacting with one's surroundings", as well as "to operate a musical instrument".
This style of music created by Schaeffer has influenced a series of different artists such as Stockhausen who is known as one of the most important, but controversial electronic musicians. His style is a lot different than the style of other musicians. He recently passed away in 2007.
Concrete music was first developed in the 1940's by Pierre Schaeffer when refering to concrete music he refers to the word jeu, from the verb jouer, which in english means "to play" aka "to enjoy oneself by interacting with one's surroundings", as well as "to operate a musical instrument".
This style of music created by Schaeffer has influenced a series of different artists such as Stockhausen who is known as one of the most important, but controversial electronic musicians. His style is a lot different than the style of other musicians. He recently passed away in 2007.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Leigh Bowery: the male Lady Gaga 1961-1994
Leigh Bowery, walking art, Lady Gaga's inspiration, fashion designer, performance artist..you name it, he's it!
I would have to say that Leigh Bowery is one of my favorite performance artists. He literally does whatever he feels and I like that about him. He has outrageous costumes that he wears just about anywhere and he doesn't care who sees him.
Bowery and two other men Guy Barnes and David Walls were an inseparable trio. They were referred to as "the three kings" and they would all wear outfits designed by Bowery.
After the trio split, Bowery worked as a club promoter at a club called Taboo. Taboo was radical and intense just like Studio54.
Bowery blames his radical sense of style on his insecurities. He would wear large, flashy costumes to exaggerate his size and he would sometime use the costumes to hide behind. Bowery was considered gay, but he did have multiple relationships with women.
"I want to be the Andy Warhol of London"- Leigh Bowery
Interesting Article: Bowery Vs. Gaga http://www.artandculture.com/feature/1842
I would have to say that Leigh Bowery is one of my favorite performance artists. He literally does whatever he feels and I like that about him. He has outrageous costumes that he wears just about anywhere and he doesn't care who sees him.
Bowery and two other men Guy Barnes and David Walls were an inseparable trio. They were referred to as "the three kings" and they would all wear outfits designed by Bowery.
After the trio split, Bowery worked as a club promoter at a club called Taboo. Taboo was radical and intense just like Studio54.
Bowery blames his radical sense of style on his insecurities. He would wear large, flashy costumes to exaggerate his size and he would sometime use the costumes to hide behind. Bowery was considered gay, but he did have multiple relationships with women.
"I want to be the Andy Warhol of London"- Leigh Bowery
Laurie Anderson
Laurie Anderson is a performance artists who uses a combination of her improvised story telling and autotuned music. I really like her single "O Superman". When we first listened to it in class I knew that I was going to like pretty much anything Laurie Anderson created.
When she did her live performance art pieces she used intruments that she created herself to suit her style. For example one of the instruments she created was a tape bow violin that used magnetic tape instead of horse hair. She also created a talking stick that resembled a baton but could imitate and record a variety of different noises.
Anderson was really great for combining technology and art; electronic music.
When she did her live performance art pieces she used intruments that she created herself to suit her style. For example one of the instruments she created was a tape bow violin that used magnetic tape instead of horse hair. She also created a talking stick that resembled a baton but could imitate and record a variety of different noises.
Anderson was really great for combining technology and art; electronic music.
Klaus Nomi
Klaus Nomi was born in Germany in 1944. In his early life he worked as an usher at the Deutsche Oper (maybe this later inspired his tuxedo costumes?) After his was done working he would perform opera pieces on stage for the other ushers.
After moving to NY in 1971 Nomi worked as a pastry chef in order to make money while taking singing lessons. His first performance that he came public with in New York was the "New Wave Vaudeville" (1978) which excited the audience to an extent where they were left with the goosebumps.
Later on, Nomi was known for his unique , "circus" looking style with his pale face, dramatic makeup, and receding hairline. Besides his appearance, he was also known for having the voice of a castrato.
Klaus Nomi was instantly hired by David Bowie to perform as a background singer for Bowie's performance on Saturday Night Live 1979.
Nomi has an interesting style of music. Other than being known for his incredible opera voice that reached unbelievable ranges, he also did various covers of pop art in the 80's.
Nomi unfortunately suffered from AIDs and died due to AIDs complications at the age of 39.
He was one of the first gay celebrities to die of AIDS.
After moving to NY in 1971 Nomi worked as a pastry chef in order to make money while taking singing lessons. His first performance that he came public with in New York was the "New Wave Vaudeville" (1978) which excited the audience to an extent where they were left with the goosebumps.
Later on, Nomi was known for his unique , "circus" looking style with his pale face, dramatic makeup, and receding hairline. Besides his appearance, he was also known for having the voice of a castrato.
