Nicole's Foray Into Multimedia

Final Situational Tour

2005-12-19T22:44:00.000-08:00

We should always be wary of our narrator. Are they reliable, can you trust their view of things? Pictures and even more so, Pictures that have words attached to them can skew the view of the world drastically. Am I a reliable resource for information, does this adequately describe where you live? Please click here, to view the story. Click on the first picture to get the discriptions that follow along, and have fun.

An Earthly Review

2005-12-06T20:24:00.000-08:00

Several things immediately pop into the mind about the piece MORI. The movie Journey into the Center of the Earth, the religion of the Plains Native Americans, John Cage, Personification, Baroque Art and last but never the least of all the Earth, all collide when experiencing this piece. MORI is an installation piece that uses the web to allow participants in Vienna, Virginia to experience not only seismographic information collected at Berkeley, California but also the rest of the world.

A black curtain allows you to take a short journey to the heart of the earth, or at least an interpretation of the movements of the Earth. Oftentimes we neglect to acknowledge that the world actually speaks to us and is a living thing. A majority of the Native American religions used the earth as a focus on the wonderment of life. With our fast paced world of skyscrapers and noise canceling headphones it is easy to forget that a longer more eternal story is constantly being told.

If we gave the earth a symphony what would it play?

MORI concentrates the senses acutely so that sound, vibrations, and the perception of light's movement are all synchronized. The sounds have the same overwhelming presence of seeing and hearing a virtuoso live. Music has the ability to communicate past traditional linguistic languages. John Cage a composer of "experimental" music, often toyed with the rules and expectations of musical forms. MORI plays with our knowledge of traditional music by stretching the meaning of live performance, rhythm, tension and resolution, chance and composition.

Our fascination with the unknown rears its head time and time again in cinema. What would happen if we could? Well MORI allows us to take a "journey" into the earth, to become more acutely aware of movement that is usually undetected by the range of human senses. After you leave, you still for at least a little while, have that sense of being grounded or more in tune with the previously unobserved. You've seen the inside of the earth.

Perhaps the name MORI which can be interpreted as the Japanese word for "Forest Sanctuary" or perhaps an allusion to the beautiful Renaissance and baroque paintings of religious subjects that always included a memento mori. These paintings were commissioned with the purpose to give "glory to god." This piece could also be seen a call to remember the glory and magnificence of the earth. Of what gives life but is almost always mistaken as an unchanging, dead and unfeeling thing. It reminds us to listen closer to what the earth may be telling us.

Final Project -- Dupont Circle

2005-11-28T08:25:00.000-08:00

A popular stop off the metro, Maggie and I went to Dupont circle to take in the sights and try and capture the many different facets of this site.

Embracing technology

2005-11-24T19:51:00.000-08:00

The essay "Is there love in the Telematic embrace?" by Roy Ascott discusses quite poetically the importance of messaging in the development of new telematic art. When armed with tools that allow for the wide ranging connectivity such as networks and the internet, it is easy to lose vision of what this tool can create. Any man with strong arms, a hammer and a chisel can carve marble, it is only the Greats like Michelangelo that can sculpt a David. Telematic technology has redefined such stalwart arts such as cinema, music and writing. This is undeniably true, what seems a bit hazy is what new things has this technology created. How can innovators use technology to "support a whole new field of creative endeavor that is as radically unlike each of those established artistic genres as they are unlike each other." How can we use telematics to create a new object d'art. Once an established genre is created it seems like it would be going against the very thing that constitutes a telematic work of art a telematic work of art. To create an establishment would be eliminating the very anarchic beauty of telematics.

With the emerging field of study being dedicated to web development, design, communications and literacy it is easy to lose sight of what is truly important about these fields. The internet allows us the ability to have a font of information readily accessible. It is simply not enough to just understand one thing. It is as Roy Ascott says in this essay "the further development of this field will clearly mean . . . the formulation of a transdisciplinary education." Every nuance learned about this field is always enhanced by the additional knowledge provided by another unseemingly related field of study. Throughout the essay Ascott dances around the question of the relevance and the actual of content of telematic artwork. He names the mode of content and even gives a lot of context. What seems by far the most important parallel that he draws is that even in this seemingly new and unheard of technology artists, scientists, users and developers alike use this medium like any other medium as a way to search for an understanding of how this world works. Philosophy is inextricably linked with multimedia. It is from philosophy an inextinguishable study for truth and meaning that we derive most other subjects. The developments of technology forces us to redefine they way we see and order the world. How will our new definitions of the world impact the artistic commentary that always seems to be fueled by this discourse?

