Wilson explains that the relationship between technology and science is a perception of knowing how and why respectively. The relationship shows that high-tech art does not always indulge in science. Rather, it helps in understanding the various forms of art that relate to research (Wilson 13). A review of insights by Kranzberg and Pursell defines technology as the means by which human beings can cope with their physical environment in natural and artificial forms. Additionally, the authors suggest it is how man uses his imagination and resourcefulness in making use of the available resources (Wilson 13). In the modern-day, art has developed to incorporate different aspects of the human environment and life. New forms of technological developments such as photography and motion pictures have led to heated debates about the meaning of art.
The film Blade Runner is an example of a depiction of how technology has eroded the sence of history. Insights drawn from the idea in the movie modern forms of art are presented in new media, new contexts, and have new objectives (Wilson 16). In the context of the invention and elaboration of new technologies, art is evident in the use of industrial materials in a process that give rides to products (Wilson 16). For instance, photography and electronic music. Additionally, inventions are products of certain conceptual art. Wilson explains this phenomenon as ideas perceived as art (16). Art can also be the exploration of technological innovations such as videos, lasers, and copiers (Wilson 17). According to Wilson’s reviews, all aspects perceived as art have a common characteristic of being intentional or assembled by human beings, and they have a meaning, are symbolic, and sensual components (17).
Thesis Statement
The developments in science and technology research have instigated the need to analyze the impact the disciplines have on the concept of an art masterpiece.
Wilson alludes that the creators of art can engage in research activities instead of being skeptical about it. Scholars base scientific and technical investigations as a basis of the artistic minds of the modern period (Wilson 28). According to Paul Brown, historians might regard the features of science as the key art of this era (Wilson 28). Artists can participate in scientific studies, inventions, and high-tech innovations in learning. Wilson suggests that the fact that scientific and technological research are carried out by individuals with mastery and the specialization of the disciplines does not limit the unification of research with artists (28). The approach of integrating art, science, and technology is based on the perspective that art is a platform for integrating, questioning, and rebellion (Wilson 28). Without the influences that are created by the market and in the relationships of some particular subjects, an artist can engage with technologies in ways that involve investigations outside the objectives of the discipline. Additionally, art can be used to imply the social effects and the importance of new awareness and technology. Wilson reviews that there is a need for artists to be proactive in their work by focusing on scientific developments (29). A review done by Wilson shows that art making is a process of responding to observations, ideas, and feelings produce something that is thoughtful and has emotional or symbolic value (17). The inventions and technological developments provide a platform where artists can respond to new concepts and attitudes, influences on their culture and social lives, and to new media that they prefer to use in their work. The fact that art and science share features such as observation of the environment to acquire information, creativity is highly valued, they have an aim of evoking change and improvements, and create products that are relevant to the people, makes the two disciplines highly compatible (Wilson 18).
Ethical and aesthetic issues raised by the integration of art and technology
The participation of artists in the scientific and technological fields raises some ethical questions. First, it requires that art creators indulge in educating themselves sufficiently to carry out tasks in the fields of science and technology. The perspective dictated by this matter is that artists should engage in both the art and technical platforms (Wilson 29). The task demands that interested individuals need to consider abandoning the contemporary concerns, media, and philosophies to venture into new ones. It provides a milestone for the participants to overcome in accessing new materials that are relevant to their endeavors (Wilson 29). Secondly, it requires the artist to be driven by science-based progress despite the fact that some people might be interested in deconstructing the literature of the technical fields, or be skeptical of the discipline. Additionally, artists might be involved in elaborating technologies that are not welcomed by the public. Also, they might lack sufficient understanding about how particular research and technologies are formulated (Wilson 29). Aesthetically, the notion in this issue does not disqualify the idea that certain forms of research, inventions and technological developments can surpass the cultural contest where the ethical matter arises and leads to new knowledge, cultural meanings, and new capabilities. Another aesthetic factor is that there is the potential that sprouts from systems that allow telecommunication and informatics in the modern days. The systems broaden the platform for communication through computer-mediated links. The internet has provided artists, access to the global community with all its diversity.