Klaus Nomi was instantly hired by David Bowie to perform as a background singer for Bowie's performance on Saturday Night Live 1979.
Nomi has an interesting style of music. Other than being known for his incredible opera voice that reached unbelievable ranges, he also did various covers of pop art in the 80's.
Nomi unfortunately suffered from AIDs and died due to AIDs complications at the age of 39.
He was one of the first gay celebrities to die of AIDS.
Joseph Beuys 1921-1986
Joseph Beuys grew up during the difficult years of the Nazi era. He witnessed things and took part in others yet his passion and talent in the art field was undeniable. His teachers always complemented on his talent for drawing as well as his musical talents with the piano and cello. Beuys always knew that he had an interest in natural studies and considered a profession in the medical field, but his influence from Wilhelm Lehmbruck's sculptures convinced Beuys to become a sculptor. After returning from war he enrolled himself in the "Monumental Sculpture" program offered at Düsseldorf Academy of Fine Arts. His focuses were balanced between his love of art and his love of nature.
In the 60's Beuys decided to come public with one of his art performances at an art festival that coincided with the 20th anniversary of an assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler. Beuys was attacked by a group of students and was punched in the face. The picture of Beuy's bleeding face circled the public. In response to this festival, Beuys created “Life Course/ Work Course" which was an idiosyncratic CV. Life Course/ Work Course was a writing that was based on a self-consciously fictionalized document on his life where historical events mingled with metaphorical and mythical speech. As Joseph Beuys may have found himself slightly influenced by the Fluxus movement in his later years, he swiftly moved away from the influences around the time of the late 60's.
I find Joseph Beuys really interesting. I like that he explains his reasoning behind some of his art work; whether it is the covering of objects in felt or his performance art pieces. For example "How to Explain Pictures to a Dead Hare", was known to be one of his most famous performance art pieces. He sat in a gallery with his head covered in honey and gold leaf while whispering information about the pictures on the walls to a dead hare that he cradled in his arms. He is explaining his passion to a dead animal that doesn't understand it. I love his explanation for this piece. It really shows how he combines natural sciences and art.
“In putting honey on my head I am clearly doing something that has to do with thinking. Human ability is not to produce honey, but to think, to produce ideas. In this way the deathlike character of thinking becomes lifelike again. For honey is undoubtedly a living substance. Human thinking can be lively too. But it can also be intellectualized to a deadly degree, and remain dead, and express its deadliness in, say, the political or pedagogic fields. “Gold and honey indicate a transformation of the head, and therefore, naturally and logically, the brain and our understanding of thought, consciousness and all the other levels necessary to explain pictures to a hare: the warm stool insulated with felt…and the iron sole with the magnet. I had to walk on this sole when I carried the hare round from picture to picture, so along with the strange limp came the clank of iron on the hard stone floor—that was all that broke the silence, since my explanations were mute… “This seems to have been the action that most captured people’s imaginations. On one level this must be because everyone consciously or unconsciously recognizes the problem of explaining things, particularly where art and creative work are concerned, or anything that involves a certain mystery or question. The idea of explaining to an animal conveys a sense of the secrecy of the world and of existence that appeals to the imagination. Then, as I said, even a dead animal preserves more powers of intuition than some human beings with their stubborn rationality. “The problem lies in the word ‘understanding’ and its many levels which cannot be restricted to rational analysis. Imagination, inspiration, and longing all lead people to sense that these other levels also play a part in understanding. This must be the root of reactions to this action, and is why my technique has been to try and seek out the energy points in the human power field, rather than demanding specific knowledge or reactions on then part of the public. I try to bring to light the complexity of creative areas.”
In the 60's Beuys decided to come public with one of his art performances at an art festival that coincided with the 20th anniversary of an assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler. Beuys was attacked by a group of students and was punched in the face. The picture of Beuy's bleeding face circled the public. In response to this festival, Beuys created “Life Course/ Work Course" which was an idiosyncratic CV. Life Course/ Work Course was a writing that was based on a self-consciously fictionalized document on his life where historical events mingled with metaphorical and mythical speech. As Joseph Beuys may have found himself slightly influenced by the Fluxus movement in his later years, he swiftly moved away from the influences around the time of the late 60's.
I find Joseph Beuys really interesting. I like that he explains his reasoning behind some of his art work; whether it is the covering of objects in felt or his performance art pieces. For example "How to Explain Pictures to a Dead Hare", was known to be one of his most famous performance art pieces. He sat in a gallery with his head covered in honey and gold leaf while whispering information about the pictures on the walls to a dead hare that he cradled in his arms. He is explaining his passion to a dead animal that doesn't understand it. I love his explanation for this piece. It really shows how he combines natural sciences and art.
