Video Art

Here it is, hope you enjoy it!

Video Art Comments

Overall, today's class was very fun and entertaining. Everyone did a great job!

Adam: You video was psychedelic…great music- fit perfectly
Brendan: I liked the way you changed the texture of what was being viewed, I’m sure it would have been more interesting with your music
Ciara: I loved the song you started and ended with! You had an assortment of videos which made it entertaining
John: You had awesome images, making the speed faster made it a lot more enjoyable and creative.
McKayla: Wow, your video was hilarious! You did such a great job, very entertaining!
Laura: I liked that you had music and also Obama’s voice in the background
Ryan: Good use of a significant song! War images were used giving a powerful message.
Victor: You video was very creative use of imaging and texture! Great use of yourself!
Perri: Your video was very relaxing! Loved how you blew the images away at the end!
Bernie: I loved that you were the only one who really used themselves. Your makeup was beautiful, like a coloring book.
Taylor: You video was very colorful and relaxing, and I thought the music you used fit very well
Stacy: I liked the way the speed of the video matched well with the music, having multiple camera angles made it more entertaining. Putting the roof on the car was a good way to end your video.
Ashley: nice change of color, camera angles, and texture throughout your video.
Matthew: You had a very powerful message in your video!
Shawn: You had a very funny playoff of Star Wars! When you changed the texture of the image and added animation it made it more interesting to view.

Almost done

It's truly crazy to think about how quickly time goes by. I can't believe that semester is pretty much already over. I've gotten a great deal out of this class. It has really challenged me to think outside my comfort zone and experience things that I would probably never experience on my own. With the video art piece the last of what needs to be done I can focus solely on that and enjoy mixing youtube videos together to create something of my own. Video art has really interested me more than performance art, simply because I'm not that into acting in front of people. The video camera can be my safety net. Hopefully those who view my piece will enjoy it as much as I did making it!

Performance Art Piece- "Technologically Beautiful"

I hoped that you all were able to enjoy the message behind my performance art piece. I bounced around as to what exactly I'd like to do, and eventually wound up with this idea. Beauty is consistently being enhanced by technology, and I think it's important to note. Here are my pictures, please leave all your comments! Thanks =)

Thoughts about Chapter 1- Media and Performance

"...crossfertilization between theater, dance, film, video, and visual art was essential for the birth of Performance Art." This quote really summed up the understanding of Performance Art. It is all these different techniques and expressions put together into one to make an artistic performance. With our upcoming project I looked to the book to get some ideas about how to relate myself or my ideas to technology or by using technology. I found Rauschenberg's performance, Open Score to be quite interesting because of the usage of 500 volunteers. The volunteers bodies were the canvas, they made the art. The many artists which were discussed in the chapter all viewed art and technology in many different ways. For example, how Jonas placed a camera under glass which recorded the above dancers acting on the table. It's an unusual view of acting, however it made beautiful art. I was rather excited because I took some of the ideas of a few of the artists and kind of molded my own possible idea for my project in the class. After reading about Robert Witman's Prune Flat performance, which had performers in front of a screen of images, I thought to myself what could I add to make it more of myself? Then I read on only to broaden my idea when I read about Nauman's Art Make-Up. I look forward to collaborating past ideas with present, along with myself to create an interesting take on performance art. Hopefully all goes well... keep everyone posted!

Tennis For Two

It's pretty amazing to think that the first video game was displayed 50 years ago! Since then the progression of technology was been speedy, which has also caused the video game industry to boom immensely. It was interesting to read about the minds behind the first game created. I found it quite comical that the creators son began the interview actually bragging about being the first, and he has every right to do so. The very simple Tennis for Two game had a small 5 inch screen, little sound, and very immature type graphics. If a game like that came out now it would never have a chance at selling. It seems like even the McDonald's children's meal toy games are more advanced than Tennis for Two. Thanks to the Internet games have become much more sophisticated. Video games are undeniably popular, especially among boys and teens. It's as though 'gamers' are taking over the universe. The only advice that I have for Dr. Higinbotham is next time get a patent, STUPID! For such a smart man, you should have known better.

