How have recent advances in computer
technology affected story telling in artwork? Over the past decade the advances in technology available not only in the professional world but also commercially has significantly changed the way we live our lives,Particularly in the art world. This puts our current generation at such an advantage compared to previous ones as it is now affordable for most people,especially Young artists, to have access to modern day technologies such as desktop computers,Drawing tablets, and most recently the cintiq ( a technological drawing canvas) .A large majority of people, are completely captivated with what is possible now for artists to creatively do technology they have flawlessly adapted into their everyday lives. Not only has the world of computer technology advanced tremendously,but also the way we perceive artwork. In modern day society, we are no longer limited to just a Pencil and paper,there are countless ways in artists from all strokes of life and specialities can create art with the aid of modern day technology. Throughout this essay I will be exploring and elaborating on the evolution of storytelling in artwork in modern day society. In addition I will be examining the artwork of Tan Yan Wei, Daniela Edburg, And tasha Kusama And the way that they illustrate surrealism in their art. Surrealism first emerged in the early 1920's and aimed to resolve the contradictive ideas of what was real and what was just a figment of our imagination. A large majority of artists in modern day society use surreal aspects in their artwork to portray a narrative with the aid of Technology. Furthermore, I will add some of the methods of the artists I have studied and take inspiration from them for my personal work. The use of Photoshop To start, pretty much anything we see is art in some form ; someone has brainstormed an idea to come to an outcome that connects to then personally as an individual and represents who they are. Whether it be the logo on a t shirt, A model made from crude household objects in an art gallery, or even the cover of a Magazine is in some form someones piece of art. There is no reason at all why the use of Technology in this day and age shouldnt be treated with the same respect as traditional methods of pencil and paper. The artist has gone through a vigorous process of brainstorming,concieving, and creating to create something to share with people, and although not everyone may appreciate their style, or their piece of artwork in particular, it is still very much art whether you like it or not. Photoshop is a computer based editing tool that allows many artists including illustrators,Graphic designers, and so fourth to Manipulate something handmade,create original pieces of artwork from scratch like a company logo,or an illustration for a book.or create a mind blowingly whimsical surreal scenario in the form of a narrative.There really are no limits with what can be done with the aid of modern day technology.People are always discovering new innovative ways to change the way we view art, a popular method being combining handmade artwork with the prowess of editing software to create something better. An example being a hand drawn sketch being scanned into a computer then digitally painted. Story Telling and Narratives aided with the use of modern technologies storytelling can be conveyed to us in many unusual ways,not always conventionally by word of mouth, or by simply reading a book.On the contrary, much of what we percieve whether it be a movie, a game, a logo or even a book cover are very average examples of modern computer technology. The viewer can automatically make their own interpretations and assumptions on what is happening in the visual and have a very personal influence to it. Even without the use of words a
narrative design can raise many questions, the best designed creating immeasurable amounts of questions about what is happening in a piece,maybe the subject is in a surreal location? Or even conveying something that seems to be impossible? I have found that the main difference with the work created with the use of modern techniques compared to traditional, is that they can be made to look incredibly realistic and clean, and it is completely reliant on the reader on how far they wish to inter prate the piece. Most times being completely reliant on how far the viewer connects with the piece in question, as we all have different preferences. Artist Research and analysis And now, the moment you've all been waiting for, I will now observe some artists that I found intriguing and relevant to modern computer techniques in terms of the way in which they are designed. So lets get started! All of the artists I have chosen use a plethora of modern techniques that wouldn't obviously not be physically possible without the aid of modern day technology.(lets play a game, every time I say modern day technology, take a shot. It will make my essay 10x better promise) Whether it's the the camera's they take the photo's with or the editing they do after, with the aid of modern technology such as computers, and the software on them, none of these pieces would be possible, at least not painlessly. Tan Yan Wei To kick things off, I will be taking a look at Tan Yan Wei ; One of the most technologically adept Photography based artists in the modern art world. Tan is based in The Philippines, Not much is known or available regarding Who tan is, or what it is that inspires him. Which is honestly fine as it just means he wants hes art to speak louder than hes words to people. Tan Shoots his photographs mainly on location which adds a layer of realism within his work although most of hes work is seemingly impossible. Unless your brave enough.
