Storytelling

For this assignment, I wanted to have a narrator that talks to kids about art history as if he's telling the a story. The kids would sit around and listen to the narrator talk about the history of art and how it has evolved over time. The narrator would be talking off-screen, but the kids would be on-screen in a half circle to see all their faces. For audio, I would use an AI generated voice for the narrator and I planned on voicing all the kids by manipulating my natural voice for each one. In order to make it more interesting and not just a blank screen with kids talking, I wanted to do something with the background that was interesting but also not just a few pictures of what is being talked about at that time. That's when I landed on doing realistic flyovers of cities that were pivotal to the history of art. This adds dimension to the video as well as gives the viewer something to look at while the narration or dialogue is happening on screen.

To make the flyovers possible I had to utilize my knowledge in Unreal Engine. I used a standard blank game template and the true magic came from the Cesium Ion plug-in. This plug-in is an API where it connects to Google Maps and generates realistic depictions of the world. You're able to travel anywhere and everywhere as if you're doing a virtual tour of the city or landmark you input. All you have to do is input the coordinates of where you want to go and the plug-in will generate the real-time view of the city. You can also adjust the Sun Sky which plays with timezones so you can adjust the time of day. For example, if you are going to Rome they are 7 hours ahead of us so it will be dark over there if it is 3pm here. You can adjust the Sun Sky to a different timezone and mimic what Rome would look like when it is 1pm local time. Adding this feature really enhanced my video and was a cool way to show the viewer what they city looked like while also hearing the history that was made there.

I ran into a major problem when doing the project, and that was the file got corrupted when uploading it to dropbox to finish at home and I lost the file. The work I had done on the video was gone and it was truly a bummer because I had big plans for it. I took screenshots of the flyovers and rendered some small clips of them which are attached below, but the master video is lost in a void. The characters I also used for this assignment as shown below as well to give a sense of what they would've looked like. In terms of content and information I would include in the video I was going to touch on quite a few topics we discussed in the lecture. The topics I planned on including are below as well. 

Although I didn't get to see the full video come to fruition, I was happy with my idea and outline for the project. I feel like I had a solid idea for what I wanted and I'm content with that.

Deliverables:

Flyovers: 

Characters:

Topics to Include:

• Alberti's Treastises
• Impressionists
• Picasso
• Cubism
• Industrial Revolution
• Surrealists
• Duchamp
• Jackson Pollock
• Dada
• Fluxists
• Post Impressionists
• Black Square
• Nam June Paik
• Bill Viola
• Fauvism
• Abstract Expressionism
• Photography
• Realism
• Etienne Jules Murray
• Muybridge- Zoopraxiscope
• Other artists who contributed to art evolution

Post #19 Reading and GRQ - Anne Collins Goodyear Launching "Hybrid Practices" in the 1960s On the Perils and Promise of Art and Technology

GRQ:

1. 9 Evenings: Theaters and Engineering

2. EAT

3. Sputnik

4. The Two Cultures and the Scientific Revolution

5. Allan Kaprow

6. Billy Kulver

7. Rauschenberg

8. John Cage

9. intermedia

10. Fluxus

11. happenings

12. performances

13. Pepsi-Cola

14. Singer

15. the war in Vietnam and the economic recession

16. the Artists' Cooperation Program

Discussion:

In this lecture we discussed the works of Nam June Paik, and the impact he left on the art world and art history. The lecture included a video art piece titled Global Grove which I enjoyed. The art piece seems psychedelic in a way where there’s flashes of color, a lot of movement, and an upbeat song behind it all. The video seemed like a collage of some sort and truly captured the 70s era of fun and disco, and was just a fun watch. Compared to video art now, the piece was at the start of video art where nowadays you see video art about everything. I remember making a video art piece in another class and we got to make it on any topic we wanted, which was fun and easy to do. The quick movements and flashes of color created the psychedelic aspect of the video and made it engaging to watch, especially since this was unprecedented. Nam June Paik made his mark on the art world and it’s interesting to see what a trendsetter he was looking back on history. I’ve always had an appreciation of Paik and I will continue to do so as he paved the way for many artists today, and even paved the way for music videos with his video art.

