Final Video Project

Sight

This was a very creative project and most likely a preview of our future reality.  We are doing all of this now with our iPhones.  Technology is already moving toward this reality with Google Glass and Oculus Rift only the beginning.  We are currently moving from technology in our hands to outside our heads and soon will be moving into our heads.  This project also shows how the integration of technology into our bodies could be disastrous.  I guess we can only wait and see where technology leads us in the future.  As fast as things are changing, it will definitely happen in our lifetimes.  I don't think I would want to be that connected all the time but I would try it.  I would wait until all the bugs are worked out before I would give it a chance. 

Golan Levin Interview

This interview provided a lot of useful information on new technologies that I wasn't aware of.  It was also a very creative interview with the visual effects.  The best question asked was if art degrees have any value.  I ask myself that sometimes but I always answer yes they do have value.  There is always value in learning new skills and new technologies.  I think the biggest value is the connections made while going to school.  A good network with other artists is very valuable for people who plan on making art a career.  A degree in art is not for everyone.  Most people who pursue an art degree are born with artistic talent and do it for the love of art.  Some people are stupid and should have pursued the art degree when they were younger instead of joining the military.  But I feel like it is never too late to pursue a dream and learn new things.

Electronic - The Knife + Fever Ray

Fever Ray, aka Karin Dreijer Andersson, formed The Knife with her brother Olof Dreijer.  They are a Swedish electronic duo.  Fever Ray released one solo album and that is how I discovered her and The Knife.  Her self-titled solo album is a mesmerizing work of art.  This is one of the few albums that I love every song.  The eerie sounds she creates are nothing like I have ever heard before in music.  Her videos are loaded with imagery that complement her music.  She also combines performance art with her music.  Her award acceptance speech is legendary.  It is the first time anyone accepted an award with grunting and a melting face.  I saw the viral video of her acceptance grunt and was immediately drawn to her.

Girl Power - Imogen Heap

Imogen Heap is one of my favorite artists and relies heavily on technology to create her music.  She includes a lot of looping and voice manipulation in her songs.  Her song "Hide and Seek" is a beautiful work of art made with only a keyboard and her voice.  She has a very kooky style and is definitely a precursor to Lady Gaga's crazy outfits.  Over the past couple of years she has been experimenting with musical gloves with amazing results. 

Punk - Pussy Riot

Pussy Riot has revitalized the Punk genre with their arrest and prison sentences for expressing themselves.  They are a mix of punk and performance art as they protest against the brutal crackdown in the Soviet Union.  They are very courageous as they risk their lives for their art.   Also, Pussy Riot has to be the best band name in the history of music.

 

New Wave - Duran Duran

You can't talk about New Wave without mentioning Duran Duran.  They were one of the most successful bands from the British Invasion with a string of hits in the 80s.  I was into the hair bands during the 80s but will admit Duran Duran was my guilty pleasure.  Their music relied heavily on synthesizers for their signature sound and were also categorized as Synthpop.  Unlike a lot of the bands from the 80s who have broken up, Duran Duran is still together making new music and touring.