“In putting honey on my head I am clearly doing something that has to do with thinking. Human ability is not to produce honey, but to think, to produce ideas. In this way the deathlike character of thinking becomes lifelike again. For honey is undoubtedly a living substance. Human thinking can be lively too. But it can also be intellectualized to a deadly degree, and remain dead, and express its deadliness in, say, the political or pedagogic fields. “Gold and honey indicate a transformation of the head, and therefore, naturally and logically, the brain and our understanding of thought, consciousness and all the other levels necessary to explain pictures to a hare: the warm stool insulated with felt…and the iron sole with the magnet. I had to walk on this sole when I carried the hare round from picture to picture, so along with the strange limp came the clank of iron on the hard stone floor—that was all that broke the silence, since my explanations were mute… “This seems to have been the action that most captured people’s imaginations. On one level this must be because everyone consciously or unconsciously recognizes the problem of explaining things, particularly where art and creative work are concerned, or anything that involves a certain mystery or question. The idea of explaining to an animal conveys a sense of the secrecy of the world and of existence that appeals to the imagination. Then, as I said, even a dead animal preserves more powers of intuition than some human beings with their stubborn rationality. “The problem lies in the word ‘understanding’ and its many levels which cannot be restricted to rational analysis. Imagination, inspiration, and longing all lead people to sense that these other levels also play a part in understanding. This must be the root of reactions to this action, and is why my technique has been to try and seek out the energy points in the human power field, rather than demanding specific knowledge or reactions on then part of the public. I try to bring to light the complexity of creative areas.”
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Prying
In this 20 minute film, Aconcci fights to try and "pry" open Kathy Dillon's eyes. She puts up one hell of a fight as he tries to restrain her and gain control over her body so he can steadily pull her eyelids apart. In the midst of all this, Kathy appears to be disturbed by whatever Aconcci is trying to show her; whatever it is she clearly does not want to see it. While watching this, the word torture came to mind. I felt like during the performance Acconci was trying to torture Dillon by showing her something terrifying. Putting myself in her shoes, I couldn't imagine having that amount of endurance unless I was being forced to see something that was absolutely going to terrify me. Thinking back on my own experiences, the only time I have shut my eyes that tight, was when I was petrified of seeing something that was going to scare me.
Once Acconci gets her eye lids open, Dillion fixes her eyes in a way where only the whites of her eyes are showing (rolling her pupils in the back of her head, eliminating the part of her eyes that she sees out of). I doubt my idea is even close to the real reason why Acconci was trying to pry her eyes open, but that is what I interpreted from the performance.
Le Tiers Instruit
"Ecocritics are, in fact, well equipped to play the role of the engaged, global thinker that Serres asserts is needed given today's global environmental crisis. In Le Tiers Instruit (1991), he details the identity of a person who is both scientifically learned ("savant") and well-cultured ("littéraire"). Bridging the gap between the sciences and the humanities, the hybrid intellectual ("le tiers instruit") applies abstract knowledge to real - social and environmental, or more precisely socio-environmental - problems " (Reconstruction 7.2 2007).
In Le Tiers Instuit, Serres discusses people's identities and how they exist within society. It basically destroys the quote "What you see is what you get" because in today’s society people's appearances don't always match what is on the inside. I can see why Orlan chose to read this during her performance. She was altering her appearance to match who she was on the inside. I don't think she’s weird for doing what she did, or what she did was wrong, if it’s a style that you want then you should embrace it! I feel bad that people perceived Orlan as crazy because we live in a society that is judgmental and biased. I hate that in today’s day if one person does something out of the ordinary, then they are considered weird. I find it interesting that Orlan chose to read Le Tiers Instuit as if it were a meditation to help her get through the surgeries.
In Le Tiers Instuit, Serres discusses people's identities and how they exist within society. It basically destroys the quote "What you see is what you get" because in today’s society people's appearances don't always match what is on the inside. I can see why Orlan chose to read this during her performance. She was altering her appearance to match who she was on the inside. I don't think she’s weird for doing what she did, or what she did was wrong, if it’s a style that you want then you should embrace it! I feel bad that people perceived Orlan as crazy because we live in a society that is judgmental and biased. I hate that in today’s day if one person does something out of the ordinary, then they are considered weird. I find it interesting that Orlan chose to read Le Tiers Instuit as if it were a meditation to help her get through the surgeries.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Links&Art
Today in class we were shown examples of Vienese Aktionists...boy was that bizzare. I don't see why the artists chose to create their performance art in such a vulgar way, but I do understand why it is considered art. These aktionist artists portrayed the necessities of life (eating, drinking, reproducing, and going to the bathroom) in their films and pictures. Not my cup of tea.
