It goes without saying that the impact of technology in the arts has expanded dramatically with the advent of computers, and has truly become an integral part of our everyday experience. Throughout history, artists have embraced technology as a means of expressing their ideas, thoughts, and feelings. In fact, they have often been on the cutting edge in experimenting with new and exciting uses for technology.
For example, whether we listen to music that is composed and mixed electronically in GarageBand, or witness the awe-inspiring computer-generated images presented in such recent films as Avatar and Up, we have gradually come to view how art and technology have been brought together to create a work of art. It is often an accepted and “expected” practice.
Nonetheless, as we create increasingly realistic virtual environments for people to interact with, and as devices get smaller and more powerful, we still often forget how tethered we remain to the idea of a traditional computer interface to perform our daily tasks, especially when it comes to learning and creating. And, more often than not, we tend to adapt our behavior to the technology, rather than having the technology adapt to our needs.
For example, we typically still use a keyboard, mouse, or touchpad as our primary interface. That is entirely functional, but what if almost anything could be used as an interface – the wall in front of you, a piece of paper, or even your hand? What would that be like? How would it impact being an artist? How would it impact learning about art and architecture?
The good news is that we have the opportunity to once again embrace cutting edge technology in a way that can help make learning and creating more immediate, portable, and experiential. Pranav Mistry, an innovative researcher from MIT, has presented an amazing invention he calls “Sixth Sense” technology, which I believe can empower us to have the whole world of art and architecture at our very fingertips – literally speaking!
Imagine being able to take a picture without a camera, throw information on your computer with just the pinch of your fingers, use a blank piece of paper to access your computer, view artwork at your fingertips and in different sizes by placing it on a wall or table, or use your hand as a notepad without actually physically writing on it.
Imagine you could read a newspaper article without a handheld device, watch the news broadcast right in front of you, or even take an eLearning Institute course absolutely anywhere, and at anytime -- not a bad idea I must say!
Just imagine how exciting it would be to sketch or paint an image, compose music on a virtual keyboard, or design a landscape in real time at any location!
With this new technology, learners and artists could create, capture and share their work easier than ever before. They could use all of their senses in real time to touch, smell, taste, hear, and see what they are experiencing and act upon it, instead of having to translate their thoughts and feelings later at a time when it is no longer as convenient or as immediate.
Undoubtedly, artists would be greatly empowered to learn and create “in the moment,” applying new techniques when ideas are relevant, feelings are meaningful, and the soul is inspired.
Now that makes “sense!”
Please click on the link below to view Pranav Mistry’s video regarding this exciting new technology. It is well worth your time
http://www.ted.com/talks/pranav_mistry_the_thrilling_potential_of_sixthsense_technology.html