Upon Initially looking at these examples from Tan Yan Wei I saw that the situations were very surreal.The subjects are performing very unreal tasks and they have a dream like effect on the work of Tan yan Wei's work. I see a young,possibly Asian man dressed casually for the area he’s in,Staring in awe at a box emitting a crimson red smoke,depicted in a monochrome dessert void of colour, or any signs of other life.If I were to use words to describe the photo I would use; Lifeless, Dreary, Monotone, suspenseful, Enticing, Hopeless.The photo was taken using a high end camera wielded by a professional photographer collaborating with a model to depict the photographer’s ideal vision for
the photo. the photo was also scheduled to the weather so the scene could add to the Empty atmosphere. I believe the photo to be completely fictional. there are a few factors that prove this; Grey deserts are non existent, the box that the boy is portrayed next to is floating which is physically impossible,and the box seems to be emitting a large red smoke cloud, which in realism would be a signal flare, but this is clearly not the case in this situation and is intended to be something more fantastical, and perhaps even sinister. If I were to describe this photo to a person who couldn't see it,I would say that the photo is of a man stranded in a grey desert, staring bewilderedly at a floating box of unknown origin releasing a red smoke into the monotone skies with nobody else in sight. A scenario like this could only be created using modern day technology, If I could assume some things about the person in the painting,I would tell you that the man is rather young, perhaps my age (18) and most likely in distress considering the situation he’s currently in. I would also say the man is dreading what is about to follow as the magical object in-front of him looks anything but friendly. The setting is nearly completely void, as it is a large open field with nothing in sight but a man and an object you could say that because of the way that the photo is taken that the setting is crowded as the Box is taking up a large amount of space. This photo reminds me of a classical fantasy adventure, when our main protagonist stumbles upon something they shouldn’t have. I recognise everything in the painting. Nothing seems new to me as there is few objects in the setting except the small container/ box. Which could be debatable as to if you recognise the object for what you perceive, or something more fantasy based. This photo is different from real life in many different ways. In real life, Deserts cannot be Grey, which makes the photo fictional, also Red smoke is an an natural phenomenon unless man made. Tan has clearly used software such as Photoshop to edit this in. Finally, the boy seems to be way to clean considering he's in the middle of a desert. What interests me the most is the constantly shifting perspective and motive of the Box every time you look back at the photo. What are its origins? What will it cause? Why is there red Smoke emitting from it? The photo was created Early 2011, at the start of Tan wei quei’s début as a photographer .Tan’s pieces all share a fictional, almost hopeless depiction of certain scenarios.The theme throughout Tan’s pieces seems to be unnatural phenomenons in deserted environments. indefinitely creating a fictional theme throughout. After looking at the work of Tan Yan Wei I feel that yes, recent advances in computer technology has effected story telling within a piece of art. More specifically modern methods in the form of digital editing can be just as effective at creating a narrative. I have found the work of Tan Yan Wei very inspirational and I think that a lot people could connect to his work in that many people including myself like to imagine a world that has no bounds; a world that has no limits to me telling a story and showing a narrative is most important to raise questions and even more importantly for those questions to be different from each individual so that it makes for a unique experience between designer and the reader. Daniela Edburg Similarly to Tan Yan Wei the next artist I have chosen to look at is also a photographer who shows very conceptual qualities within her work. She also takes advantantage of the modern advancements we have available to us in terms of hardware and software to create believable looking imagery
which holds a strong narrative.Daniela Edburg was born in Houston, Texas in 1975. Grew up in San Miguel Allende and studied Visual Arts in the National University San Carlos Academy (Mexico City). Her work has been published and exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide. She currently lives and works between San Miguel and Barcelona.
