Reading 2: Video Art

1. Following the release of portable video cameras, Radical Software claimed "Power is no longer measured in land, labor, or capital, but by access to information and the means to disseminate it." Is this still true in modern day society, after the inventions of many more technological advances besides industrial video cameras? 

2. McLuhan asserted that technology would expand human senses beyond what we are capable of. The text cites examples like the manipulation of synthesizers to create mandala-like image effects in live shows, but this seems to be a very specific example. Do all types of technology help to expand human senses? Is this the primary reason for the creation of certain technologies, or can things be invented without the intention of expanding senses?

[Project 2] Stop Motion Frame Animation

The title of my stop motion animation is "Endangered Animal Super Squad". I had the same general theme as the triptych, but chose to show a light-hearted story where a group of endangered animals band together to thwart an evil poacher from killing a panda. The day is saved thanks to the Endangered Animal Super Squad!

Reading 1: Walter Benjamin

1. Benjamin repeatedly asserts that the most notable difference between traditional and mechanical media is that the former has its own 'aura'. However, photographers and movie directors go to great lengths to try and replicate mood and understanding through their works. Additionally, photographs and films are considered art in modern day. Is it true that mechanical media does not have an aura? Is aura necessary for art?

2. It is clear that the advancement of mechanical media has an impact on traditional art. Do the pros outweigh the cons, or vice versa? Would art be better without these technological advances?

[Project 1] Digital Triptych Montage

The title of my triptych is "How can you help?" I used Adobe Photoshop CS6 and a combination of magazine scans and stock images from sxc.hu. I referenced worldwildlife.org's list of endangered animals when choosing what animals to feature. In the "How can you help?" text, I made thumbnails of the animals from other panels clip over the text. Here is an example of what I mean by that, taken from the first triptych. 

I chose the theme of endangered animals because I personally really like animals and feel like people should be aware of how many are endangered. My favorite magazines have always been ones like National Geographic just for the animal pictures, and with this project being a collage, it instantly reminded me of that. The "How can you help?" headline came from a magazine article, but I opted to re-type it instead of scanning it so I could make it bold enough for the animal thumbnails to be clipped in.

The animals included are: Indian elephant, sea lion, Galápagos penguin, black rhino, green turtle, orangutan, beluga whale, giant pandas, tiger, chimpanzee, polar bear, and black-footed ferret. All of these animals are listed on worldwildlife.org as endangered or critically endangered.

I merged all the images in order to make them fit side-by-side in this blog post, but here are links to each triptych in its proper dimensions: triptych 1, triptych 2, triptych 3.