Post #18 - Lecture - Electronic Media and Performance

Similar to the evolution of physical art forms, film has undergone various transformative periods where artists challenged conventions and redefined the meaning of art. One striking example of this is the Experimental film genre, which breaks away from traditional notions of storytelling and structure. Experimental films thrive on abstract and seemingly confusing ideas, epitomized by the work of Maya Deren, an influential filmmaker known for her "psychodrama" style, aiming to recreate the contents of the mind or subconscious. A significant turning point in the art world's shift towards digital art came with the formation of "Experiments in Art and Technology" (E.A.T.). This group facilitated collaborations between artists and engineers, paving the way for multimedia and video art, pioneered by Nam June Paik. Notably, Paik's "Electronic Super Highway" installation, with its vibrant neon lights, left a lasting impression. Another intriguing form of video art emerged through David Hall's TV interruptions, where short, unexpected video pieces were broadcasted on television, akin to a visual version of the sci-fi radio broadcasts that once caused panic. Furthering the evolution of art is performance art, breaking down the final barriers of traditional artistic expression. The Fluxus movement exemplified this concept, emphasizing the use of the body as a canvas for ideas and statements. Key figures like Marina Abramovic, Yoko Ono, and Orlan engaged in extreme performances to convey powerful messages, challenging conventional norms. While not all performance pieces need to be as drastic, they carry a meaningful impact, as seen in personal experiences like ballet, where the basics of flow and movement leave lasting impressions. The narrative expands to the author's personal connection with performance, drawing from their ballet background. Even in more private moments of dancing around their room, there's a recognition that this form of expression, combined with daydreaming, serves as a therapeutic outlet. This personal performance, never meant for an audience, is a testament to the idea that art doesn't always require an external observer; it can be an internal expression and release of ideas that transcend verbal comprehension. Whether showcased publicly or kept intimately personal, performance remains a powerful and meaningful avenue for artistic expression.

Performance Art - FMX 211-4 - Group #4

When tasked with creating a performance art piece to do live in front of the class, my group was a little hesitant. With a couple of us gone the day it was assigned, my group and I had to come up with an idea we wanted to do. We bounced around a few such as animal abuse or climate change, but none of them developed into fully formed ideas. That was until we landed on a topic that hit close to home with many UT students. We decided we wanted to do a piece about the ongoing construction of the Multipurpose building and how it has made the Cass Building almost impossible to get to. With this class being held in the Cass building, many students end up showing up late due to newly blocked paths and having to stop for up to 5 minutes waiting for construction trucks to pass. It has become a real problem and that's when we knew it was a perfect idea for this assignment.

Next we needed to decide how we wanted to protest. As a group we formulated a game plan where we wanted to create a path that classmates had to walk and the goal was to make it to class on time. We implemented obstacles such as construction workers, bikers, trucks, and fences, all things that cause a disruption in your everyday routine of getting to the Cass building. This got us excited about the assignment.

Once the plan was finalized, we had to consider the location. We again bounced around some ideas but all agreed on the fact that we needed a bigger space than the classroom could provide, so we were fortunate enough to book the Virtual Production Studio to host the piece. It gave us all the space we needed along with having a space for students to sit and watch. Without the VPS we wouldn't have been able to pull this off so we were very grateful that Hannah and Nico were able to reserve it for us.

After that, we needed to assign roles for the piece. Our piece was split into 2 parts where the first group was trying to get to class while the other group was trying to leave. With having to fill up all 10 minutes for the piece we didn't want it to be too short, so we decided to have 1 group go after another. We also wanted to create an environment where there was peace among the chaos, so we decided to have someone portray the UT President as if he was unveiling the start of construction of the building. While there was chaos in the back there was tranquility in the front. This led us to make a few different roles for the piece which included the UT President, construction workers, and a teacher. The construction workers blocked the path with obstacles, the teacher greeted the students upon entering class, and the President gave his speech throughout the entirety of the piece.

My role in this project was team leader and the President. As team leader I made sure we all stayed on task and that we had everything we needed to pull this off successfully. As for being the President, I wanted to make sure I not only acted the part but looked the part. I went out and bought an outfit for this assignment which included a dress shirt, dress pants, tie, and suit jacket (I already had shoes to wear). I did some research before deciding to buy anything and closely matched my outfit to the one the UT President wore on the day he broke ground on the new building. I only did this for dramatic flair and to help me sell the part. I then devised a plan to make a speech. I tried to find the President's exact speech but only found short clips from the UT Instagram page/website so I had to make my own. I added basic information about breaking ground, how it helps the community, and a thank you to everyone involved. I just needed a guide as the piece was happening, and the full script is down below. Hannah was able to make me a mask of the President but I thought that was too much and didn't end up wearing it, but she also made me a nametag which was super cool.

During the performance I knew it was a hit amongst my classmates. They were laughing and taking videos while we performed and it was great to watch them enjoy it while still giving my speech. I was able to turn on my flair for the dramatic while giving it and I think I sold it really well. Getting into character was like flipping a switch for me. We wanted to make this performance memorable, so we all got really dramatic with our characters as I acted like I cared about students, the construction workers got loud and screamed at the students to stop/start walking, and the teacher got mad at the students for being late all while there were loud construction noises in the back.

The performance was a success and it was a total joint effort between me and my group members. We stayed in touch during break to make sure we were ready, and we all bought/made our costumes and props in order to make sure it was a complete success. I truly believe my group deserved the grade we got as we spent weeks putting this together and making it the hit that it was. 

Deliverables:

President Speech: 

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed faculty, and cherished students,

Today marks a momentous occasion in the history of our university as we gather to celebrate the commencement of construction on our new academic building. This endeavor is not just about bricks and mortar; it represents a profound commitment to the future of education and the holistic development of our students.

This state-of-the-art facility is more than a structure; it is a testament to our dedication to providing an unparalleled academic experience. With cutting-edge classrooms, collaborative spaces, and advanced laboratories, this building will foster innovation and creativity, preparing our students for the challenges of the ever-evolving world.