On the other hand I happened to find the buttho dances very interesting. They were performed by a group of Japanese men. These men had shaved heads and were painted in ash. All together these men were dressed to take on a deadly appearance and as they performed their dances resembled their memories of what the dying people of Japan looked like after the atomic bomb was dropped. These performances were kind of difficult to watch because I can only image the real images that are left imprinted in the minds of these performers. In the performances their movements are so exact and so realistic that their goal of portraying pain is clearly accomplished.
Kazuo Ohno:
Kazuo Ohno was doing performances at age 93. He had a frail and delicate appearance, yet he wore extreme makeup and a wig when he dressed up as an Onagata. In his performances he moves very sharply with intricate flicks of the wrists and twirls of his hands, both of which are beautiful. I find his facial expressions to be interesting and entertaining. Besides his performances, his pictures are great! Some are simple and elegant, while others are very detailed and leave your eyes wandering to every corner. I really like pictures he is photographed in and I like how in some photos he poses with props. I posted some of my favorites below.
On the other hand I happened to find the buttho dances very interesting. They were performed by a group of Japanese men. These men had shaved heads and were painted in ash. All together these men were dressed to take on a deadly appearance and as they performed their dances resembled their memories of what the dying people of Japan looked like after the atomic bomb was dropped. These performances were kind of difficult to watch because I can only image the real images that are left imprinted in the minds of these performers. In the performances their movements are so exact and so realistic that their goal of portraying pain is clearly accomplished.
Kazuo Ohno:
Kazuo Ohno was doing performances at age 93. He had a frail and delicate appearance, yet he wore extreme makeup and a wig when he dressed up as an Onagata. In his performances he moves very sharply with intricate flicks of the wrists and twirls of his hands, both of which are beautiful. I find his facial expressions to be interesting and entertaining. Besides his performances, his pictures are great! Some are simple and elegant, while others are very detailed and leave your eyes wandering to every corner. I really like pictures he is photographed in and I like how in some photos he poses with props. I posted some of my favorites below.
Ko Murobushi:
Ko Murobushi is another choreographer/performer that has interested me. He is known as a recreator of buttoh, with the same idea of a slender body that straddles the line of life in death during his performances. When he moved to Europe in 1974 he started two buttoh companies. The female company was called "Ariadone" with Carlotta Ikeda and the male company was called "Sebi". He shocked audiences with his performances worldwide. I posted one of his performances called "quicksilver" below. In this video his body is completely painted a metallic silver color. As he moves you can see his form of both muscle and bones. This performance is known to be both entertaining and therapeutic.
Fluxus
Fluxus concepts were brought to people attention in the 1950's by John Cage's "experimental music". Cage's works of art later influenced George Maciunas who is known for naming and organizing Fluxus.
Dick Higgins was the man who recognized Fluxus as an actual movement in New York in the 1960s (was later spread to Japan). He also coined the word intermedia which means "between the media". The motifs of Fluxus art are to combined art principles and values while basing the art off of scientific, philosophical, or sociological ideas. Fluxus artists today try to uproot social, political, and asthetic perceptions through their art.
Important artists that furthered the movement of fluxus were: Charlotte Mooran, Yoko Ono, Joseph Beuys
Dick Higgins was the man who recognized Fluxus as an actual movement in New York in the 1960s (was later spread to Japan). He also coined the word intermedia which means "between the media". The motifs of Fluxus art are to combined art principles and values while basing the art off of scientific, philosophical, or sociological ideas. Fluxus artists today try to uproot social, political, and asthetic perceptions through their art.
Important artists that furthered the movement of fluxus were: Charlotte Mooran, Yoko Ono, Joseph Beuys
Sunday, October 31, 2010
BAUHAUS
A German Architech, Walter Gropius was the founder of the Bauhaus school in 1919. The Bauhaus school, was an academy of art and design. Bauhaus literally means "house for building" therefore it was known as the greatest place for architects. The purpose of the school was to rebuild German after the war, and establish a new means of social order.
The Bauhaus's ideals were that the artists had to understand their social responsibilies of community, and in return society had to accept and appreciate the artists.
The artists of the Bauhaus academy had one main goal when it came to design, and that was that they tried not to use decorative elements. They simple wanted to create architecture that was in pure form. Other goals of the school were to have the artists work together, strengthen their ideas, and maintain their progress. Bauhaus was known as one of the best institutions for art in the design in the twentieth century. The Bauhaus school helped make Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius known as the masters of modern architecture.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Un Chien Andalou- An Andalusian Dog
surrealism: suh-ree-uh-liz-uh
m]
m] –noun 
a style of art and literature developed principally in the 20th century, stressing the subconscious or nonrational significance of imagery arrived at by automatism or the exploitation of chance effects, unexpected juxtapositions, etc.
