artists #1

This image is aLife, done by John F. Simon. I chose this piece because it shows how technology can influence new media art. Simon was a software programmer by day, and with this knowledge was able to create art using software and program code. 

This particular image is 6 grid spaces, each meant to mimic the creation and evolution of an individual universe. Simon used a Powerbook computer and software coding to cycle images similar to microscopic, satellite, and telescopic views.

Even the smallest change in code alters the scene for the viewer. Experimenting with code results in "happy accidents" if you will. Sometimes, even the artist surprises himself with the outcome, and doesn't know quite what might happen. It is interesting that software code can be used to create "art", programming is such a precise analytical science while creating art is often viewed as more freeform and emotional.

An important characteristic of this piece, and other pieces done by Simon, is that we will never see the piece complete in our lifetime (or millions of years from now). The images never repeat and there are billions of combinations possible. This speaks to evolving ideas of the universe and technology. Every universe has a beginning and an end, even though we may not be around to witness it. And every year, we witness the birth of many new technologies, but we will never see the full extent possible. Because as long as people are learning and creating, the possibilities are endless.

This piece represents an interesting conflict in new media art, particularly that which utilizes computer technology. Being able to create a piece of art that is everlasting, so that the viewer never has the same experience twice. Alternatively, the artwork is fleeting because blink and you could miss a masterpiece.