Loss of the Masterpiece Concepts
The industrial change that has caused an increase of change in research affects the timelessness of art. Consequently, there is a challenge of developing timeless masterpieces. According to Wilson, masterpieces were able to transcend time and space. In the current century, this aspect is gradually disappearing with the emergence of technologically reproducible pieces, the increase of sequential forms of art such as live art, and the ability of style and media influence consciousness rapidly. Despite the challenges, modern museums have devised means of trying to overcome the encounter.
Critical approach of the masterpiece concept
According to Wilson, the current period is characterized by intensive research and inventions. The development of human intelligence has resulted in the development of new branches of knowledge in the industrial sector, social disciplines, and technology. The changes in time are affecting many aspects of art from the daily tasks to the ontological classifications (Wilson 30). In my point of view, technology has provided always provided artists with new tools and forms of expression. It is clear that the two disciplines are dependent on each other, technology plays a significant role in evolution and the development of artistic products. The development in technology is postulated to lead to the loss of the art masterpieces concept. The development of research could open the door to new styles of art that fail to transcend in time and space. Although this fact stands to be true, it is evident that the modern day artists are the scientists, software developers, the inventors, visual artists, film- makers, designers, entrepreneurs, and musicians. Fundamentally, they are the key players in the technological developments and they are the main people who propose important developments in science and technology. Suggestively, if art changes, it is impacted by them. Major impacts of the concept of the masterpiece not being significant anymore are felt by the audience who are attached to certain pieces and not by the artist who is venturing into new horizons to better the product.
Wilson states that most of the research-inspired arts are considered masterpieces of the genre. On another note, he doubts if the pieces will remain as masterpieces (30). Wilson is stunned by the imaginative extremes and innovative vision of artists, especially individuals that have mastered particular aspects of research and employed them to create eye-opening and thought-stimulating pieces. He laments that the power of their works might be limited by their sense of timeliness (30). From this point of view, I suggest that the contemporary form of art does not necessarily depend on timelessness for qualification to become a masterpiece. Instead, masterpieces are generated from the study of what the people need. It means that it is an original piece that has mass appeal for a certain period. The most significant aspect is the relevance of the piece to the people. For instance, considering the iPhone as a masterpiece, it has served people well over a period, and then the developers have produced better versions with time. This moves the masterpiece from one level to another. Research becomes an important aspect of developing masterpieces. It adds on to the idea of building a mobile relationship with the audience that enhances attachments with certain products of art.
Wilson alludes that many of the older works can never be experienced again. For instance, artwork developed using experimental computers in the past two decades is deemed quaint and archaic. The disappearance of a certain form of technology, or the development of the requisite technology leads to erosion of art. For instance, the invention and development of digital cameras have revolutionized photography and led to the unpopularity of analog pictures. Additionally, the emergence of 3D printers has made another art form such as modeling and curving unpopular among some communities. The concept that emerges about art and technology in this sense is that it artists are pushing the boundaries of art. There is an effort to incorporate new aspects of what is considered as tradition. Furthermore, other disciplines are continuing to change with time as human beings build on their intelligence and art should not be exception. I suggest that Wilson is being skeptical of change because it changes the masterpiece concept. Although he states that the masterpiece should be relate to cultural significance, it is notably important to realize that notion of masterpiece engages the constantly changing audience. Additionally, technology has changed how art is created, distributed, marketed, preserved, and supported in a dynamic and globalized world.
Conclusively, it is evident that inventions and technological developments are products of research. Art is a key contributor in the sectors, and it influences the creativity and presentation of the products. Consequently, technological innovations are seen to affect the trends in art, and have a greater impact on the masses than art. As a result, art development and sustainability follows the trends that research sets in the society leading to a redefinition of various artistic concepts.
Work cited
Wilson, Stephen. Information Arts: Intersections of Art, Science, and Technology. Cambridge/London: The MIT Press, 2002.