An Andalusian Dog is exactly that.
It is a 16 minute silent film that has no real logic. The film is completely random with no defined plot. The flim seems to use dream logic by jumping from thought to thought. Although it jumps it is said to have a flow called "Freudian free association" that was popular during the 1920's. "Once Upon a Time" to "Eight Years Later" and the cutting of dead donkey's eyes...it all seems a little bizarre to me!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
GRID PROJECT.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
TeTriS....Movies Creating Video Games
Tetris was originally created in Russia in1984 by Alexey Pajitnov. The word "Tetris" comes from Greek prefix tetra (four) and the game tennis which was the designers’ favorite sport. Pajitnov based Tetris off of another game he had already created called "Genetic Engineering". For some reason Pajitnov never patented the game of Tetris. While working with a partner on the project ( Vladim Gerasimov) Pajitnov only received little publicity for his creation. Once Tetris travels to Hungary, Robert Stein the president of a British software company tried to get access to the rights of Tetris on a PC from Pajitnov. There became some conflict when dealing with the rights of the game Tetris between Stein and Pajitnov. In the meantime an IBM PC version is released that becomes a huge hit. People were becoming extremely addicted to it. Tetris was known as "the first game behind the iron curtain".
I think movies create video games similar to the movie, because if the movie was a hit, people will most likely spend the money to buy the game. A children's movie such as Toy Story was such a hit therefore it was smart to come out with a video game for kids to play. Making video games about movies especially children's movies allows the children to become a part of the movies they love. It gives them a sense of control over the characters that they love in the movies. This is smart on the creators parts because if the movie was a hit, and the video game was a hit, then it would be easy for continue creating different versions of the game that people would most likely buy. This is also known as cult branding.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
MZTV
I'd like to start off by saying that I want to go to the museum of television! Trip to Toronto, Canada anyone?
Interesting things I've learned from this website:
1939 NY's World's Fair opened with the theme "Building the World of Tomorrow". Here people introduced new products to consumers. These consumers had no idea how much these new products would impact their lives. (Ex: Plastic and Televisions)
John Vassos created the motto of " Radio Living Room of Today" this stressed that a radio was the perfect furnishing for every living room and that everyone should have one. It was a device that was a combination radio/tv/record player/recording system/stereo system.
Marilyn Monroe's career started all because of television. "Movies made her a star. Television made her a legend." Marilyn's first televised work was in a gas commercial for the gasoline company "Royal Triton" (1950)
I also learned that the classic beauty was often nervous when being filmed or interviewed.
Interesting things I've learned from this website:
1939 NY's World's Fair opened with the theme "Building the World of Tomorrow". Here people introduced new products to consumers. These consumers had no idea how much these new products would impact their lives. (Ex: Plastic and Televisions)
John Vassos created the motto of " Radio Living Room of Today" this stressed that a radio was the perfect furnishing for every living room and that everyone should have one. It was a device that was a combination radio/tv/record player/recording system/stereo system.
Marilyn Monroe's career started all because of television. "Movies made her a star. Television made her a legend." Marilyn's first televised work was in a gas commercial for the gasoline company "Royal Triton" (1950)
I also learned that the classic beauty was often nervous when being filmed or interviewed.
WIRED: Cinema's Evolution
http://www.wired.com/underwire/2010/10/cinema-breakthroughs-busts/?pid=1205&viewall=true
I like the idea of this technological timeline for cinemas. It really does show how far technology has come over the years. By reading this article I learned a lot of things I never knew about the entertainment industry. I learned that Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was America's first animated feature film. I also learned that it was filmed in the time of the Great Depression therefore people of all ages went to see it, and it helped remove the stresses of society for the 83 minutes that the film lasted.
I also found out that the first color 3D film was Bwana Devil. Although it was a flop it remained popular, yet no one knows why. (Possibly because it's said to have "man-eating lions" in it?)
I thought the 360 degree Circle Television was really amazing, even though technology has come a long way since 1955, I would definitely want to go see a film that was playing on a 360 degree screen.
I like the idea of this technological timeline for cinemas. It really does show how far technology has come over the years. By reading this article I learned a lot of things I never knew about the entertainment industry. I learned that Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was America's first animated feature film. I also learned that it was filmed in the time of the Great Depression therefore people of all ages went to see it, and it helped remove the stresses of society for the 83 minutes that the film lasted.
I also found out that the first color 3D film was Bwana Devil. Although it was a flop it remained popular, yet no one knows why. (Possibly because it's said to have "man-eating lions" in it?)