WOW!

What a class we had today. I viewed some really crazy and interesting stuff, that most teachers would shy away from showing their students. The Viennese Actionist did some things that I found strange, yet to them it was a beautiful expression of art. This movement out shined the Dada movement by lengths because of the extremism these people weren't afraid to display. I enjoyed watching the Gilbert and George singing sculpture videos just because they were quite comical. The endurance art truly was radical and blows my mind that so many experimented with it.

Other classmate's Xerox Projects

Victor: Your project was very clear! I liked that you filled up the entire board with all the different parts of your body.
Taylor: Using a mirror was very creative, especially because you turned your own hands into a tree. The glitter was an added bonus!
Adam: Your take on using your own hands as a frame was interesting. I also liked the fact that you enlarged your hands to make them look bigger.
MaKayla: You really turned your hands into a beautiful photograph. Your project was unique because you broke the frame with parts of your body. I also love you tattoo!
Murad: Your project was interesting how you made a new UT id by just using your hands.
Perri: I loved that you added a color background to your project. You created a cool new creature using your body.
Ryan: Great use of material (light stand). When it was lit up the multiple layers showed through. It was a great use of technology.
Bernie: I liked the sayings that you wrote on your hands and feet to make your project different from others. Also, you hair looked really cool against the light.
Ashley: Your project was done well, I also liked that you added your teeth to your project.
Matthew: It was a creative use of a box. The usage of motion made your pictures turn out awesome.
Laura: The dragon art was beautifully done, the tail also looked really cool.
Sierra: You truly decomposed yourself in your project by using jewelry. There was texture everywhere.
Shawn: I loved how the red background made everything else pop. Your pictures were very clear!
Staci: Your picture was very beautiful. It was a great use of your body, and awesome detail.
John: The fade was a very unique idea, nice job!

Xerox Project

I really enjoyed doing this project. It made me think about how to use my body to made an interesting piece of art. Initially, I felt strange copying my body in public, but then once I was used to it it got fun. I tried to use the hands on the bottom of my project as though they were trying to acquire material things, and progress upwards to other parts of my body. My favorite part of my project is that fact that I used color, it made mine a little more unique.

Grid Art Project

Please check out my grid art project and feel free to make any comments! THANKS!

Grid Art Project

I found the grid projects to be quite creative. Everyone had so many different interpretations on what they believed constituted for a grid, which made it exciting to see. I went back and forth on many different possible ideas for a grid, and chose to do the eye. To me, I love looking into people's eyes. I think someones eye tells so much about a person. So, taking the original colorful eye and scaling it into a very different piece of art was fun to do. I hope people could enjoy my point of view when it came to the grid project!

Victor: your idea of using Pac Man to represent a grid on grid was really bright and creative.
Taylor: Your reflecting grids was a really unique take on the project.
Makayla: the way you used Mosaic tiles on your lamp turned into a beautiful project.
Ryan: next time draw your grid first than add the picture and color.
John: coffee to create a giraffe was a great use of natural substances! Very different.
Perri: you decomposed a grid in a creative way with the badminton racket and bright colors.
Stacy: I really thought that you had one of the most creative projects out everyone! Using Now and Later wrappers looked very time consuming, but turned out great!
Bernie: Your project was very colorful. I liked how you took many little flowers to make one big one.
Matt: The fact that you drew your on a man made grid must have been difficult. Nice job represented a guitar!
Adam: WOW! Your project amazed me how you used Christmas lights to represent a grid!
Murad: You used a unusual texture, which made your grid different from others which I liked.
Shawn: You used a very recognizable grid (chessboard) Possibily could have made it a little more creative.
Brenden: Your picture of the great wave turned out to be very beautiful. You shaded very well.

