Quote from my book... Modern Art a Portrait
of Mediocrity
From Classical Greece and the Renaissance
onward, art and science have enjoyed a fusion. New techniques appeared, such as
the invention of realistic perspective, oil paint, new pigments, printing
methods, photography, and acrylic paint to name a few. The very newest art
techniques are dominated by computer graphics.
Computer usage in art is now well
established and will be increasingly governed by science and technology. Computers
can simulate all former art tools and media. Even at present, computers allow
the artist to easily make entirely new moves, which in skilled hands produce
fine artistic work rivaling the art of the past. In order to use this
revolutionary medium, artists will still have to acquire some former skills
along with many new ones. Complex painting and 3D programs are now available to
all. Computer art has invaded all the media: fine art, film, computer games, illustration,
and design. However, even though images are now produced in ever greater numbers,
only the best work stands out. Even with computers, not many artists will
demonstrate the skills of an Ingres or a Leonardo.
Ever growing data-bases of 3D models are increasingly
available. Sometime soon, artificial intelligence will allow the artist to
verbally ask the computer for any object he wants in his setting. Then, at the
artist’s command, the computer will supply moveable selections and lighting of
3D images.
As for MAA, the finest decorative abstract
pattern designs can easily be created. All great artwork will be digitally
reproduced in resolutions and detail far surpassing anything today.
Exactly what the future has in store is a
guess but you can definitely expect reams of protest about it. In spite of
philosophical double-talk, all images are at base, information.
The big aesthetic difference between
science and art is that the arts can be immediately perceived and enjoyed with
little understanding, while science requires an intricate learned foundation
for its appreciation. Comparatively speaking, for those who really understand
science some might say that science is more beautiful than art.