I thought the 360 degree Circle Television was really amazing, even though technology has come a long way since 1955, I would definitely want to go see a film that was playing on a 360 degree screen.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
mysterious travelers.
http://www.otr.com/Mystery.shtml
When listening to these old radio shows, I find it more affective if you close your eyes. When I listened to Mysterious Travelers with my eyes shut my mind could easily fill in the details of what the characters looked like and the scene they were set it. I like that every time you listen to it, the visuals in your mind of the characters and the setting can change. The perception for everyone can vary from person to person which I feel is an important part of these radio shows because in this case the radios are using technology yet it is still giving the listener room to use his/her imagination. Unlike T.V shows today, the program gives you all of the information you need to understand what is happening. With modern technology, there leaves the viewer no room to experiment and be creative. It is interesting to see what information tuners obtain from entertainment when they are not allowed to use both vision and hearing.
When listening to these old radio shows, I find it more affective if you close your eyes. When I listened to Mysterious Travelers with my eyes shut my mind could easily fill in the details of what the characters looked like and the scene they were set it. I like that every time you listen to it, the visuals in your mind of the characters and the setting can change. The perception for everyone can vary from person to person which I feel is an important part of these radio shows because in this case the radios are using technology yet it is still giving the listener room to use his/her imagination. Unlike T.V shows today, the program gives you all of the information you need to understand what is happening. With modern technology, there leaves the viewer no room to experiment and be creative. It is interesting to see what information tuners obtain from entertainment when they are not allowed to use both vision and hearing.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
1950 vs 1970: singin in the rain
The 1950's movie Singin’ in the Rain starring Gene Kelly we see a laid back carefree performance of the song as a man in love happily skips through the streets as it is raining. The lyrics tell us just how happy he is for having developed feelings for this girl. This performance of Gene Kelly represents the innocence of 1950’s love. We believe the lyrics as Gene Kelly sings them because during that time period, love was taken seriously and people were more conservative when it came to loving another person. The 1950’s was big on romance, and respect. This was a time when women were more respected. In return, women tried their best to be the perfect “housewife”.
In the 1970’s A Clockwork Orange we see a different approach. The character Alex sings “Singin’ in the Rain” while raping/molesting a woman. Here we see how the song contradicts the character’s actions. Then again we need to reflect of the time period we’re referring to. We’re talking about the 70’s…aka the “sexual revolution”. This was a time were people lived more freely, and a lot of people wanted to rebel by using hard drugs. There was an overall change in people’s behaviors during the 70’s because of sex and drugs. As bizarre as the scene is in A Clockwork Orange, I think it perfectly explains the lifestyles people chose during that time period.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
earthquake.
Since my parents have never seen Earthquake, I had to ask my grandparents what they thought of it. They told me that during the 1970's when Earthquake was filmed, there weren't a lot of movies that had the action and effects that this movie has (well at least out of the movies they watched). They said that this movie really did panic people and that the movie clearly showed how people's lives were destroyed because of this 7.1 scaled earthquake (people of all classes in society). In this movie we get to see the use of special filming techniques where the director uses the human body as a scale of measurement. I thought it was interesting how in the clips we watched in class, we could clearly see what scenes were filmed using small scale models such as cars, bridges, etc.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Abel Gance & George Méliès
Abel Gance (1889-1981)
Abel Gance was known as one of the most important figures in the development of cinema art. As a child, he was growing up in France where anti-Semiticism and class prejudices existed. Therefore being part Jewish, proletarian, and illegitimate was working against him. By the age of 19 he became an actor, and by 21 he had created his how production company, and directed his first film La Digue. His success didn't stop here. As he created more films he introduced magical properties in some of his works by adding mirrors to create distorted effects. He also introduced a film editing style to France that was first developed in America.
Above all, Gance was mostly famous for his three major silent films. One of them being Napoleon
Gance's film Napoleon was is known for its incredible historical representation as well is its new innovated style of filming. This particular film advanced the technique of cinematic language far beyond any single production of the decade. Gance's goal in this film was to "make the spectator part of the action" he did this by using rapid montage and the hand-held camera extensively. This made the film appear to be more realistic as if it was actually happen right in front of the viewers eyes.
George Méliès (1861-1938)
Méliès was also known as a crucial pioneer to the expansion of early cinema. He was a magician as well as the owner of Theatre Robert-Houdin in France. After viewing Lumiere Cinematographe on December 28, 1895 he soon bought his own motion picture camera and began creating his own films. After buying custom made processing equipment, he began combining his two passions; magic and film. He then introduced the idea of "trick" films where he has people appear and disappear. He was extremely innovative with the use of special effects. His best known film was "A Trip to the Moon", it was one of the most epic trick films and everyone saw it as such a success, but financially it didn't do as well as Méliès thought it would. Along with the trick films, he also discovered a lot of other different components in the film industry such as : using multiple exposures, time lapse photography, and hand painted color in his films.
