Breaking Free - Video Art Piece

As the making of this video progressed, I thought about how Art and Entertainment have been used in protest and how much of our ideas and support of "freedom" is expressed in this non-violent medium.  With that in mind, I hope you enjoy my video.  Remember to always be kind to yourself and others.   It doesn't cost anything but the rewards are great!

Unchained - Free2Bme

This is the link to my performance video based on a poem that I had previously written.  The poem "Locked Up" was inspired by my experience with people who are afraid to open up to their emotion because of fear.  Experience has taught me that in order to experience joy, one must be open to pain and anything less than that is not living, just simply existing.  Don't let life pass you by watching others live.  Turn off the TV and the computer and get out and feel the joy, feel the pain, experience it all.  Discover the unique jewel that you are and be the best you.  Someone is waiting to share your experience with you.

Performance Videos

Last night was an exciting experience and fun to watch the class in their performance videos.  There were varied reactions from the public depending on whether they knew they were being videotaped or if the camera was hidden.  The videos seemed to be divided in two groups.  One group that was obviously inspired by personal experiences and another group that was artistically inspired but also included a less obvious personal aspect.  For example, Robert's performance at the bus stop bench was his personal experience so he seemed a little reluctant to intrude in the public space of others.  However, in Brittany's Online Dating option performance, she performed and did not let the public space affect her performance.  Similar performances such as Michael's, Thao's and Austin's invited the public to view a "performance."   The videos such as mine, Keri Jo's, Nick's and Marco's seem to be more of an outward expression of personal experiences.  Overall, I loved the entertainment and shock value of all of these videos especially the Aneiska's gunpowder special fire/smoke effects that created such an awesome final result.   Kudos to Martin for getting evicted from the mall and special mention to Thao for an originality that only she can bring to the class.

Favorite Flash Mobs

Second Fav - MC Hammer Flash Mob-we all love Hammer time

 

Third Fav - Anti-Bully Flash Mob - Beautiful and inspirational - love the song

Singing in the Rain 1951-1971

It was reported that the rape scene which featured "Singing in the Rain," was entirely improvised but Kubrick took special efforts in portraying a total lack of empathy in the character, even so far as to suggest the dance jig.  It had been a twenty year span since the original song was made in a time when life had a more carefree attitude and plays and operas was created to lift spirits.   Since that time, there had been several wars including the Vietnam War in 1964 and the Korean War in 1950.   Other events that lead to the change in attitude of the general audience was Communism and the Cuban invasion, the Civil Rights Movement and other unrests in Russia, China, South Africa, Britain, France, Egypt and Libya.   Even the Catholics were in dispute with the Protestants.   Gone was the veil of carefree ignorance as radio and television would expose the ugly reality.  This reality was the basis of many of the early humanitarian movements that culminated in the early 1970s.

 

 

Coding Computers - Changing the World

More people should learn to code computers.  Learning code when you are younger is like learning a new language, it is much easier to incorporate into your daily life.  If coding classes are provided in the school system, it will give more opportunity and motivate more children to broaden their career choices – where they can make changes to help others or simply to use math and scientific aptitudes in a fun way while creating endless possibilities and contribute to changing the world around them.   My experience in computer history has given me a knowledge that resulted in an open mind and better understanding of technology driven changes over the years.  I find that many older people often fear these changes because they don’t understand them.  Although coding is not something I would want to do, being able to understand the concept and what drives the operations of everyday users is very valuable.   I was among the first trained users of the PC when I attended business college in 1984, however, it is only looking back that I can see the importance of having that opportunity at that time.  Because computers are being used in almost every type of equipment both for industry and entertainment, the demand for trained coders is even more greater if we are going to stay current with our steadily changing world.  

Kill - Is Videogames to Blame?

Violent videogames are often blamed for desensitizing young people of today.  It is interesting how these games are easily accessible to many young children who, in my opinion, have not had a chance to develop a mind to understand what is real or not real.  Videogames are entertaining but they can also be addictive and because they actually require interactive participation, the experience will make a bigger impression on one's mind. 

On the other hand, if someone becomes addicted to the thrill of videogames, there is a danger that other necessary skills will not get developed.   As a parent, I believe in balance and in protecting a young person from information that they are not fully mature enough to handle, however, this is not an easy task.   I also believe that there are benefits to videogames as the technology are great in teaching valuable skills that are necessary in today's world.   This same technology is also creating a more stressful environment of instant gratification so there is no down time and decisions made under pressure usually comes from what is already in our thoughts,  So if we feed our young people violence and give them no real life alternatives to deal with this pressure, they will respond with violence because that is all they know.  So, whether violent videogames are to blame or not, I would agree that we live in a world that is desensitized to violence and acceptance/justification has now overshadowed the consequences.

Tribute to Alan Turing

Alan Turing is often referred to as the 'father of the computer'.  A gifted mathematician and engineer built the first electronic computer which was used to break German Codes during the war.    He was one of the first people that studied Artificial Intelligence which explored the possibility of creating a machine that could imitate the human brain.   Alan Turing suggested a theory that Artificial Intelligence could be better accomplished if you created a childlike brain and then feed it information.   Binary Code which is the basis of computers today is based on Turing's theory of computation and is the reason why he is considered the founder of computer science.

1938 - Sound and Color

The making of Snow White was a historical step in movie making because it included sound and color which was just being introduced at that time.  It is amazing to see how many people are involved in creating simple things such as sounds and every tiny movement.   There is genius in the transition from the drawing to the animation and sound involved in creating the movie.  The use of music and the defined characters in the story adds to appeal to its audience and captures their hearts.  Great storytelling and originality in use of available technology is worth the money that it cost to produce a movie such as this.

