Origins of Video Response

    There is certainly a perceivable relationship between the development of art and changes in technology. This is also true for society in general; we are constantly progressing. From an economic perspective, there is reason behind this growth, especially in the arts. In the past people spent most of their time obtaining food, and taking care of household duties, but as we became more efficient in accomplishing these tasks, more time was available for leisure, and therefore the arts. Today art has become a major part of our lives, so more and more technology has been developed, which allows us to express ourselves in more and varied ways.

     I thought it was interesting how Meigh-Andrews mentions that works in forms such as videotape and more recently disk are become obsolete. Pieces that weren’t considered “significant” were not preserved, archived, or restored. This was true for the past, but with the great strides in technology I doubt that this will be a problem anymore. Much video is now digital and can be preserved and stored much more easily, regardless of any perceived significance.

     The power of video extends even beyond aesthetics and even into political and social context. The video artist Kubota claimed video is a medium that empowers women, enabling them to achieve a place in Western art that couldn’t be achieved through traditional means such as paint and sculpture, both which had been dominated by males. This is true for any platform, not just feminism. Technology has become accessible for anyone, and improvements have allowed video to become widespread so many can watch and identify.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_RTnd3Smy8

    The link includes some of the earliest color motion picture film you can find. It is the Kodak 1922 Kodachrome film test. I found it interesting because it was shot right here in Rochester, NY. New effects such as color revolutionized film, and this city was a crucial part.