Abel Gance was known as one of the most important figures in the development of cinema art. As a child, he was growing up in France where anti-Semiticism and class prejudices existed. Therefore being part Jewish, proletarian, and illegitimate was working against him. By the age of 19 he became an actor, and by 21 he had created his how production company, and directed his first film La Digue. His success didn't stop here. As he created more films he introduced magical properties in some of his works by adding mirrors to create distorted effects. He also introduced a film editing style to France that was first developed in America.
Above all, Gance was mostly famous for his three major silent films. One of them being Napoleon
Gance's film Napoleon was is known for its incredible historical representation as well is its new innovated style of filming. This particular film advanced the technique of cinematic language far beyond any single production of the decade. Gance's goal in this film was to "make the spectator part of the action" he did this by using rapid montage and the hand-held camera extensively. This made the film appear to be more realistic as if it was actually happen right in front of the viewers eyes.
George Méliès (1861-1938)
Méliès was also known as a crucial pioneer to the expansion of early cinema. He was a magician as well as the owner of Theatre Robert-Houdin in France. After viewing Lumiere Cinematographe on December 28, 1895 he soon bought his own motion picture camera and began creating his own films. After buying custom made processing equipment, he began combining his two passions; magic and film. He then introduced the idea of "trick" films where he has people appear and disappear. He was extremely innovative with the use of special effects. His best known film was "A Trip to the Moon", it was one of the most epic trick films and everyone saw it as such a success, but financially it didn't do as well as Méliès thought it would. Along with the trick films, he also discovered a lot of other different components in the film industry such as : using multiple exposures, time lapse photography, and hand painted color in his films.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
1920's: Jazz Era & The Stock Market Crash
When and where did Jazz originate?
In the 1870's an African-American jazz group called The Jubilee Singers toured in different areas performing for white audiences. This was the beginning of African-American music groups performing live for audiences in America, and Europe. Because The Jubilee Singers were so successful, there influence began to spread among the areas they would perform in.
In America during the 1900’s, jazz became more and more popular within the South. New Orleans was known for their "Ragtime" jazz. As jazz grew in the South, people began to see these jazz performers at nationwide icons. (Some examples of these iconic jazz performers were: Scott Joplin a.k.a "The King of Ragtime", Jelly Roll Morton
Blackface Performers:
In the 1840-1900's people would attend shows that were known as "Minstrel Shows"; these shows would nowadays be considered an extremely racial form of entertainment. These Minstrel shows had both black and white performers also known as "blackface" performers. In the shows the white men would paint their faces black and perform as if they were African American men. They did this by adopting a certain appearance as well as persona that was supposed to resemble that of an American man. Minstrel shows would absolutely not be accepted in today's society and I am sure it is a part of America's history that most are not proud of.
Stock Market Crash/Great Depression- late 1920's
In the late 1920's there was a huge economic tragedy; the stock market crash. Unfortunately the crash was caused by a wide variety of components. In the early 1920's people started having new "outlooks" on life. The party scene became more intense for both men AND women. Women focused on becoming more rebellious and it started becoming a time where everyone wanted to "modernize". This was a huge time for consumers; families started buying more appliances and began living life the easy way. Businesses were booming and people found that the stock market was a good way to get wealthy. Unfortunately in October of 1929 the stock market declined 90% which led America into the squalor of The Great Depression.
In the 1870's an African-American jazz group called The Jubilee Singers toured in different areas performing for white audiences. This was the beginning of African-American music groups performing live for audiences in America, and Europe. Because The Jubilee Singers were so successful, there influence began to spread among the areas they would perform in.
In America during the 1900’s, jazz became more and more popular within the South. New Orleans was known for their "Ragtime" jazz. As jazz grew in the South, people began to see these jazz performers at nationwide icons. (Some examples of these iconic jazz performers were: Scott Joplin a.k.a "The King of Ragtime", Jelly Roll Morton
Blackface Performers:
In the 1840-1900's people would attend shows that were known as "Minstrel Shows"; these shows would nowadays be considered an extremely racial form of entertainment. These Minstrel shows had both black and white performers also known as "blackface" performers. In the shows the white men would paint their faces black and perform as if they were African American men. They did this by adopting a certain appearance as well as persona that was supposed to resemble that of an American man. Minstrel shows would absolutely not be accepted in today's society and I am sure it is a part of America's history that most are not proud of.