Blu Blu and Broken Fingaz

Awesome artwork using music synchronized to the movements and animation of the video.   Both of these videos features graphic art and music which add dimension to the piece.   It is very enjoyable to watch and see how this type of work can begin with an idea such as the one we will create using flipbook art.   These videos are examples of how technology is being used to re-create the same manual techniques used in animations in the early 1900's.  Adding color and sound has become so much easier and there are many options now available.   It is exciting and very inspirational.

A Trip to the Moon - Silent Film

I love the way this film uses exaggerated movements and choreographed placements to create the story.   Méliès uses metaphoric shots that imitated war-like movements and created a scene with soldiers loading a cannon which shot off in grand style to penetrate the moon.  The use of lighting and clothing greatly enhances this production.

Interesting Article about What Moviemakers Can Learn from Videogames

http://omg.yahoo.com/news/digital-gap-why-arent-moviemakers-learning-narrative-videogames-205902302.html;_ylt=AgePNRqln5puurHYuwIQ7TAO.xx.;_ylu=X3oDMTRxcXYzcGZsBGNjb2RlA3ZzaGFyZWFnMnVwcmVzdARtaXQDTmV3cyBGb3IgWW91IE1peGVkIExpc3QEcGtnAzVhN2IwNzBlLTY5NGMtM2M3Ny1iOWNiLWI5M2JlNTNiNjNlNgRwb3MDNgRzZWMDbmV3c19mb3JfeW91BHZlcgM0YTY5NzcyMS03NDhlLTExZTItYmVkZi02YmExMjcwMzUxNjA-;_ylg=X3oDMTNmaDhqdDBvBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDYjAyMmY3OTItNmU0Ny0zOTQ5LThhMjMtN2M0NjQ0NWNiMmM1BHBzdGNhdANuZXdzLWZlYXR1cmVzfC1yZWxhdGlvbnNoaXBzBHB0A3N0b3J5cGFnZQ--;_ylv=3

The Birth and Life in Opera

The Birth and Life in Opera explores the use of art to bring attention to social and political issues.  Art is usually attended by powerful and influential members of  a society, in part because they are the only ones who can afford to attend.   This story shows how different composers such as Monteverdi and Mozart, used music and recitative language similar to what was being used in the church to convey sensitive messages such as death and mistreatment of subjects.  Opera originated in Italy and became popular in most of Europe in the 18th and 19th century.   To dramatize stories about real life issues such as love, death and politics, Opera combines music, poetry, dance, drama, and design to depict stories about love, tragedy and injustice.    Opera continues to be used as a political venue which brings social issues to light through universal stories.  Using music to dramatize passionate stories creates an entertainment setting that has become relevant in most of the world including cities in China and North America.  This setting is unique and is considered the parent of the musicals which have also become increasingly popular in bringing attention to social issues such as war, discrimination, and other social injustices

Technical Highlights Used in Broadway Shows

The Adams Family.  The lighting effects in this media greatly enhanced the setting and the technical influence is seen when Pugsley is gradually raised up in a comical scene as Wednesday pushes on a mechanical lever as part of her performance.

A Christmas Carol is a musical that depicts spectacular scenes with lighting as it portrays a winter wonderland scene.  There is a lighting show that erupts as the character springs forth and its so amazing to watch.

In Camelot, light and props are used to create a snowfilled outdoor garden similar to the one in the Christmas Carol but it has a more magical feel.  This difference is created with the clothing and a princess fairytale type setting.

Top Hat creates Hollywood's Glitz and Glamour using lighting that reflects and moves in the rhythm of the dance.  The wardrobe and the choreograph makes this performance different and fun to watch.

 

Into the Woods shows a stage that changes into a scene in the woods complete with animals and treacherous looking trees.  Again even though this is another outdoor scene, the lighting is dark and shadowy.

Wicked use lighting, makeup and technical means to create a flying green witch.  The wardrobe in this scene is more modern.   Here the use of dark lighting creates the mood for the witch scenes.

Minstrel Shows

Interesting comment about how black face was used to emphasize facial expression.  It is said that imitation is the best form of flattery and this media questions how comedy and making fun of others is portrayed as art.  This is a practice that continues today and there are still many who are conflicted on whether it is offensive of just for entertainment. 

The Many Faces of Josephine Baker

Josephine Baker used her fame as an entertainer to defy racism and unequality in America.  She is outstanding because even when she is turned away, she still returns to the States to perform when she had a chance to change audiences to non segregated for her shows.   She is adequately referred to as a "A woman of steel."   I love that she never gave up trying and the Rainbow Tribe is such a great demonstration of her passion.  It is interesting how other entertainers continue in that trend such as Angelina Jolie and her adopted children.   Josephine Baker remains one of the first black woman who broke many barriers even if she had to give up her home to do it all the while remaining classy, feminine and true.  She is a decorated military offer, an international entertainer, and one of the first black women to perform in movies, one of the highest paid and most photographed woman in the world. Most Outstanding Woman.  She makes me proud to be a woman.

Everyone wants to be like William and Kate!

An artful imitation of the wedding photos!

Baroque seen in England's Monarchy in the 1600's

In Baroque era only the rich royals could afford to travel to the opulent performances. Today, many people still flock to see a new princess bride, like the recent wedding of Prince William. http://www.nndb.com/people/404/000093125/

Introducing Cindy

Hello, my name is Cindy and I am returning to school in pursuit of a second career.   I am a little late starting so my first class will be on Monday.  I am excited to learn more about Art and Technology and I am going over the question of how this class will incorporate the role of art in technology or the role of technology in art. 

That being said, I am both intrigued and a little fearful of the depth of the exploration into technology as it continues to evolve.  I am equally intrigued by Art but I have not had much opportunity to study in this area.