Visiting Artist Jon Meyer
posted by Lee Arnold @ 8:10 AM
Pratt Institute: Digital Arts in Context
This course provides an overview of the development of computer graphics in both design and fine arts. Topics include: evolution of the field; development of CG disciplines; impact of technology; pioneers and leading figures in electronic art and design; the CG community; contemporary works in computer graphics.
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It seems to me that one of Jon Meyer’s driving elements for his artwork is the organic, personal relationship between man and technology. Even though I have come to see this as a popular theme in modern art, somehow Meyer seems to step above by approaching it from all different angles. The focus on this relationship emerges in Meyer’s process, research, method of interaction, and visuals. I can’t recall the name, but there was one photomontage of male and female genitals, and when seen from distance, created a larger image of one of the smaller photographs. Although the larger image was grid based, somehow Meyer was able to sustain the bold, organic, textured feel of the original photo; skin, hair, red bumps, everything. I also liked the piece because of the simple vulgarity of the thing.
Meyer used an extremely direct process when creating “Perspect.” He knew exactly what he needed to make, and decided to write his own program to build it. There was no unnecessary UI, no extra processing power, only the bare bones that it took to create a 3D revolving room creating deep space out of flat planes. Jon’s engineering and speed in Java slightly surpasses the creativity of the final piece, but certainly not a disappointment.
After the presentation I visited Meyer’s website, and found that the rest of his “toys” followed the organic, human esthetic. “Ball” is a spinning kinetic ball that he created in 1999. It is a 3D ball of particles spinning around a red nucleus. The ball reacts to your mouse, spinning in the opposite way, reacts sporadically the closer you get to the nucleus, bounces when you click, and explodes when you double click. At first I found the toy simple, but when considering the time is must have taken to program how un-stiff the movements of the particles are, and the total feel, which is pretty cool, I came to really enjoy playing with it.
I truly enjoyed how experimental Jon is as an artist. He not only lets himself get carried away by something that excites him, but has a systematic approach that also allows him to learn.
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