From: sharp@cpsc.ucalgary.ca (Maurice Sharp)
Subject: Re: CyberArt proposal
Date: Thu, 18 Jul 91 17:32:22 GMT
Message-ID: <1991Jul18.173222.4094@cpsc.ucalgary.ca>
Organization: U. of Calgary Computer Science



There are two themes running through the description of 'CyberArt'
that I find most disquieting. First, it is technology driven. That is,
the entire concept of what 'CyberArt' can be is dictated by the bounds
of current, or near current technology. There is no reason for this,
artists have always pushed the bounds of technology to the edge and
beyond. A simple example is stone bass relief on a medieval cathedral
that simulated multiple exposure photography.

The second theme is the proscriptive nature of the guidelines. That
is, they describe what the artist should be aiming for at any given
phase. This is almost absolutely certain to turn artists away from a
project.

The way to attempt a definition of 'CyberArt' or art in virtual
environments (or as I prefer, Computer Simulated Environments), is to
show artists what exists, and let them loose. More importantly, to
show the new medium to a mixed group of artists (not just a painter of
a particular medium, but painters, sculpters, audio artists, ...).
Then document what happens, and explore themes WITH the artists.

In other words, bring together artists, technologists and thinkers.
Then cooperate on a definition of what can/could be done as things
exists. And what should be present in future versions. Then the
process drives the technology, not the other way around. And the
process becomes descriptive, not proscriptive.

This is the approach that the Banff Centre for the Arts is taking for
the Art and Virtual Environments Project. As a matter of interest, the
last time a technology driven, proscriptive explanation of VR was made
to the artists at Banff, there was an extreemly negative reaction.

	maurice

Maurice Sharp Technical Coordinator, Art and Virtual Environments Project
(403) 289 5462 / 762 6194		FAX (403) 281 0204 / 762 6659
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Maurice Sharp MSc. Student (403) 220 7690
University of Calgary Computer Science Department
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