Final Writing Assignment

The medium differs from broadcast television in many ways. For instance, the web is an open door of information always offering more to the viewer. Unlike broadcast television a reader can search the web and look up the information that interests them. The web knows few boundaries, this is in great contrast to broadcast television who enforces censorship left and right. The web provides instant and constant access for all and its creations are often more real and less edited than those on television.

For instance this home video on YouTube is more relatable and "real" than you everyday news broadcast.

YouTube Video:


CNN Update:


The impact of the creation and distribution of video art is huge. It allows for access to a whole new world of information. It expands how an issue can be presented; no longer are things constricted to paper. It allows for more in depth information and a stronger visualization for the viewer. It also is an art form that is accessible to anyone and everyone. It can be a form of self-expression that the world can see.

This piece of video art by Jennifer L. Porter represents "the moment of unraveling the self."
http://www.videoart.net/home/Artists/VideoPage.cfm?Artist_ID=657&ArtWork_ID=630&Player_ID=2
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In my opinion the most innovative form of video art at the Hirshhorn show was the piece by Anthony McCall. The piece featured various lights that created a plethora of illusions for the eye. It was intriguing being I was able to participate in this piece and the various numerous lights and angles were constantly deceiving my eyes.

World War II Memorial

Peace was first
Then two ideas met.
Began to twist and spiral.
Can't seem to agree, will not compromise
War begins.

Planes depart
Soldiers march.
War takes flight.

Food is limited.
Water tainted.
Men tired.
Hope gone.

Twenty men fades to five.
Comrades become memories.
Keep going.
Keep fighting.
Honor brothers who have passed.

Sudden Change.
Taste of victory.
Uncertain future.
Hope.

Freedom flies over.
Captures.
Inspires.
Embrace of peace.
Victory.

War dissolves
Pain abates
However,
Some never forget.

Children will learn.
Parents will remember.
Grandparents will constantly relive.
Through memories, losses, and hardships.

Pain
Loss of life
Despair
For a cause
America united
Strong
Flags wave with pride.

People of every state.
Nation.
Country.
Seek comfort
Shared battles
Victories.
Defeats.
Experiences create new bonds.
Lives become intertwined.

Price of freedom...
Life.
Family.
Peace.
Those willing to pay
preserve the future.

Peace returns.
Life continues.
War remembered.
A shadow of the past.

World War II Memorial

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World War II Memorial

The World War II Memorial reflects all four of the topics: ritual, ideology, security and authority. The act of war, through its unspoken rules of conduct, is a ritual that has gone on since the beginning of human existence. Freedom and liberty are the ideologies that have provoked numerous wars. Lastly, a victory in a war can lead to security and the military is the ultimate form of authority.

How has the invention of the hyperlink and the hypertext changed a reader's way of reading and their perception of reality?

The idea of the hyperlink was first thought of by Ted Nelson in 1963. Nelson's idea went on to change the way people read; it provided the reader with an opportunity to choose how he/she wanted to read. It allowed for more than just linear reading. The hyperlink broke the traditional "hierarchies" and offered the reader a experience that was specific to his/her interests.
In 1964 Burroughs expanded on Nelson's ideas in his essay, "The Future of the Novel." Burroughs believed that non-linear reading and writing would enable an individual to expand their perception of reality. He referred to this idea of the "cutup and fold up." It allowed for an integration of sound, text, video and other forms of media to be incorporated into one piece. Burroughs paved the path for hypertext and introduced society to a new form of personal expression.

Why will traditional artistic media techniques remain despite computer innovations?

While the invention of the computer has introduced a plethora of new forms of artistic expression several traditional forms are still used and will continue to endure throughout the years. Computers permit for the copy and alteration of photographs while pen and paper provide a palette for one's imagination. The infinite availability of images, video and music can increase the variety of an artist's portfolio, however, it can not replace the singular simplicity achieved through a pen an paper. Traditional media forms allow for time and reflection whereas the hustle and bustle of the computer and its tools can distract from this personal expression. In the end, the computer, through it's innovations, will continue to allow for new forms of expression, however, it is in cable of replacing the traditional.