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