Moti/on "artists Exploring Interactive Media" Review

2005-11-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

The exhibit at the Flashpoint Gallery in Washington, DC featured the show Moti/on "artists exploring interactive media." The show featured works that explored the different ways we use and can use technology to interact. In the Exhibit there were different works that toyed with the concepts of remote control, amplification of sound, and internet searches. One of the pieces that I found to be extremely interesting was "The Sent Project," By Benjamin Domiminica, Samuel Ortiz, et al.

picture of an art work that uses the parts of a bathroom with additional piping to create an instrument quite like a drumset. The piece also includes a hookup to a computer.

The Sent Project is a musical composition that Uses synthesizers and other traditionally non-musical sounds. Unlike most compositions of this sort, The Sent Project was not just a collaboration between one or two composers, but by many different composers in a lot of different locations. The premise was that each of the composers was sent a part of the composition by email, it was up to them to build upon the concept to create this work of art.

The music itself starts off with a quasi exposition, detailing the type of sounds that are used throughout the piece. As the piece continues o play it seems to resemble a Jazz recording, but instead of a traditional quintet, the sounds of chairs being dragged against the floor, keyboards, a scratchy record player and pulses all mix and collide to create at times an incredible ambient atmosphere one minute an in the next moment the piece becomes alarmingly tense. It is the interaction between the tension and the eventually resolution that truly gives this piece it's compelling cohesiveness despite the many different inputs.

Electronic Cafe

2005-11-15T20:33:00.000-08:00

It is not the technology that they outline in the essay, "Welcome to the Electronic Cafe International" by Kit Galloway and Sherrie Rabinowitz, that is all that remarkable. It is the depth of insight of the importance of the arts/humanities in shaping a collaborative space which "spans distance, language, values and culture."

The arts need to "take a role in shaping, humanizing emerging technologies." In doing so they allow the public to experience a unique phenomenon that might have be reserved only for the rich. Technology can be developed, it is the arts that shape how society not only integrates technology but creates a demand for new technologies. As Charles Dickens point out in his novel, Hard Times, the arts are needed to ensure that mankind is not just motivated by monotonous efficiency but is driven by the praise for original thought, individuality and the development of paternalistic/alturistc collaborative relationships. Electronic Cafe's are in large part a modern crusade to make a vehicle whose obvious role is economic prosperity into a means for a more humane society.

Through the experience of the electronic Cafe's there was evidence of the arts fostering new ideas and attitudes about technology. Instead of the linear focus, of faster and more efficient, these collaborative cyber workspaces explore the "intangibles" of human experience thought the use of technology.

Midterm Project

2005-10-11T18:27:00.000-07:00

Seemingly overnight, Nike has been given permission to rename the historic square of Karlsplatz, Vienna to Nikeplatz. The reaction from people ranges from quiet acceptance to rampant disgust. Has corporate branding finally gone too far?

nikeground.com

Nikeground.com is a part of a fake campaign launch for the Nike Corporation. The marketing campaign has a simple yet disturbing premise:

"You want to wear it, why shouldn't cities too?"

With their latest project nikeground.com the artist's 0100101110101101.org gave a truly subversive performance. By literally tricking the city of Vienna with their flashy website and aesthetically pleasing, gadget-ridden, info box, the artists' displayed the power of multimedia. The project nikeground.com, played with the minds of the citizens of Vienna by employing three of David Ross' "distinctive Qualities of Net.Art" This work of art, this performance piece, is one of the many projects this group has embarked upon to relay an even more important message, than the illusive quality of technology.