I chose to look at the work of Daniela Edburg because upon initial reactions I thought that it fit very well with how telling a story has changed with the help of advances in modern technology. I see a young,possibly Caucasian women dressed in summer 80′s clothing, Skipping through a parting in a meadow while holding a stick of cotton candy that is dispersing into pink smoke up into the dull, washed over, cloudy sky. I would describe the first picture as the following words; Retro, vintage, focused, whimsical, Enticing, suspenseful. The photo was taken using a high end camera wielded by a professional photographer collaborating with a model to depict the photographer’s ideal vision for the photo. the photo was also scheduled to the weather so the scene could create a contrast between the atmosphere, and the main focus object; the pink smoke/cotton candy. the pink was most likely added in after using Photoshop, a perfect example of how narrative can be created using modern day technology. To make an otherwise normal setting into something whimsical and otherworldly, and indefinitely impossible, cementing surrealism indefinitely. I believe the photo to be non fictional. there are a few factors that prove this; the scenery is a representation of what you may see in the countryside here in England,the cotton candy dispersing into the air could infact be a smoke signal or flair of some sort. However in the context of the photo, the colouration and theme the artist was going for is clearly something more whimsical and fantastical, with some possible dark undertones regarding the purpose of the flair/cotton candy. I would say that the photo is of a retro styled women skipping happily in a summer meadow, staring enthralled at the sight of a large piece of pink cotton candy, dispersing into the void of colour sky. I could tell you a few things about the person in the painting. I can tell you that the women is rather young, perhaps in her mid 20′s, and most likely enjoying herself considering the situation and scene She’s currently in. I would also say that the theme of the photo insinuates something sinister approaching soon after. The setting is nearly completely void, as it is a large open field with nothing in sight but a women and an object. you could say that because of the way that the photo is taken that the setting is crowded as pink smoke cloud, and the meadow take up a large amount of space and are clearly the main focus.This painting reminds me of a classical retro adventure movie, similar to the wizard of Oz. I recognise everything in the painting. Nothing seems new to me as there is few objects in the setting except the cloud of pink smoke. Which could be debatable as to if you recognise the object for what you perceive, or something more fantasy based.
In real life, cotton candy cannot spontaneously explode, which makes the photo fictional, also pink smoke is an un natural phenomenon unless man made. Finally, the women seems to be way to well dressed for frolicking through a dried up meadow path. What interests me the most is the constantly shifting perspective and motive of the pink candy like object every time you look back at the photo. What are its origins? What will it cause? Why is there Smoke emitting from it? Daniela’ Edburg’s pieces all share a fictional, Playful and fantastical retro 80′s vibe, containing pastel dreamy colors. The theme throughout Daniela Edburg’s pieces seems to be Disasters striking innocent dream environments. indefinitely creating a fictional, yet disastrous theme throughout. To me I think that Daniela Edburg is another worthy example of how modern advances in computers can significantly change the way that a story is being told.Daneila relies so heavily on computer technology to ensure that although the situations she creates are quite whimsical,and dreamlike, they also can be seen as very believable as they are of real people in real locations, which have been exaggerated using modern technology. Tasha Kusama The final artist I have chosen to Look at is none other than the Queen of Ethereal herself,Tasha Kusama. Tasha Kusama is a contemporary mixed media artist and painter based in the Los Angeles area. She was born in San Francisco and has a BFA from the Art Center College of Design. Her works are characterized by their vibrant colour palette, billowing locks of hair and a sustained interest in the interplay between abstract and figural elements.
Tasha Kusama has a very in depth link to surrealism with hints to narrative through the viewers interpratation within her work.There is a lot we can learn about the work of Tasha Kusama, in numerous interviews Tasha has spoken about what inspires her, the techniques she uses and what she does to get the Zaney whimsical look for her artwork.When asked about what equipment she uses during the production of each piece he stated that she uses a custom Brush set on Photoshop .Furthermore she uses photoshop to Alter and manipulate the shape of each brush stroke she makes to make her pieces seem more Smooth, and dreamy. She is one of the many artists who relies on the evolution of modern technology to produce a Stunning outcome with a deep narrative and sense of surrealism behind it. What kinds of things do you see in this artwork? What is the setting? I see a bright pink/red horse, inside an embryo of some sort, tied to a tree by a leash made of hair,in some sort of dreamy ethereal forest.