world of video games

HALO, one word that means so much to so many boys and men around the world. This game has taken over the lives of millions, just one silly video game. This video game epidemic has been ongoing since the first days it was invented. It is truly unreal to see how so many people can be so completely enthralled by sitting in front of a monitor playing game after game. Granted, Super Mario is a classic and is always enjoyable to play, but it has never taken over my life like many others elsewhere. I'm not that familiar with many of the games which where discussed in the film this past class so I don't have that much to say. However, I'll be back to talk about the more recent phenomenon known as the video game world.

grid art project

WHAT TO DO! I've contemplated a number of different things to do. I keep having a hard time, I don't know if it's because I'm trying too hard to be creative or what my problem is. I've ripped things apart, starting creating my own grids and haven't gotten very far. It's going to be much more difficult than I thought. I've thought of laundry baskets, fences, pictures, finger pants, even clothing to represent different grids. Someone pleeeeeease help me and give me some direction!

impact television

Like everyone knows, TV has played, and still does play, a huge role in society. After talking with my gramma about how radio impacted her life growing up, I thought it would be beneficial to discuss TV with my father. Being born a "baby boomer" my father said TV became part of everyday life. It was interesting to look at the www.mztv.com website with him because he is was around through the timeline. Like most, he can recall exactly where and what he was doing with President Kennedy was assinated. He told me that it was similar to the 911 of my lifetime. He talked about watching MLK's amazing speech on his parents black and white TV. To him, like the rest of America TV was not just an entertainment source it was also an important news and historical source. TV has truly and will continue to touch the lives of millions.

The age of radio

I enjoyed exploring the website www.otr.com especially "Comedy Central." When I was done acquiring some background information I contacted my Gramma, who was 12 when she heard the Orson Welles'- War of the Worlds broadcast. She wouldn't admit to being afraid, but quickly threw a few others under the bus.

After discussing the impact radio had on my Gramma I was still somewhat surprised. She really impressed upon the point that radio was truly the only source of not only news but also entertainment. It's one thing to listen to a documentary about it, it's another thing to hear a first hand account of what life was like in the age of the radio. She told me how after a long day attending a catholic school, she'd be outside playing until it was time to come inside for dinner. The radio wasn't allowed to be listened by anyone other than her father until after dinnertime. She spent her nights as a single child sitting around the radio with her parents until it was time to go to bed. Hearing these experiences is really shocking to me! Life without the television and computer seems so distant to me, because it is.

Wired NextFest 2008

As I explored the Wired NextFest 2008 web page I found myself intrigued with the concept of the "human car." With all the talk about the world going 'green' I think it's very important for there to be other options in automobile traffic. The human car which is priced at about $15,000 takes the idea of rowing and puts it into movement on land. After viewing a brief video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwrXdsFUmRQ I think the human car is a unique idea, yet falls short of reality. It is completely unsafe to drive on a main road, especially with all the other enormous SUV's that are out there. The only think protecting you is your helmet. I mean c'mon lets be realistic.

The next thing I found compelling was the new technology brought about by EA Sports. The Hoops Interactive Kiosk was invented for the player to get a one-on-one feel with the NBA star Dwyane Wade. A "prototype, Spectrum uses DynaScan's 360-degree walk-around display to let users interact with a photo-realistic recreation." Sounds pretty technical, but very cool. It could be the next big idea for the world of video games.

The web page http://www.wirednextfest.com/inform/2008/exhibits.php was really interesting. It truly shows how technology is constantly created and more often improved upon. The future is an unknown world that is just waiting to be explored.

A Clockwork Orange

Wow! Where do I begin...

After watching Stanley Kubick's 2001-A Space Odyssey I could see how his mind truly took full advantage of what would become in the future. He displayed somewhat outrageous, yet funny possibilities for technology. Between the space plane, grip shoes, and even the accessibility of calling from space, the movie truly displayed huge jumps for technology.

