Saturday, April 22, 2017

Unit 3: Robotics + Art

This is an example of spectators watching movies, and with
the surplus of technological advancements, not being
able to contemplate much about the scenes on the screen
because of the constantly changing images.
Courtsey of: http://io9.gizmodo.com/
Industrialization has always been a driving force in inventions, sometimes resulting in drastic changes in cultural norms.  In particular, the mechanization of art changed the reactions of the public towards art (Benjamin).  Paintings, which existed before the mechanization of art, invite spectators to contemplate their meanings. Whereas, the mechanized art form of film doesn’t allow for contemplation, since spectators’ thoughts are constantly being replaced by moving images, repetitively interrupting one’s thought process with the sudden changes of scenes (Benjamin).  As industrialization continues, art is evolving to be less contemplative and more interactive, now incorporating new scientific concepts to create art.  The invention of the computer was monumental in bringing about an avenue towards artistic growth, and this simple yet complicated design evolved into something greater - robots (uconlineprogram, 2012a).



This Japanese robot is a Carebot that assists the elderly, showing the
combination of art and science in something that Americans might
deem "scientific," but in Japan is considered a combination of the two.
Courtesy of: http://www.businessinsider.com/
Interestingly, the invention of robots in Japan isn’t considered an “art” or a “science” - the border between artists and engineers isn’t as distinct compared to the distinction in Europe and America (uconlineprogram, 2012b).  This shows that inventions, such as robots, aren’t solely advancements in science but are advancements in the art of using tools of mechanization.  Additionally, as Dennis Hong stated in his TED talk, education from classes you take aren’t meaningless (Hong). In fact, these courses are tools that encourage creativity, helping you implement your artistic vision and bring it to life (Hong).  Art is truly dependent on learning, and, in today’s age of industrialization, education helps bring art to life.


The application of the mechanization of art can be seen in film, an art form widely embraced today.  The movie, Star Wars Episode VII, is one of the best examples of the incorporation of the mechanization of art.  Behind the scenes, engineers, mathematicians, physicists, and artists worked together to create special effects faster than filmmakers could do decades ago (Golden).  Now using technology like programming, artists can create much easier and faster, displaying the incorporation of the mechanization of art in society.


The top image shows the scene from Star Wars Episode VII with a green screen.  The bottom image shows the same scene with artistic special effects which were used using the mechanization of art - programming and science. Courtesy of: http://www.ufunk.net/
Overall, it is observed that society responds to industrialization by using developing sciences to expand on its creativity.  In fact, industrialization is embraced to help encourage innovative ideas to come to life whether it be seen in robots, filmmaking, or more.


References:
  1. Benjamin, Walter. The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction. PDF. Web.
  2. uconlineprogram. “Robotics pt3” Online video clip. YouTube. YouTube, 16 April 2012. Web. 22 April 2017.
  3. uconlineprogram. “Robotics MachikoKusahara1” Online video clip. YouTube. YouTube, 14 April 2012. Web. 22 April 2017.
  4. Hong, Dennis. "My seven species of robot - and how we created them." TED. Sep. 2009. Web. 22 Apr. 2017. <https://www.ted.com/talks/dennis_hong_my_seven_species_of_robot>.
  5. Golden, Paula. "Tapping the Force: The Art of Making Star Wars Illuminates STEAM Careers." Broadcom Foundation. Broadcom Foundation, 3 Nov. 2015. Web. 22 Apr. 2017. <http://broadcomfoundation.org/broadcom-masters/tapping-the-force-the-art-of-making-star-wars-illuminates-steam-careers/>.

2 comments:

  1. I agree that the replacement of paintings for moving images in movies and TV shows has made it difficult for audiences to contemplate the meanings and messages behind it. After watching a movie, I often find myself thinking about the characters and the plot of the movie, sort of in a trance and feeling like I am still in the world of the movie. Reading your blog post, Katherine, has made me realize that this may be because the images and ideas were being shown at such a fast rate that I had no time to process it, forcing me to process everything at the end of the movie. I often don't analyze the plot or stylistic choices of a movie or TV show unless prompted by someone or something, but with paintings, viewers are given the time to thoroughly observe, examine, and analyze these aspects of an artwork.

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  2. I like how you say that there is no huge distinction between artists and engineers. Indeed, robots are something created by both of them. Besides, the last picture you put here is such an amazing example illustrating the the mechanization of art. I do agree that with more means of creating art, we are expanding our creativity and imaginations.

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