Montage, Remix, Mashup

 Soviet filmmakers of the 1910's and 1920's created Montage. PhotoMantage is affiliated with the German Dada movement in the 1930's. PhotoMontage is cutting and pasting from different images to create a new image/idea to induce provocation by the viewer. Montage is no longer a part of the New Media or Digital age of the 21st century. Now instead of a borderline between images there are now no obvious borderlines. Todays media is moving towards a more realistic feel rather than the obvious borders of previous history in Montage.

I find this fairly true. Although there are the artists who enjoy the obvious disconnect between images pasted together. As in my own experience I feel the realism of New Media and the obvious cut/paste feeling of Montage is a preference of the artist and the consumer. I enjoy the realistic effects because I strive to create a realistic feel. I want to make video games, and my idea for the video games is for them to be as realistic as possible, to engross the player in the game that looks so close to real life. I want that for immersion purposes of course. But then again in some of my random graphic designs I wouldn't mind a statement using montage. If anything I think it could be a useful tool in art to make a statement about dis-connectivity of society. or anything that could make a statement using this style of art i think would have great impact on the viewer. We cant shut down Montage because Montage sprouted our modern era of New Media. Thanks to Montage we have the ideals and programs of today.

Charles Cohen interview

Charles Cohen states that there are three types of "effects" when viewing art. The first effect is "immediate recognition of the void, a mere observation, not an intellectual reaction." The second effect is called "abstract effect" meaning the viewer is thinking about the art itself and its meaning to the artist and the viewer. The third effect is called "reflective effect". This is guided by the programed expectation of the viewer from society. They question the content of the art, what is happening in front of them. is there a story? Is there meaning? If there is what does it mean to me or someone else? Cohen states his theme of art is "presence of absence." Mark Cooley asked Cohen about interactivity and alienation caused by  'gadgets' and technology. Cohen believes that interactivity with a 'gadget' has both positive and negative effects based on the specific person using the gadget. His thought is that each person reacts to things differently. For some people it would be positive and to others negative and some in-between. Cohen also believes that technology has negative effects on people and does cause alienation. Cohen has theorized that the brain has 2 voices, participation and observation. each having different effects on individuals reactions to things. Cohen theorizes that Design and Art are meant for different aspects of viewing. Art is mean to pause the audience. Design is meant to hook (sell).

At first  I was slightly confused at what was going on in the interview. but as i read on i began to understand Cohen's point. Although when it comes to his viewpoint on gadgets and technology I must disagree. because I am from the age of gadgets since birth. I realize the benefits and non alienation from gadgets and technology. i.e. social networks do not cause alienation, if anything they allow people from all over the world to come into contact. Gadgets such as video games encourage brain exercise and problem solving skills as well as hand eye coordination. Yes some people choose to alienate themselves and become engrossed in the technology and gadgets. but to each his own.

AVT 280 Spring 2011

This is a blog for my AVT 280 with Professor Mark Cooley.