By Emily Leonhardt
4A/ B May 23, 2015
The use of technology in art has inherently coincided throughout time, meeting in many great works of art. Da Vinci, being a man ahead of his time, often linked technology and art. He invented many things including ball bearings, and sketched designs for a helicopter which he called aerial screw. The blades of the helicopter were to be made of linen, and when turned fast enough, it was intended to fly. Unfortunately this invention was unsuccessful for there would need to be more air pressure build up under each blade. Although the first helicopter wasn’t invented until the late 1940’s, it’s believed that Da Vinci’s sketches of aerial screw are from the late fifteenth century. Even the Egyptian Pyramids to Chartres Cathedral, the technology at hand was used to create function and beauty. Even the restoration of classic oil paintings have the help of modern technology to keep them preserved. For example, The American Declaration of Independence is a paper over one hundred and twenty seven years old. In 1951 the modern preservation efforts began to keep the declaration as preserved as possible. The document became sealed inside a bronze air tight, bullet proof case in the National Archives building in Washington, D.C., where humidified helium replaces oxygen to further preserve the document. You can find the beauty of art and technology intertwining throughout history.
Today’s technology has a different kind of meaning, giving ideas of intricate electrical work instead of appreciating simple machinery and good carpentry. Art has now been touched by the by the age of technology. Now having digital art as well as classical paintings and sculptures being presented through computers and cell phones. Giving us at hand accesses to art and culture from all over the world. Technology has become a huge influence, and is to often persuasive in today’s society. It has even affected the way we create art. Now having tools such as photo shop, and digital cameras to create and edit, technology’s as become form of medium for artwork. Artists can also use technology to gain inspiration from others and share their own. It’s become easier to independently market yourself. Also being able to constantly keep up, and connect with your favorite artists. Artists can now use new services such as crowdfunding, being able to raise money online to pursue their ideas. Using websites such as Kickstarter for their projects. In 2011 alone the website Kickstarter raised one hundred million dollars for over 27,000 independent art projects.
Internet collectors can now target specific art styles, being able to create a gallery for their specific tastes. Artists can produce their own websites and build personal relationship from artist to collector. Independant creators aren’t the only ones using technology to their advantage. Many museums are creating online collections and galleries for their art pieces, and having previews of artists work. The idea is to get the public connected and interested in museums as well as informing them of walk throughs and other events. Though the internet consumers are able to discover and purchase many various artworks, benefiting the art world as a whole.
Technology doesn’t come without negative influence, today many artists can suffer at the hand of technology. Because the Internet has made all kinds of art accessible to the public, there is less profit being made for the artists. There are also challenges presented by being unaware of copyright infringement laws. Anyone on the Internet could potentially claim art pieces as there own if not taking the necessary precautions.
The influence of technology in art creates a domino effect change, causing an impact of environmental change. As a result of technology in the art world, there is reduced waste. Having the luxury of sending and sharing by one click of the finger has caused less traditional media, and promotional information to be printed. Not to mention the reduced waste by artists who embrace the tech lifestyle. Now having accesses to tablets that sketching and edit which can reduce materials and waste.
Ultimately there is a positive impact in using technology for art. The advantages of inceased accessibility creates profit, and it reduces the carbon footprint on marketing art. As well spread art an culture. The industry has grown as a result of technology and without the use, it wouldn’t be as fluctuated.
(could not insert photos )
http://www.earthtimes.org/going-green/environmental-impact-art-design-films/1858/
http://www.mfa.org
Contemporary Cultural Questions: How Will Technology Continue to Influence Art?
emilyleonhardt 