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Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Situational Tour

Situational Tour: The White House




(Stop)

These gates protect the most powerful building in the U.S.

Can't you see that?



On Guard!

Why though?

No one even stops to notice the White House.





(Watch)

People passing, commuting.

Not interested in what's to their left.




(Wait!)
Two stop and take a picture.
They must be tourists





(Across the street)
One shouting her opinion, while everyone else walks by.




(Look to the right)

A women protesting the decisions of the President.
A women who awakes and immediately sees the building that she feels
is failing the American people.
Does she notice this building everyday...
has she become a daily commuter, were the building disappears
or does she stare it right in the face?





(Look around)
People stare, but not at the White House.
People engage with the pigeons.
They take pictures with them, not the White House.






Can't get enough of the BIRDS!




Workers visit everyday.

They don't see it as a house of power, but another

stop on their daily truck route.





Another day at work.




Noticed by visitors.

Ignored by workers and commuters.

Why?




Sometimes seeing it so much,

people forget its significance.

Seeing it so much it becomes

a blur through the bars

that people just walk by.


































Monday, January 21, 2008

White House


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Situational Tour Location

The White House:
The location I have chosen for my situational tour project is the White House. As I thought of places that involved ritual, ideology, security and authority the White House was the location that came straight to my mind. I find it interesting that the White House is a place of authority, it is were all the ideas and decisions for our country are collaborated and decided, yet it is surrounded by bars to protect it from the world. I know the reasons to the high level of security but the idea that one of the most powerful places in the country has to be protected from the world intrigues me. I hope by doing this project I will be able to capture people’s expressions and emotions and be able to tell a story that will reflect all four topics.

Do Modern Forms Of Art, Represent and Capture Contemporary Life Today, Better Than Traditional?

Just like times have changed so has art. Traditional boundaries of art have broken down over time and art has become more interactive and diverse. We live in a world of speed, energy, interaction, and technology. We interact constantly with technology and are a very “hands on” society. To keep up with changing times people such as John Cage felt that traditional boundaries of art needed to change to capture and relate to contemporary life. John Cage used different ways to blend the division between artwork and audience and did so by heavily involving the audience in the outcome of his artwork. Non-traditional performance techniques were developed by artists and new genres of art developed such as the Happenings, electronic theater, performance art, and interactive installations. Modern art forms such as new media technology, collaborative performance, and the movies all incorporate our world lifestyles. Modern forms of art are a reflection and product of contemporary life today.

Was It The Drive Of Increasing Our Military, Or The Curiosity Of Man, That Caused Computer Technology To Advance?

Computers were first designed as calculating machines to assist the military during World War II. The government believed that advancements in technology, in computers, would strengthen our military and help in times of war. As the government invested in computer technology for the military, scientists were able to get a glimpse of what computers were capable of. It is because of the desire to increase our military that computers were invented, but the curiosity of man has enabled computer technology to continue to advance.

Douglas Engelbart said, “….the personal computer would not only augment intelligence but augment communication as well.” As scientist worked on computers and learned about them, they believed they could become a device for individual use. Scientists believed that not only could the computer be a tool to extend human intellectual capability and improve work efficiency, but that one day the computer could eventually rival human intelligence. Computers today are used for communication, research, creativity and much more, it is because of the curiosity and drive of man, which has enabled computer technology to be were it is today.

Why Do We Categorize Art And What Makes Art, Art?

When we see a painting or a sculpture, we immediately categorize the object as being art. When we see a logo or something created by a software program or computer, we are quick to question if it really is classified as art. People immediately set categories in their minds and have strict guidelines to what does and does not fit into those categories. Our society sets invisible rules or qualifications involved in gender, government programs, race etc and or instincts are to do the same. When there are categories, there are always things that do not fit into a category, which creates a gray area, and I believe that multimedia sits in the gray area when it comes to art.

Art is a form of expression. Art enables someone to express an emotion or cause emotion in others and I believe that is exactly what art is. The computer serves as one medium to help someone create art. A computer provides people with various tools that helps enable them to express themselves in different ways. The computer does not serve as the source behind the art, but a tool that can be used to help create a masterpiece.