The outrage, acceptance, disbelief, all of the reactions received from the supposed renaming of Karlsplatz illustrate the power of multimedia. In David Ross' lecture about net.art, twenty or so qualities were outlined to qualify a work displayed on the web as art. As a form of multimedia, the art does ascribe to most of these qualities, but seems to focus on epitomizing these three; (1) Digital technology affords the possibilities of simulation and construction of truly credible images, (2) the shifting of identities, (3) net.art is anarchic and dangerous (Ross). The artists' 0100101110101101.org, through nikeground.com create a work of art that produces such credible imagery that the user cannot help but accept its validity, even if its message seems erroneous. Vienna would never allow Nike to rename one of its most historic sites, or if the price was right would it? People are bombarded with images of the web everyday. When a website has such an intricate layout and a professional veneer, the tendency is to believe whatever information is given

The entire performance depends upon certain reactions to multimedia. What is perhaps the most interesting aspect of this is that the artists' are trying to create dialogue that puts into question these behaviors. It is because of the Internet that such a project could be embarked upon. Without this medium, it would be hard to create a work that can be experienced by an entire city. The artist then can use this medium to pass the message on the entire world. The Internet allows the artist to spread messages that might have been censored by other popular forms of media. The Internet however has a dark side. Nikeground.com explores the darker side of blurring the lines of reality and fiction. In this, nikeground.com is in the same vein as jodi.org. The Internet has such powers and such capabilities, it is easy to focus on the good and completely ignore some of the inherent dangers of the web. The very qualities that he internet is praised for possessing are the same qualities that can potentially give the most trouble.

Format

2005-10-05T13:11:00.000-07:00

I wonder if this photographer knows that it captured a moment in the glorious sky never to be seen again?

We never get to see the same sky twice, I wonder why then we don't just stare at the sky and marvel at it's ingenuity.

I want the world to see the many variations one sky can have, but I've never been able to quite be able to get a piece of paper big enough

to love oneself is the beginning of a life long love affair -Oscar Wilde

Virutal Reality

2005-10-04T18:47:00.000-07:00

The beginning of Scott Fisher's essay "Virtual Interface Environments," begs for comment. The italicized story of a futuristic couple going to work describes a world that could be very well be possible through the medium of virtual reality. He focuses on the part of life that tends to be the bone of contention for many working adults, the commute to work. Fisher cries loudly throughout this piece that there are huge benefits to a virtual word as well as the fact that the technology is close at hand. With the skepticism of any Orwellian follower, too much technology enables too much control and not enough interaction with the real world. Before the technologies of virtual reality are mass produced and widely spread, the positives as well as the negative effects on society should be discussed. Already in work places where email, blackberries, cellphones and other electronic devices that are supposed to aid productivity, have heard arguments about how useful these tools have really become. Have they become more of an encumbrance, than an actual help? Many companies have expressed concern over the lack of formality in emails sent through the office, as well as how well their employees are using their time wisely. Would having a virtual world where people don't have to venture outside really benefit productivity in the long run? How much human interaction is needed to ensure that society remains humane? Where has the art of conversation, letter writing and comfort gone? If we can virtualize the workplace, than why not the home. Why not have environments that are perfected for our manipulation? What is stopping us from entering into a virtual world and never coming back from it?

The actual technologies described in the essay are quite remarkable. In order to mimic our experience of a space there are so many elements that need to be considered. Our five senses have to be engaged. As we progress forward in our search of a virtual world it will be amazing to marvel at the technologies that will allow us to not only engage, sight, hearing and touch, but also taste and smell. The data glove and the use of fiber-optics, the helmet with mounted LCD screens, the surround sound environment of headphones, all of these gadgets help to create a space that we can manipulate and interact with. How will art and technology come together to mimic taste and smell? It seems that here, the study of virtual reality there is not present a impenetrable divide between the arts and sciences. It seems that here in this space we have found another frontier.

Rhizome

2005-09-28T12:24:00.000-07:00

onewordmovie.ch

I spent hours and hours thinking of words to type into this search. The program allows the person to create a movie by typing in a subject to search, as if you were doing something in altavista, or google. It takes images from the web and creates a movie. Depeneding what you are searching, sometimes you get extremely poignant juxtapositions. Besides a creative way of wasting your time, is this truly a work of multimedia?

The very fact that it allows you to create a movie allows a shift to occur between reader and writer or in this case viewer and director. How much of this movie is actually yours and how much is it the person who developed this program. Another dimension to this is whether or not the internet, and everyone who posts pictures dealing with your search word had something to do with this work of art. Which brings up the inherent global aspects of this piece. The internet is an extremely interactive and global space. People from everywhere can post things, edit and search. Every person who adds to the internet will somehow add to the composite of images that may show up in "your" movie.

