Prior to this week’s lecture, I have always thought that the pervasive influence of technology in the realms of art is nothing but beneficial. Take for example, many museums in the past two decades have begun to incorporate pre-recorded walkthroughs of the facilities into their exhibits [1]. With this newfound technology, information on artists and their respective pieces are conveyed to the audience and is no doubt making the overall experience for the public a better one. However, Benjamin Walter argues in his article that while technology has created completely new territory in the areas of art, the mechanical reproduction nature has also led to repercussions. Prior to mass production, each art piece is one of a kind but nowadays, originality is being removed [2]. His assertion has led me to realize that technological influence on art might not be all that positive after all. In an interview of Jonathan Ball, the creator of a company that develops visual solutions, he contends that digital artworks are at risks of being lost in future generations.  Since most digital works are designed to be view on current relevant devices, these arts will be obsolete when newer models with higher resolution are developed in the future [3]. In the end, although technology has positively influenced art in various ways, whether it be technically or convenience, it is inevitable that there are also negative consequences to these technological breakthroughs.

When Professor Vesna gave the example of robot seen in media, a production that immediately came to mind is the film Big Hero 6 by Walt Disney Animation Studio [4]. A 3D computer-animated film, the production incorporates art with the most innovative computer software to date. First, the technical team generated the fictional setting, San Fransokyo using a tool called Denzien [5]. The software generated a total of 83,00 buildings, 260,000 trees, 215,000 streetlights and 1000,00 vehicles, all of which are distinctive from one another. With respect to the character of Baymax, the designers behind the movie envisioned the robot to be different from existing ones in media culture. With inspiration from Carneige Mellon University’s Robotics Institute’s research on soft robotics, the concept of a huggable robot built using inflatable vinyl was born. Without a doubt, this movie celebrates the fusion of technology and art in a way that no other films productions have done before.

                             

Sources:

Hanna-West, Dr. Sharon. "The Influence of Technology in Art Appreciation and Sales as a Factor in the Sustainability of the Retail Art Industry." The Influence of Technology in Art Appreciation and Sales as a Factor in the Sustainability of the Retail Art Industry (n.d.): 4. University of South Florida. Web. 19 Apr. 2015. <http://www.usf.edu/business/documents/undergraduate/honors/thesis-gamboa-sarah.pdf>.

Benjamin, Walter. “The Work of Art in Age of Mechanical Reproduction.” Marxists. N.p.. Web. 18 Apr. 2012. <http://www.marxists.org/reference/subject/philosophy/works/ge/benjamin.htm>.

Maraviglia, Marilina. "What Do We Really Mean By Art? - Smashing Magazine." Smashing Magazine. N.p., 23 July 2010. Web. 19 Apr. 2015. <http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2010/07/23/what-do-we-really-mean-by-art/>.

Vesna,Victoria. “Lecutre Part 2.” Math + Art. 19 Apr. 2012. Lecture.

Vope, Joseph. "Disney Rendered Its New Animated Film on a 55,000-core Supercomputer." Engadget. N.p., 18 Oct. 2014. Web. 19 Apr. 2015. <http://www.engadget.com/2014/10/18/disney-big-hero-6/>.