Study Notes on Technology-Based Mediums in Emerging Visual and Performing Arts

Learning Goals for Technology-Based Mediums

  • Definition of Technology-Based Mediums: Understand and define technology-based mediums within the specific contexts of visual and theatrical arts.

  • Medium Exploration: Explore various technology-based mediums utilized in emerging popular performing and visual arts, focusing on selected emerging concepts, techniques, processes, and practices.

  • Discussion of Application: Discuss the specific uses and implications of technology-based mediums in both visual and theatrical artistic expressions.

Multimedia Arts

  • Definition: Multimedia is an art form that integrates multiple types of content—including text, images, sound, animation, and videos—through the use of digital devices.

  • Interactive Experience: This medium allows for interactive experiences by consolidating various forms of media onto a single platform.

  • Elements of Multimedia:

    • Images: Visual representations or photographs.

    • Text: Written words or typography.

    • Audio: Sound, music, or narration.

    • Video: Moving visual images.

    • Animation: The technique of photographing successive drawings or positions of models to create an illusion of movement.

  • Dynamic Nature: Multimedia art is not static; it can be interactive and evolve over time, actively inviting participation from the audience.

  • Local Cultural Applications: Multimedia is often utilized in relation to local festivals, such as:

    • Sinulog: A major cultural and religious festival.

    • Halad Inasal: A local celebration related to food and tradition.

Significant Multimedia Artist and Video Art

  • The Founder of Video Art: The field recognizes a specific South Korean artist as the "Father of Video Art." This individual worked across a diverse variety of media.

  • Iconic Work - TV Buddha (19741974):

    • This is one of the artist's most famous installations.

    • It features a traditional, serene stone statue of a Buddha placed in front of a television monitor, creating a dialogue between ancient spirituality and modern technology.

Installation Art

  • Spatial Definition: Installation art is designed to fill up a specific space. It is immersive, allowing people to walk through or around it, and sometimes even become part of the artwork itself.

  • Material Composition: Artists typically use materials such as fabric, metal, sounds, and lights to construct these pieces.

  • Historical Context:

    • The movement began to grow significantly during the 19501950s and 19601960s.

    • The foundational idea for installation art is credited to the artist Marcel Duchamp.

  • Relation to Filipino Traits: Art installations in the Philippines often reflect core cultural values:

    • Diskarte (Creativity): The trait of being resourceful and creative in problem-solving or artistic expression.

    • Bayanihan (Community): The spirit of communal unity, work, and cooperation to achieve a particular goal.

Photography

  • Etymology: The word "Photography" is derived from two Greek words:

    • Phos: Meaning "light."

    • Graphe: Meaning "drawing."

    • Literally, it means "drawing with lights."

  • Process: It involves the process of capturing images using light through either traditional film or digital tools such as cameras and mobile phones.

  • Two Main Types of Photography:

    • Non-digital Photography: This type utilizes a chemical process. A light-sensitive film captures negative images, which are then converted into a positive image by printing them onto special paper.

    • Digital Photography: This is a modern setup involving devices like DSLR cameras, laptops, and smartphones.

      • Images are stored as digital files in formats such as JPEG, TIFF, or RAW.

      • High-quality inkjet prints used in digital photography are referred to as Giclée prints.

Film and Cinema

  • Definition: A film is a series of pictures shown in rapid succession, creating the illusion of movement.

  • Persistence of Vision: This phenomenon occurs due to a trick called "persistence of vision," where the human eye and brain blend individual pictures into a single, smooth motion.

  • Key Roles in Film Production:

    • Director: Guides the overall creative vision and provides direction to the actors.

    • Screenwriter: Responsible for writing the script and developing the narrative story.

    • Cinematographer: Manages the technical aspects of the camera and lighting.

    • Editor: Responsible for cutting and assembling the captured footage into a final product.

    • Actor: Performs the characters in front of the camera.

  • Types of Films:

    • Documentary Film: Focuses on real-life events, people, or issues. These films aim to educate, inform, or inspire, often utilizing interviews, archival footage, and real-world visuals. They are noted as being highly impactful for social change and awareness.

    • Experimental Film: An unconventional style of filmmaking used by creators who wish to challenge audience expectations and explore artistic possibilities outside of mainstream norms.

    • Animation Film: Covers a broad spectrum from hand-drawn 2D2\text{D} styles to computer-generated 3D3\text{D} worlds. It is considered one of the most versatile types of filmmaking, allowing for imaginative storytelling that may be impossible in live-action.

The Role of Technology in Modern Visual Arts

  • Integration: Technology is a major component of contemporary visual arts, including paintings, sculptures, installation arts, photography, and film.

  • Promotion and Outreach: Social media platforms serve as vital tools for artists to promote their work to a global audience. Key platforms mentioned include:

    • Facebook

    • Instagram

    • TikTok