behindhand

In regards to the conclusion to Photography Reborn it is interesting to realize that the digital image is a sort of descendent to advancements in sewing production. From the initial production of images based on holes punched in cards, to ENIAC, to binary code – it is an advancement that has drawn upon many sources and continues to produce unforeseen results. The general idea though has become increasingly computer dependent, such that we see the world around us through images which are really depections of numbers. Without our true understanding, a great portion of our day is spent reading the interpretation of a series of 1’s and 0’s – from actually looking at a computer screen, to looking at a magazine, to making a quick telephone call – we are increasingly surrounded and interpreted by binary. In homage to the movie Pi – what does the binary sequence for the word god equal?

Aside from fun realizations of how dependent we are on having computers interpret codes for us, it is interesting for us as artists to consider these behind the scenes ideas that make up our world as well as others. Inspiration comes to us from everything around us, each day may bring a new subconscious influence or an eagerly determined reactionary goal. Thus as an artist, I find it increasingly important to learn, see, and hear of the world around me. By chance and again shown in class I have become increasingly familiar with the videos posted online by the TED organization. These being recordings (cast in 1’s and 0’s, mind you) of some of the greatest minds brought together to lecture on their ideas and breakthroughs. As an artist, curious to all around me, I can not help but find great excitement in the education of the current ground breaking thoughts in the world – excitement for both their success and failure – c’est la vie.