From: utzoo!utcsrgv!elf Newsgroups: net.graphics Title: Re: computer art and aesthetics Article-I.D.: utcsrgv.985 Posted: Mon Feb 7 14:53:19 1983 Received: Mon Feb 7 15:02:32 1983 References: mcnc.1506 A number of interesting viewpoints on this subject have appeared recently. I think most of them are simplifications at best. I'll try not to sound pretentious in saying why. I'll be brief. (1) Aesthetics is in the eye of the interpreter. The only *message* the interpreter sees is what he sees, not necessarily what the artist conceives. (2) "Great" artists are so rarely because of one work of art, but rather due to a series of sometimes radically differing works. We often think of "great" artists as "reflecting their time", as somehow echoing the tensions of the era. Sometimes they are beatified for developing new techniques. The point: if you're into "messages", be careful to distiguish between the art and the artist. (3) It isn't fair to use the pragmatic considerations (e.g. thickness of paint, types of brushstrokes, etc.) of one artistic form as arguments against another. After all, I ain't a painter, but I wouldn't say that watercolours are a priori inferior to oils. Computer-mediated art is in an even stickier position because it hasn't been around long enough to even have an established set of techniques. (4) The "realism isn't art" philosophy is a little odd. Many would think that photography is a genuine art form. There is much realistic art I don't particularly care for, but that's my problem. On the other hand, realism, like most things, is in the eye of the beholder. Besides, there's a lot an artist can do to touch up a "realistic" scene. Most of my favourite movies are highly realistic. I also just love stills from the old "film noir" movies. I could go on and on. The point I hope to have made is that "great" computer art is possible. In fact, I would say inevitable. I think this discussion would be extremely interesting if we start considering and criticising new and existing techniques using computer tools such as paint programs, animations systems, etc. I've blabbered enough. Someone else take over. Eugene Fiume utzoo!utcsrgv!elf U of Toronto