Abolishing Logic

2005-09-24T17:48:00.000-07:00

Being immersed in an academic setting, it is easy to get lost in metaphysical debate. We, the civilized world relies so much authority on a process that we invented. Most inventions break down, they are machines, vehicles if you will to make life if not easier much more interesting. From what I can tell Logic was invented to allow us to find a place where in this space there are other things that allow us to move forward and live. Let's call this mystical place, truth. So what does this have to do with multimedia? In Ted Nelson's book Computer Lib/Dream Machines, the idea of hypermedia is introduced. We use his ideas everyday when searching the internet for facts, pleasure, even truth. Hypermedia however doesn't follow a linear, logical path to truth, it takes major leaps and interesting detours. Yet is the truth we find through this method any more valid than the one we find through logic? Both are human made concepts to help us construct order out of chaos.

Reaction to David Ross Lecture

2005-09-13T20:20:00.000-07:00

If the frontier of art is really in question, it seems entirely probable that artists, critics and patrons alike would look to the new innovation of technology to guide the way. Like the ancient Greek culture, most of western society holds progress to be the ultimate goal. Being completely unaware that a lot of art being produced today does not manifest itself in the usual museums and galleries but on URL's coming to you on your personal computer came as a shock. What does this say about our historic way of looking at how art is showcased and commented on? It is well known that the Internet has made volumes of information available to us, but why isn't it known that art as well has become much more available? Why isn't it well known that most of art's innovations are right out there on the web, interactive bits and pieces of a veritable gold mine of ideas? Perhaps this net.art that Ross refers to is still on the fringe, or maybe because not enough light has been shed on this topic to the public, or maybe because the art is so effective as a multimedia it is hard to pinpoint if the piece of programming is for all intents and purposes, art?

Reflections on "Visual Media"

2005-09-13T20:14:00.000-07:00

My first impression of the exhibit "Visual Music" at the Hishhorn Museum, oooh cool look at the lights. I wasn't actually sure that I was going to be able to comprehend everything that was going to be displayed. Yet as we took the time to explain the motive behind each movement of art, as well as the techniques used to create it a light slowly came on. As my professor said at the beginning of a music theory class, "music is perhaps the most concise language of emotions ever invented." Whether or not a piece of music is performed well or not, it is hard for the audience not to have an emotional reaction to it. Even when a parent protests a child selection of music and deems it as noise, there was a reaction. With visual art, however it seems easier to ignore, or to look over. In this exhibit visual artists tried through various means to evoke the same kind of response music has with a primarily visual medium. The different pieces addressed the several parts of music, as almost presenting an autopsy of a particularly moving symphony. A couple of traditional canvas, or paper and paint pieces addressed aspects of music such as form, movement, texture, color (timbre). Other pieces incorporated sound with moving images or the absence of sounds with moving images. Each work tries to convey an elemental, emotional response. Some pieces were more effective immediately than others, but each upon closer inspection, began to communicate the ever-elusive essence of music.

Reaction to the Overture

2005-09-13T17:08:00.000-07:00

The introduction or overture as it is called in the book Multimedia: from Wagner to Virtual Reality sets up a platform that enables a variegated discussion on multimedia; its concepts, its theory and its innovations. The difficulty to define what is and what isn't multimedia draws strong parallels to the many great philosophical questions of human culture. To ask the question what is multimedia is similar to ask the questions; what is quality, what is music, what is art. What could have been a minefield of incomprehensible explanations became an elegant platform on which to talk about a subject that is forever changing. A plebeian such as I had no idea what Multimedia consisted of, who would of thought that the seemingly archaic art-form of opera could provide the basis of something so cutting edge as keeping a real-time journal of events on a network of incredibly expanding proportions? The historical view of computer technology has made this subject less boring and more accessible. To think that my personal computer came from the artistic desire to communicate interactively with an audience. Scientific advancements through this introduction ceased to be merely cold unfeeling experiments performed in a laboratory. They became innovations in art and society. The computer becomes a vehicle by which to create, and not just a tool to muddle through daily assignments.

A blog in time . . .

2005-08-31T12:35:00.000-07:00

I hope I don't get hooked into this