What words would you use to describe this painting? volatile, capricious, temperamental, impulsive, excitable, vibrant How would you describe the way the artwork is made? The painting was hand painted, using acrylic paints on a large A3 canvas. Is the artwork representational/realistic? I believe the photo to be completely fictional.there are a few factors that prove this; pink horses are non existent (i wish), horses are not contained within giant embryo’s,they also cannot float perpetually,also, forests are not rainbow colored, nor do they have ethereal non existent floors. How would you describe this artwork to a person who could not see it? i would say i see a bright pink/red horse, inside an embryo of some sort, tied to a tree by a leash made of hair,in some sort of dreamy ethereal forest. What can you tell me about the person in the painting? There is no existant person in the painting,there is however a horse. The horse seems to be in distress,most likely because he has been imprisoned in a embryo/giant ball of gum, and tied to a tree. Is the setting crowded or spacious? Why? Interestingly enough, both. the setting is seemingly very crowded because of how much atmosphere the colouring demands, however on closer inspection, you can see that the colours infact create this illusion of clutter, when infact all there is in the painting is a horse, a tree, and the void around him. What does this painting remind you of? This painting reminds me of a non nonsensical cartoon entitled “Charlie the unicorn” in which a unicorn goes on bizarre and extravagant adventures into other worlds. What things do you recognise in this painting? I recognise three objects in the painting; the horse,the hair leash, and the tree. everything else is a spontaneous blur of colours. How is this picture/artwork different from real life? As i said before, pink horses are non existent (i wish), horses are not contained within giant embryo’s,they also cannot float perpetually,also, forests are not rainbow coloured, nor do they have ethereal non existent floors. What interests you most about this work of art? What interests me the most is despite how crazy and nonsensical the painting may look. the colours are rather dreamy, and colouring. and i think it takes an incredibly talented artist to depict
something so crazy, and make its vibe soothing. When was the photo created? 2009 Is it similar to the other pieces by the same artist? Yes, Tasha Kusama’s pieces are all completely ethereal,whimsical, and use a common theme of hair, and “sweet colors” Is there an ongoing theme? The theme throughout Tasha Kusama’s pieces is that they are all completely ethereal,whimsical, and use a common theme of hair, and “sweet colors” What is the artists background and how much of an impact does it have on his/her artwork? Little is known about Kusama’s background.She has a BFA in art which clearly reflects in the outstanding quality of her work. Conclusion In conclusion, it is visible through examples I have shown that advances in computer technology has affected the way that narratives are held within a piece of art.It is clear that with the aid of modern technology artwork can now be made to look even more believable. Surreal impossible situations are now capable to be made into forms of art reflected from an individual's imagination. Although storytelling with modern technologies has become a part of many of our lives I still think that there is a place for more traditional methods to still be admired'as they too cans till hold some very strong narratives which can create a much deeper, unique connection with the audience than pieces that have been created with using modern day software. It is clear that modern day technology whether there are implemented in their singular form such as digital cameras,editing software or intelligent computer systems, or with the aid of traditional methods have significantly changed the way storytelling is done in modern day pieces of artwork. From my personal perspective, I personally prefer the level of surrealismbe shown in narrative pieces made with more modern methods of design, I feel that I get a better personal connection with not only the subject matter but also what the artist may have been initially thinking upon creating the piece. Which is not to say I do not appreciate Older methods of creating art, I Appreciate Traditional methods hugely, as if it wasnt for them laying the foundations down for artists in the future, there would be no modern day art advances. The increase of narratives being shown with the use of computers has been significant especially over the past decade. We see forms of art everyday that very often can go unnoticed. Whether it be a poster advertising a product of some sort,it has a huge impact on the people that see them and can be a huge selling point for some.Overall I think that it is the between the art and the people that I think matters most overall. Evidently artwork can be made much quicker and in a much more personal fine tuned manor to please more people,with the use of modern technology in a variety of medians as shown by my three artists listed above. The characteristics of a piece can be changed with different attributions in mind such as coloration, form, or proportions, which can drastically have an impact and change the narrative of a piece much simpler than traditional methods could.