Stock Market Crash/Great Depression- late 1920's
In the late 1920's there was a huge economic tragedy; the stock market crash. Unfortunately the crash was caused by a wide variety of components. In the early 1920's people started having new "outlooks" on life. The party scene became more intense for both men AND women. Women focused on becoming more rebellious and it started becoming a time where everyone wanted to "modernize". This was a huge time for consumers; families started buying more appliances and began living life the easy way. Businesses were booming and people found that the stock market was a good way to get wealthy. Unfortunately in October of 1929 the stock market declined 90% which led America into the squalor of The Great Depression.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Madame Butterfly
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E387c5RAhK4&feature=related
I actually enjoyed this representation of Madame Butterfly. I thought it was an interesting choice to portray the significance of this opera in a version that included dolls. This version was realisitic enough that you could still clearly understand what was happening. I liked how Madame Butterfly kept the music player with her while her husband was gone to give her comfort. The music closely narrated how Madame Butterfly was feeling throughout the story during the happy times and the sad times. We heard happy music when she was making love to her fiance and sad music when her love returned with another woman and ripped their son out of Madame Butterly's hands and took him away. We then see how she falls into depression and how her life soon starts to fall apart.
In class we have watched a series of other Operas two of my favorites were:
La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi:
This opera was about a female names Violetta who was a prostitue. She soon falls in love with Alfredo and at the same time he falls in love with her. She lets her love's father convince her that she needs to leave Alfredo alone and face the fact that she is a prostitue, and will never be able to stay with just one man.
Don Giovanni by Mozart:
In this opera we saw how Don Giovanni is sexually tempted by multiple women, and how he gets satisfaction from "conquering" these women. When he becomes tempted by Donna Ana, he kills her father (the mayor/the commandant) when he tries to stop Don from seeing his daughter Donna. The message we recieve in this opera is to never repent for things you have done in your life (even though the outcome may have consequences).
I actually enjoyed this representation of Madame Butterfly. I thought it was an interesting choice to portray the significance of this opera in a version that included dolls. This version was realisitic enough that you could still clearly understand what was happening. I liked how Madame Butterfly kept the music player with her while her husband was gone to give her comfort. The music closely narrated how Madame Butterfly was feeling throughout the story during the happy times and the sad times. We heard happy music when she was making love to her fiance and sad music when her love returned with another woman and ripped their son out of Madame Butterly's hands and took him away. We then see how she falls into depression and how her life soon starts to fall apart.
In class we have watched a series of other Operas two of my favorites were:
La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi:
This opera was about a female names Violetta who was a prostitue. She soon falls in love with Alfredo and at the same time he falls in love with her. She lets her love's father convince her that she needs to leave Alfredo alone and face the fact that she is a prostitue, and will never be able to stay with just one man.
Don Giovanni by Mozart:
In this opera we saw how Don Giovanni is sexually tempted by multiple women, and how he gets satisfaction from "conquering" these women. When he becomes tempted by Donna Ana, he kills her father (the mayor/the commandant) when he tries to stop Don from seeing his daughter Donna. The message we recieve in this opera is to never repent for things you have done in your life (even though the outcome may have consequences).
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Mood: Anxious
I’m new to this whole blog experience, so bear with me!
I am honored to have made it through my first class of Art/Technology. I will say that it was nothing like I expected to say the least. I was a bit intimidated at first, but I think taking this course will be good for me. I am looking forward to take on a class that is challenging. Hopefully I will leave this semester with a different outlook on art and where I want to go with my creativity. I am excited to develop a deeper understanding of art and to explore the areas I am unfamiliar with.
I am from the suburbs of Massachusetts, and I never realized I had a Boston accent until I arrived at The University of Tampa. I have a love for art and I desire to become a better artist and brainstormer. I have the ideas but I sometimes have a hard time portraying them through my work. I plan to major in ADPR and take some classes in graphic design. Alongside graphic arts and advertising, I am also interested in music, and I envy those who are able to make music. Hopefully in this class I will develop the confidence to believe in my own work and prevent myself from holding back from creating something considered “different”. I need to constantly remind myself that there is no “wrong” when it comes to art.
I am honored to have made it through my first class of Art/Technology. I will say that it was nothing like I expected to say the least. I was a bit intimidated at first, but I think taking this course will be good for me. I am looking forward to take on a class that is challenging. Hopefully I will leave this semester with a different outlook on art and where I want to go with my creativity. I am excited to develop a deeper understanding of art and to explore the areas I am unfamiliar with.
I am from the suburbs of Massachusetts, and I never realized I had a Boston accent until I arrived at The University of Tampa. I have a love for art and I desire to become a better artist and brainstormer. I have the ideas but I sometimes have a hard time portraying them through my work. I plan to major in ADPR and take some classes in graphic design. Alongside graphic arts and advertising, I am also interested in music, and I envy those who are able to make music. Hopefully in this class I will develop the confidence to believe in my own work and prevent myself from holding back from creating something considered “different”. I need to constantly remind myself that there is no “wrong” when it comes to art.
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