The benefits extend far beyond the physical structure. This new academic building signifies our unwavering commitment to academic excellence, research, and the overall well-being of our students. It is designed to enhance the learning environment, offering a space where knowledge is not just acquired but actively created.

As the president of this esteemed institution, I am thrilled about the positive impact this building will have on our community. It will serve as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging students to engage in diverse academic pursuits. Moreover, it reflects our dedication to sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly features that align with our responsibility to the environment.

In essence, this new academic building is a testament to our university's continuous pursuit of greatness. It will be a space where ideas flourish, where dreams are nurtured, and where the seeds of future leaders are sown. As we embark on this construction journey, let us look forward with excitement to the countless possibilities that this building will unlock for generations of students to come.

Thank you for your unwavering support, and let us anticipate a future where our university stands even taller, both in structures and in the achievements of our students.

Thank you.

Link to Full Performance:

THE LINK WILL BE ADDED ONCE WE GET IT FROM THE VIDEOGRAPHER!

Post #17 Reading and GRQ – Thompson and Bordwell - Film and Video History Kate Horsfield - Busting The Tube

GRQ:

1. Hans Richter, Hans Richter

2. Walter Ruttman

3. Rene Clair

4. Germaine Dulac

5. "cinema pur"

6. city symphony

7. vertical

8. film lyric

9. Maya Deren

10. Norman McLaren

11. Brakhage

12. Bruce Conner

13. visualizing effects

14. non-linear editing software

15. portable camera

16. Feedback

Discussion:

In this lecture, we discussed the amount of time we spend using digital media since its emergence. A study conducted in 2020 stated that we spend about 8 hours a day viewing digital content. I believe this to be very true in my own life as I spend almost all day on some sort of electronic device. Whether it’s for school or for pleasure, I am always on my phone or computer. I’m watching TikToks, scrolling on Instagram, doing homework, but it all resorts to me viewing digital content. I think everyone can use a little less screen time and focus more on what’s in front of you at the moment. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our digital lives that we forget how to function in our real ones, which is the case for many youths today. They are introduced to digital media at a very young age nowadays, and learn how to be active online first rather than in person. We could be spending this time being in the moment with friends and family, or picking up a hobby, or even getting our much needed 8+ hours of sleep every night. I often find myself scrolling through TikTok until 2am every night which has messed up my sleeping schedule for years. Digital content has its advantages, but that doesn’t come without the bad and the ugly of being glued to your screen all day every day.

Post #16 - Lecture Film TV Video

In this lecture, we embarked on a comprehensive exploration of the intricate relationship between media, arts, and the evolution of our contemporary digital culture. Our journey commenced with Samuel Morse, a luminary who seamlessly transitioned from being an artist to an inventor, embodying the harmonious connection between science and art. Morse's groundbreaking creation, the telegraph, acted as a catalyst for the transition toward the digital media landscape we inhabit today. Morse's telegraph, a marvel of its time, enabled the transmission of messages across vast distances, igniting an era of unprecedented communication. Moreover, the revelation that Morse was also a painter added another layer of intrigue to his multifaceted persona. From the telegraph emerged subsequent innovations, notably the wireless telegram by Guglielmo Marconi and the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell. The narrative unfolded to include the advent of radio, a common household item that became the primary source of information for many. The anecdote of Orson Welles's "War of the Worlds" broadcast, with its masterful use of sound creating a chillingly realistic atmosphere, influenced the powerful impact of media on public perception. Transitioning from radio to television, the narrative spotlighted John Logie Baird, hailed as the Father of Television, whose demonstration of the mechanical TV at Selfridges, a London department store, laid the foundation for the subsequent evolution into electronic TV by Philo Farnsworth. Farnsworth's role in the inception of electronic TV, with collaborative contributions from various inventors, solidified a transformative phase in visual communication. The lecture seamlessly segued into the digital revolution, marking the transition from analog to digital technologies. This paradigm shift, exemplified by Lucas Film's "Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace," heralded a new era where nearly all films are produced digitally. Today, the presence of digital media influences every facet of our lives, shaping opinions, thoughts, and cultural norms. However, as we navigate this digital landscape, echoes of Walter Benjamin's concerns resonate. His prescient worry about the potential influence of media, particularly television, on independent thinking finds relevance in our contemporary era dominated by social media. The advantages of widespread information availability are coupled with the drawbacks, as digital footprints endure, impacting individuals' lives in profound ways. In essence, this journey through the historical timeline of media evolution not only unveils the technological milestones but also reflects on the intricate harmony between science, art, and the societal implications of our digital age.

Quiz #3

1. Futurism

2. Giacomo Balla

3. Constructivism

4. Suprematist

5. Suprematists

6. Bauhaus

7. Hugo Ball

8. retinal art

9. Cabaret Voltaire

10. readymades

11. Postmodernists

12. combine

13. Joseph Beuys

14. Etienne Jules Marey

15. Muybridge

16. Louis Le Prince

17. kinetograph

18. Kinetoscope

19. Cinematograph

20. mechanical tv

21. electronic tv

22. sensors

23. experimental

24. Surrealist