[ISEA94] Paper: Paul Brown – Hype, Hope and Cyberspace or Paradigms Lost: Pedagogical Problems at the Digital Frontier

Abstract

Several critical issues and problem areas have evolved over the past 20 years as computers have been introduced into the art and design curriculum. Issues of concern include:
* tools usage and skill > fundamental knowledge automation of traditional tasks > new opportunities creative potential > productivity enhancement pressures from the job front
conservative attitudes in academia and industry role of tradition > new opportunities
* the InterNet and beyond the global library the global studio – distance collaboration peer contact and inter-institutional opportunities ownership of the net
* changing role for members offaculty the “computer expert” > integrated teaching professional development opportunities
* needs of fine arts > applied arts computer painting > a new medium the virtual studio
* expanding role of research opportunities for doctoral and post doctoral studies in the area
* redefinition of the discipline paradigm shift content > hype increasing credibility from other disciplines
* the place of art and design within broader academic institutions cross-disciplinary opportunities – potentials and pitfalls visualization – illustration rediscovered – or – cheap decoration? communication and information design
* the place of art within society political implications censorship technology and cultural imperialism
* the increased need for visual literacy in a hypermediated, telecommunications-based
economy opportunities for service teaching primary and secondary education home schooling
and edutainment – the private sector

  • Paul Brown is an artist who has been using computers for twenty years. In 1980 he was a cofounder of the UK’s first computer animation company, Digital Pictures, and, in 1986 a founder of their National Centre for Computer Aided Art and Design. In 1988 he moved to Australia and, in 1990 helped establishing the Advanced Computer Graphics Centre in Melbourne. He has published numerous papers about art and technology and his artworks have been exhibited internationally. Since 1992 he has edited FineArt Forum, the art and technology network news service.