The Origins of Video Art discusses the history of
videography over approximately the last 100 years, which covers periods of
technological advances, social activism, and many different art forms. The
author focuses on the relationship between video as an art medium and the
relationship and developing video imaging technology. I found the parts about
technology changes most interesting because I am more fascinated by the behind
the scenes work involved in video art than the art itself. I think the editing techniques
that have evolved out of technical capabilities are truly magnificent. The
author points to broadcasting, consumer electronics, and video surveillance
(just to name a few) as some of the commonplace uses of video. The author goes
on to discuss how one artist, Paik modified circuitry of televisions as a form
of art in an exhibit. His exhibit sounds incredible and unique. The idea of the
same broadcast simultaneously playing with different aspects is really
fascinating. It has a way of playing the mind and demonstrates how I light
distortion changes how the viewer interprets the piece. Since this piece
debuted back in 1963, I was intrigued about Paik’s more modern works, which led
me to the internet.
This video shows Puik’s Electronic Superhighway from 1995-
also shown here (http://americanart.si.edu/education/rs/artwork/)
. According to the caption of this video, this piece is displayed in the
National Portrait Gallery (I was actually there this past summer!)- though I
don’t recall seeing it, so it may not be displayed anymore. Nonetheless, the
piece reminds me of the one describe in The
Origins of Video Art, except this piece has way more than 20 TVs. I think
it’s a fascinating contrast at how TV has advanced and also how the uses of
video art vary across America. I
recognized that our thoughts about places are largely formed by what we hear
and see about them in video- Oklahoma
is a great example of this. Conversely, the video art forms that represent each
area put a face to that demographic and communicate it to the world. All in
all, video art has a larger global affect than just passing time.
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