Assignments

Introduction to Computer Graphics – FA2900

1.  Through a scanner darkly - Due January 30

One thing the computer excels at is bringing different types of data together into the same space. In pictorial art, this is represented by collage or montage (Robert Rauschenberg, James Rosenquist, David Salle, Romare Bearden). You can also think of this as a form of hybridization or grafting.

This assignment is to quickly get you into thinking of how computers can be used in YOUR art making practice. Each person will have different levels of skills in different areas. It is up to you to figure out how the computer can further your art. Learn from the strengths and skills of the other students in class.

I want you to play and experiment.  The computer can do many different things, but you don’t need to know all of them to use it to make good art.  You only need to figure out how to do what you need to do.   There is no required mastery of a specific set of applications necessary for creating YOUR art.  Applications change, interfaces are outmoded. It is better to have a general understanding of how the computer processes information, than specific steps in a specific version of a certain application. Your job is to conceive of possibilities.   Mine will be to help you find ways to achieve those possibilities.   I will not point the way so much as help you get there.   This requires substantial self-direction, self-motivation and self-discipline on your part.   It also requires you to experiment with and learn about the possibilities.   This exercise is the start.

(for more on collage and montage: photomontage, collage)

About resolution, bitmaps and more bitmaps

PROJECT

a. Bring to the next class six “potent” “objects.”   The selection of objects is itself a part of the process of making the pieces for this project.   Do not pick lightly!!!   These objects can be anything, EXCEPT someone else's artwork.   It is up to you to define what potent and object mean, and to be aware of the associations your objects carry with them. (Andres Serrano, Jeff Koons, David Hammons).

b. Digitize and use at least two of the objects in each piece. Create four finished pieces printed with the black and white laser printer. Use a scanner/digitizing device to scan in the chosen objects.   Use PhotoShop to manipulate these images.   Think about what you want these printed on and what you want to do to them after printing, etc.

2. HUE CARES x 3 - Due February 21

What you see isn’t always what you get. Each part of the digital process (input, monitor, output) has it’s own color range. In this project we will endeavor to understand the mysteries of digital color on screen and off.  Your experiments with color will also be a chance to deal with theme and variation in a series. Different output possibilities will be explored as well as digital screen presentations via a web browser. Some artists to look to for inspiration are Andy Warhol, Donald Sultan, Gilbert & George, Barbara Kruger

PROJECT

a.      Three images will be presented as finished color output in some hard copy form. Thematically, all of these images should be related as a series – a triptych.  A triptych is simply three separate but related images each of which might stand on its own as a work of art but is more powerful in combination with the other images.  We will discuss the more subtle aspects of this presentation method. Examples: Alter pieces (Bosch, Bernardo Daddi, Joos Van Cleef) Max Beckman, Francis Bacon here and here

In Class assignment - Web photo Gallery     Select five or more works in color that you have made.  These can be studies for this or other projects, stages in progress, etc. – the point is to have at least 5 images to work with here.  Use PhotoShop to develop a presentation of all these images viewable from within an internet browser.

3. VIRTUAL REALITY - Due March 12

Realty becomes reality. Does what you own define you? How does a place or setting affect those who live in it? From the pyramids of Egypt on the cover of national geographic to science fiction movies, computer imaging redefines reality. Images can no longer be trusted. This is your chance as an image maker to fool the eye. It is also an exercise to sharpen your photo manipualtion skills.

Image manipulation & faking links

PROJECT

a. Bring to class photo(s) or video for image grabs of a location. Add elements that convincingly create a new reality ( John Heartfield , Jim Richard, di chirico.). The resulting spaces do not have to follow the rules of Cartesian space or neccesarily photographic, but must be internally consistent and believable.

b. Finish at least 1 piece that convincingly combines at least 2 different images. These pieces can be printed, but can be presented virtually as well.

4. SIZE DOES MATTER, MATTER DOES SIZE - Due April 16

vectors and bitmaps. Scale and resolution. Project must be printed.

           To focus on scale issues in input, manipulation and output 

To consider the project as a whole and as segmented parts 

           To develop a piece made of pieces (modularity (sol lewitt), segmentation)

           To examine raster vs vector issues in scaling

Method:

Research and come to some understanding of what DIGITAL means vs what ANALOG means.  Address the problem of discrete data vs continuous data as a concept to drive and be embodied by this piece made of pieces.

Make a final piece (or pieces) that covers at least 24 square feet.  Present this as a finished artwork.  (Note:  24 square feet may be -- a 4’ x 6’ piece, two 3’ x 4’ pieces, one 2’ x 2’ square and 2 10’ x 1’ strips, 48 6” x 6” matted pieces, etc. etc.)

Utilize a concept that justifies the scale of the work.  Make sure it NEEDS to be this large. 

Explore ways in which you can gain scale within the constraints of time and money available.

Make certain the final presentation is THE ideal method for delivering the greatest impact of the work.

If you print in the lab, it must be on the black and white printer.  A few color print components can be used.  Consider outside service printers if needed.

Consider:

           What is media in the area of new media?

           How does size change perception?

           How do you confront size every day, and how is it used to manipulate you?

           How small is small?  Large?

           If you have a tennis ball hanging in the Superdome, how big is the piece?

some artists' work too consider: robert rauschenberg, claes oldenburg, tony cragg, gilbert & george, sol lewitt (donald judd, carl andre), the starn twins, matthew ritchie

5. PERSONAL PROJECT - Due April 30

This is your chance to explore your own ideas. You must show the process by which you came about your final image(s). investigate. Present your finished project in whatever manner suits the work the best.