Yet, this movie was not what caught my eye. My full attention was directed towards Kubick's film A Clockwork Orange, which was released in 1971. First off, it was totally not what I had expected after viewing 2001-A Space Odyssey. It was an absolutely brilliant, very edgy film. Yes, some of the violence became excessive and explicit, but the idea behind the film was perfect in comparison to the timing it was released. As most know or have heard of the 70's as the age of experimenting. Drugs were EVERYWHERE, which made this film fit right in. Having never personally been on acid, LCD, or anything of that sort I can't understand all that is behind the film, so in the beginning I was hesitant to actually enjoy the purpose behind the film. The very graphic scene where the men break into the home showed a true form of art, by incorporating the skit "Singing in the rain" which dated back 20 years prior. Overall, I would have enjoyed viewing the entire movie, so possibly I'll rent it? I found it similar to the modern day film Requiem for a Dream which is also brilliant!

Looking into Damien Hirst

Strange, yet brilliant. While I was uneasy in viewing Damien Hirst's renowned masterpieces, I found a true appreciation to how he connects Biology to art to beautifully. His works are first of all enormous and so mind-boggling it's hard to understand what was going through his mind while he was making them all. I would have to consider Damien Hirst not only a unique artist, but a scientist as well. When I saw his piece "Hymn" which he produced in 1996, I felt as though I was back in a biography class. I also found the cow production interesting. I liked the way he left the inside open so whomever is viewing the piece can actually see inside. He gives an artistic view to real life biology.

However, Hirst's piece, "For the Love of God," more commonly known as the the 100,000 dollar skull by far is my favorite. It is absolutely amazing. When I first saw it I was mesmerized by how skilled one would have to be to attach so many tiny diamonds to a human skull. When I researched online it said that the skull was studded with 8,601 diamonds!!!!!! When I was admiring pictures I actually found something quite amusing. Someone took Hirst's idea and covered a skull in ice cream sprinkles. Check it out.... http://www.augengallery.com/Artists/Riswold/damien_hirst.jpg

Hirst is truly one of the most bizarre, yet key catching and thought provoking artists I've seen.

Media choke-hold

It was truly interesting to see how film started to become a method of recording reality. It wasn't until the devastation of the 1906 San Fransisco earthquake that America was able to understand devastation through film. Yet, on the other hand Professor Echeverry brought up a very interesting point, which we still deal with today. Historical documents are recorded through the point of view of the one who holds the camera. I really thought that this point was well taken. American media today is infected with so many different points of view that it's almost ridiculous. Take for instance the current political rally between Obama and McCain. You can't even turn the television on without being persuaded how awful the other candidate is. It is quite frustrated to a spectator to American television, because we are ultimately at the mercy of the stations. One show that comes to mind in particular for being quite judgemental is the O'Reilly Factor on Fox News. Anyone who is familiar with Fox News knows that it is a very right-winged based broadcast. O'Reilly is a such a strong republican it's almost to the point of the viewer just wanting to say shut up. If you're not a republican your point pretty much doesn't matter. One of the biggest challenges one will face is to think on their own, and listen to both side of media, not just one. Don't let the media decide your thoughts.

The importance of music

Music makes the world go 'round...

The Blacksmithing Scene which debuted in the year 1893, was the first short film that added music to it. And boy did it make a huge difference. Questioning why they were using realtime music during the movie can easily be answered that it was the progression of technology. Yes, the black and white film was nothing special, just three men hammering on an anvil while passing a bottle of beer around. However it was technologically savvy because of something that had never been previously used- music.

Below is the link of the Blacksmithing Scene. Yes, it's simple. But it was the beginning of a progression of what we can all appreciate now. Film with sound has truly evolved throughout the past 100 years.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qZa-RLtCU0

What an Opera paper...

DONE!!!! That is all I've got to say after writing a three page SINGLE SPACED paper about opera! What a challenge! I didn't know where to begin or end, but now that it's done it feels rather nice. Aida was my opera of choice, well somewhat. The man in the library actually told me to check it out, and since I had no idea about any other type of operas I figured why not? It was challenging to watch because of the subtitles, I really just can't get past that to sit and enjoy an opera. Maybe I'm just more of a Broadway type of person?

