‘Technology is the mortal enemy of art’.

I do not agree with the statement ‘technology is the mortal enemy of art’ (100 Artist Manifestos,  page 220) as technological advances have allowed people to become artists themselves, moving from consumers to producers, similarly to Web 2.0 in film production. People are now able to find out much easier how to do certain things that before only some would’ve known how to do/had access to. Technology has meant boundaries of art are being pushed further through experimentation, creating new and exciting projects that haven’t been done before.

Pixar director, John Lasseter stated ‘art challenges technology, and technology inspires art’ (Berkowtitz, 2012). This statement sums up how art and technology can marry together and be used in harmony. The creation of the letterpress and newer, modern computer software such as the Adobe products, have allowed artists to start adding new elements to their work that take them in a new direction.

I do, however, understand the view of Rodchenko, Stepanova and Gan with technology being the enemy of traditional styles of art rather than modern forms such as abstract art which would only benefit from new technologies by enhancing work. Rodchenko wrote ‘artists relax with technology’ as if saying they are giving into technology instead of fighting back against it and should stick to traditional art. This is where I disagree as technology can be used in many different ways to further one’s work. However, technology can cause copyright issues as artists’ work is more readily available to access online.

References

• BERKOWITZ, J.  (2012) Pixar’s John Lasseter Weighs In On Art and Technology [online] Fast Company. Available from: https://www.fastcompany.com/1680857/pixars-john-lasseter-weighs-in-on-art-and-technology [Accessed 21 October 2017]
• DANCHEV, A. (2011) 100 Artists’ Manifestos: From the Futurists to the Stuckists. Page 220.UK: Penguin