No Code, Part 6

 When considering my role as a student and a user, I have sought to learn and use these digital technologies as a creative prosthesis. I am fascinated with the creative process and often take an unorthodox approach. Sometimes I like to just play. Dig in the sandbox. This technique as an artist can be compared to post modernist movements such as abstract expressionism and Dada. Perhaps it is the concept behind the creation that is important, and not the aesthetic value itself. Or perhaps the emotive design, and lack of concept speak louder than an intentional narrative. I have also invested time to learn more traditional graphic design techniques. To use digital programs within the Adobe suite to execute industry standard works in graphic design and marketing. By doing this, the ascension of digital technologies is apparent in the clean and superior execution of graphic works. 

But it is still nice to get dirty.. 

No Code, Part 6

 These themes have been explored by several authors, and have an almost eerie prophecy about them. Some authors in particular, that have not only coined terms in current digital vernacular, have predicted this exact circumstance; the convergence of humankind and machine. Some of the most prevalent in popular culture might be the Terminator franchise, I Robot, or anything authored by Phillip K. Dick. Essentially there is one common theme, that humankind and machine will converge, ultimately resulting in conflict. What is discerning about this pseudo reality is the role large consumer based corporations might assume to ensure humankind as a product or commodity. However, as David Foster Wallace scribes, media in general already lends itself to this phenomenon, and most are already aware.

No Code, Part 5

 According to Ray Kurzweil, the future holds an even more interactive technological leap. Kurzweil suggests that it can be assumed that computer technology grows at an exponential rate, and that in the next 40 years, computer intelligence will surpass that of humankind. This not only implies A.I. Technology, but nanobot technology small enough to recognize and infiltrate the physiology of humankind. Computers small enough to act out commands inside of a blood cell. 

No Code, Part 4

 As technology lends itself to the marriage of humankind and the immediate environment, where is the appropriate context to base such speculations? Perhaps 50 years ago, human interaction was more organic, personal, face-to-face. But there was also terrible discrimination and social injustice, such as civil rights, and inequality 50 years ago. If it is choosing the lesser of two evils, I choose the latter. Perhaps an argument might be posed that humankind was better off before the industrial revolution, when things were simple. I disagree. With the instinct to thrive and sustain with a higher standard of living, we can pretty much agree that 80 percent of the population in the United States was fairly miserable a 100 years ago. With disease, volatile warfare, lack of medicine, and conflicting ideologies, we can see that technology has united and informed humankind on some sort of global platform.

David Lynch's Hair As Fine Art

 

http://www.juxtapoz.com/Current/the-fine-art-equivalents-of-david-lynchs-hair?utm_source=Lynch%2C+Noise+Pop%2C+Real+Sculpture&utm_campaign=Jux+Eblast+Feb3+Lynch+Hair&utm_medium=email

No Code, Part 3

 What is interesting to consider are these gamers roles as participants, and essentially authors. To author your own experience is no longer a static pursuit, but one that happens inevitably when using computers, networks, and particularly Web 2.0 technologies. Accessibility and multi-tasking have engineered a virtual digital ecosystem that keeps users plugged in 24/7. It is my belief that technology in general can be seen as a prosthetic. That is, humankind has perfected institutions of thoughts and tools to subsidize some function to act more efficiently. From a stick, to a telegraph, to the world wide web, the key idea today seems to be communication, and this is not necessarily a good, or bad thing. It is just a different thing. A mutant of evolution.

It seems an innate trait that humankind continues to create bigger and better technology. To fully realize our potential, sometimes one has to recognize potential consequences. The idea of the World Wide Web at its incarnation is one that promises free networking and the sharing of ideas. As these technologies evolve, we must look at the implications and resulting 'progress'. As an nonoperational telegraph would stall the sell of crops to a neighboring vendor at the turn of the century, as would a satellite falling out of orbit today, disturb monetary and social concerns. An argument that seems to resonate frequently, is our dependence on these technologies. This is a relative concern, and one that is only properly discerned given the semantic value of the argument.

No Code, Part 2.1

When thinking critically about these old/new technologies, I am reminded of the constant, and priceless supply of batteries that was required to keep me 'plugged in'. Digital watches might soon resemble motionless abstract data, comparable to digital glitch art of new media. This was compounded by the soundtrack of the slow deep voices of Def Lepard and Poison, as their music lost their cadence on my dying Walkman. Obviously the party was temporarily over for these folks, haven posthumously taken Quaaludes to curb their amphetamine intake, and now resembled the sound of a Black Sabbath record playing backwards at half the speed. Game consoles on the other had a hard line into the motherboard, and as long as your parents were not raised during the Great Depression, the assimilated watts used to relay a pong ball back and forth, or dissemble threatening asteroids, would go unnoticed for hours. 

Nintendo is possibly one of the most important technological inventions of my generation. It was the catalyst for what can be considered home gaming today, which in turn has evolved into an industry of programmers, designers, users, and enthusiasts that network online. Many of the most technologically literate people I know are gamers. Since these consoles now act as root technologies such as web browsers and media players, it makes sense that users who spend so much time with this interactive technology are not only fascinated by the aesthetics, story line, and gameplay, but also pride themselves as being multi-lingual of everything digital. This is their world. The new age.