Anyways, thankfully were done watching operas in class and now get to watch films about Broadway which I love!!!! The film documentary Broadway- The American Musical has been truly intriguing to watch. It is obvious that sex sells, but I was shocked at how much of an impact sex had even back in the early 1900's! The pace of change for women was what really took me by surprise. Eight short years and these women were wearing two completely different styles of clothing. It was like a whole new woman! It wasn't just dress either, it was they now smoked drank and even had shorter hair! Everything about these women had changed.

Another part of the film I found interesting was how "black faced" performers. The idea that white men would paint their faces black and speak with ridiculous southern accents to caricature black culture. All because black men were not allowed on stage. Oh how the times have changes. It seems like now it's rare to see white people on stage.

The film was really informative and taught me a lot of not just the history of Broadway, but some history of the culture in New York City.

Because Grease is one of my favorite plays on Broadway I'll leave you all with this...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fs8ggb_XMh4

Opera again... can all find an appreciation?

After reviewing my notes from Tuesdays class and posting late I've found myself with so much more to say after today's class. It has been hard for me to locate this 'technology' that is consistently revealed, because my immediate thought about technology isn't completely accurate. Yet beyond the Internet, television, etc. opera revealed many different forms of technology. These forms included: what was part of the setting, the decor used, and especially the lighting. As I began to appreciate the technical aspect of the opera, I could better appreciate what was occurring throughout the act. In the opera Lucia there were exuberant costumes, the set was amazing, and the lighting went perfectly with what was being depicted. It's truly shocking how someone can extend their vocals so unbelievably without a microphone. Once again it's all technique!

I found myself interested how the operas have evolved throughout the 19th century all because the cultural changes. Sigmund Freud the "father of psychology" made it more acceptable to let the mind travel more broadly. World War I took away the "ideal" and romanticism of war, leaving behind the reality of hard times and death. It is true to say that opera permeates through pop culture, yet those my age actually be willing to understand this significant part of historic culture? Personally, I would say no. Yet, would you disagree?

First viewing of opera

WOW! I didn't expect to be viewing so many different types of opera. Having never viewed it before it was somewhat challenging to find interest in what was going on. I found myself somewhat confused as to what exactly was going on because of the different language the dialogue/singing was in. However, I did find myself intrigued in the opera Farinelli, because my immediate question was why the hell is a man playing a woman, and singing much better than any other woman I've ever heard?! Learning that, during this time period, men were castrated at a young age just to be able to put on an amazing show at the opera. I was truly amazed! Farinelli does portray to be the first true DIVA!

As the class proceeded I found the technology to be quite astonishing! "Deus ex machinae" (God's from the machine) was so unbelievable to watch. At the time there were so many challenges which faced these "behind the scenes people" yet they were able to put on a terrific show to the audience. One of my favorite parts of the opera Vatel was when tragedy strikes behind the scenes, yet the audience is left with nothing but joy. This truly revealed that the world is a stage, and not everything we see is true.

Until the next class... opera is confusing, yet beautiful at the same time...

First Day of Class

I first day of class I felt a little nervous just because I don't know what to expect. I was somewhat confused to see a woman walk into the room since when I enrolled everyone told me about how great a this MAN was. Yet, unfortunately Professor Echeverry was not there due to terrible circumstances. Other than the brief descriptions about the syllabus and the typical first day stuff, it was already time to leave, and my nerves were gone. Reading through the material made be even more interested and eager to being the class.

A little bit about me... my name is Coleen Kumka, I was born and raised in Sanford, Maine... yes, Maine. I'm an advertising and public relations major, which I switched to after my first semester last year. I came to college as a marketing major, yet I really found myself much more interested in the creative side of advertising, not just the business side. There is still a strong possibility that I minor in marketing. Coming into this class as an Ad/PR major I'm pretty excited, yet still somewhat unsure about what the class will bring. I enjoy being creative and I hope that through this class I can better understand the role that art plays in everyday technology. Looking through the syllabus I expect a lot of discussion about modern day technology, with a focus on the world of art. I've only taking one other class that pertains to my major, so I'm ready to start focusing on the things that truly interest me and hopefully I'll be able to find a certain direction for the future.

Lastly, I would just let to let Professor Echeverry know that he and his family will be in my prayers.