Exploring the Intersection of Aesthetics and Technology in Art
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The Crafting of an Article
I wanted to share insights into my creative process, particularly how I utilize generative AI tools such as ChatGPT. Although I often think about creating a video to document this journey, writing serves as my primary medium. Thus, this will be a partial journal detailing my experience from the initial spark of an idea to a refined draft.
This specific journey began with a casual thought I shared on bsky, which I later polished and reposted on Twitter. The idea was a response to discussions surrounding SORA and its artistic merit.
In the realm of art, skill is undeniably essential. However, I believe that what truly determines the quality of art is a staggering 90% aesthetic alignment and only 10% skill. Unfortunately, many evaluate art through the opposite lens, deeming it "bad" if it doesn’t resonate with their personal aesthetic.
Building on this premise, I took a few moments to brainstorm.
Initial Thought
In art, skill is important, of course. Yet, what makes art "good" is perhaps 90% aesthetic matching and 10% skill. Unfortunately far too many think that it's the other way around. And so because the work does not match their aesthetic, they deem it bad art.
Recently, SORA has been in the spotlight with new releases that some viewers find lacking in realism, often describing their physics as "wonky." Yet, the truth is, a significant portion of the media we consume does not strive for realism, and we accept that.
This acceptance is linked to the concept of the "uncanny valley," which evolves over time. As we grow accustomed to different styles, such as 3D animation or CGI, our comfort level with these aesthetics shifts. The question arises: will technologies like SORA experience a similar trajectory? I suspect they will. As familiarity breeds comfort, our ability to overlook discrepancies will likely increase.
Yes, we often suspend disbelief in various media forms. Even the most "realistic" anime diverges significantly from actual life, yet we still perceive it as "incredibly realistic."
To deepen this exploration, I asked ChatGPT to generate five questions that could help clarify my thoughts on this topic, all of which could be answered succinctly.
The Five Questions
How do you perceive the impact of aesthetics versus skill in determining the quality of art?
This invites a discussion on the belief that aesthetic alignment outweighs technical skill in art evaluation.
Can you describe a moment or piece where your appreciation of an artwork changed as you became more familiar with its style?
This personal anecdote illustrates the process of acclimatizing to different aesthetics.
In what ways do you think society's acceptance of non-realistic art forms like anime influences the reception of new technologies like SORA?
Here, I delve into how established preferences can facilitate acceptance of emerging technologies.
What similarities and differences do you see between traditional media adaptations (like black-and-white to color TV) and modern shifts (like standard CGI to SORA's style)?
This question encourages a look at historical parallels in media evolution.
How do you envision the future of media aesthetics evolving with technologies like SORA, and what factors do you think will drive these changes?
Speculation on future trends and their influence on media aesthetics rounds out the inquiry.
With these questions in hand, I further contemplated my responses, emphasizing that the originality and creativity of my ideas stem from my own insights. The objective is not to replace the creative process but to enhance it.
Brainstorming Stage
My next step involved brainstorming how to transform these concepts into a cohesive blog piece centered on media, technology, and aesthetics.
Proposed Structure
Introduction:
Frame the debate on the relative importance of aesthetics and skill in art, introducing SORA as a relevant case study.
Understanding Aesthetics and Skill in Art:
Define both terms to clarify their significance in art evaluation.
The Evolution of Media Aesthetics:
Trace the historical changes in media aesthetics, discussing the "uncanny valley" and its implications.
Case Study: SORA's Style and Public Reception:
Analyze SORA's distinctive approach and the initial reactions it garnered.
Impact of Non-Realistic Art Forms on Technology Acceptance:
Explore how established art forms like anime might influence the acceptance of new technologies.
Q&A Section:
Answer the previously generated questions to provide clarity and depth.
Conclusion:
Reflect on the interplay of aesthetics and skill, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in appreciating new media.
Additional Considerations:
Ensure accessibility by defining key terms and including visual examples to enhance understanding.
This structure aims to provide a comprehensive view of how aesthetic preferences shape our understanding of art and media, using SORA as a contemporary example.
Initial Draft
The Evolution of Media Aesthetics: Skill, Aesthetics, and Technological Acceptance
Introduction
In art, it's often believed that skill is the predominant factor that determines quality. However, the truth may be closer to 90% aesthetic matching and 10% skill. This discussion gains relevance in the context of new media technologies, especially with recent developments by SORA.
Defining Aesthetics and Skill
'Aesthetics' and 'skill' are crucial yet often misunderstood components in the evaluation of art. While skill refers to the technical ability behind art creation, aesthetics involve the visual and emotional appeal that resonates with an audience. It is the aesthetic matching that primarily influences whether something is considered good art or bad art.
The Role of Aesthetics in Art Appreciation
Historically, aesthetic values have shifted significantly. For example, early European art historians revered 'classical antiquity' as the pinnacle of art, which profoundly influenced aesthetic evaluations for centuries. Personally, my appreciation of art has evolved significantly as I've consumed various styles of animation over the years, noting how some styles that were once appealing now feel less so, yet this does not diminish their artistic merit or the skill of their creators.
The Evolution of Media Aesthetics with Technological Advances
The concept of the "uncanny valley" illustrates how discomfort with certain aesthetics can diminish as we become accustomed to them. Historically, the evolution from black-and-white to color TV and the rise of CGI both faced initial resistance before becoming mainstream. This adjustment phase is a recurring theme in the acceptance of new technologies.
Case Study: SORA's New Media Style
SORA's style has been described as "wonky" or unrealistic, which mirrors the initial public reactions to many now-familiar media forms. The reality is that much of our consumed media does not look realistic, yet we are comfortable with these portrayals. This comfort comes as these forms become familiar, allowing us to suspend disbelief.
Society's Adaptation to New Aesthetic Forms
Exposure to non-realistic art forms like anime may have primed certain audience segments to be more receptive to new technologies like SORA. This suggests a potential for societal aesthetic standards to continue evolving, affecting technology adoption significantly.
Implications for Future Media Developments
The question remains: will something similar happen with SORA-like technologies? It's likely. As the public becomes more familiar with SORA's unique presentation, the aesthetic dissonance might lessen, leading to broader acceptance. "Even the most 'realistic' anime looks very different from real life, and yet we might consider it 'incredibly realistic.'"
Conclusion
The dynamic interplay between aesthetics and skill in media suggests that understanding and openness to new aesthetic forms are crucial for adapting to and appreciating new media technologies. As society continues to evolve, so too will our standards for what constitutes 'good' art, influenced by both new technologies and changing aesthetics. Keeping an open mind about new artistic styles and media technologies is essential as we navigate these ongoing changes.
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