Reading 4 Questions

1. Paolo Virno defines virtuosity is an "activity which finds its own fulfillment in itself, without objectifying into an end product, without settling into a 'finished product,' or into an object which would survive the performance."  Do you agree with this definition?  Must an activity not result in a product for it to be considered virtuoso?

2. In your opinion, where does data visualization become artistic over simply being a functional or pragmatic visual?

Project 5: Video Cover Artist Statement

My video is based off of Man Ray's "Les Mystères du Château de Dé" (1929).  I used Ray's soundtrack starting at approximately 2:10.  I wanted this video to illustrate what it feels like to travel somewhere new.  In Ray's film, two men are heading for the gates of Paris which "open onto the unknown."  I wanted to convey the difference between novelty and the mundane and the importance of not becoming entrenched in the mundane aspects of daily life.  My film opens with a black and white with a person driving in rain accompanied by somewhat of a melancholic soundtrack which is symbolic of the daily grind.  The soundtrack then turns into a lively, exciting rhythm as the driver decides to go out and explore new frontiers.
http://www.ubu.com/film/ray_chateau.html

Project 5: Video Cover "Going Places"

Reading 3 Questions

In your opinion, is there a significant difference between film and video?  Is one superior over the other? Why or why not.

Just because something is created with a purpose in mind, such as a television commercial, does it automatically become disqualified from being considered art?  Why or why not?

Triptych Redo

Project 4: Animation with Soundtrack and Transition

Reading 2 Questions

How would you define the term "aura"?

Do you agree with the author that an original has a unique aura, or is one simply experience the awe of seeing a famous work of art?