To answer the question of where technology is taking us, we must first analyze where technology has been. For this reason, I’ll be analyzing the impacts of technology using works of art from the age of Enlightenment during the 18th century and the Postmodern era during the 20th century. Both works of art share the theme ‘impact of technology’ to highlight the effects of technology on humanity.

The age of Enlightenment during the 18th century was a time of reason and a call to understand the world. With this idealization of nature came a suspicion of science (MindEdge, 2.07). People were generally glorifying the past and using medieval themes instead of traditional, classic themes. These ideals were very well captured in the works of Joseph Wright of Derby. In 1768, Joseph Wright of Derby created a work of art titled An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump, using oil on a 182.9x243.9 canvas (see below). The painting (currently housed at the National Gallery in London, UK) highlights society's immense reactions to unethical experimentations of the past, reflecting the 18th century’s reluctance to scientific advancements (MindEdge, 2.03). Today, the painting offers a good example of the neoclassical style paintings of the time with its intense colors and gothic-like theme (MindEdge, 2.11). The cruel treatment of a cockatoo is being responded to in various ways within this portrait. Some seem horrified, others seem intrigued, and still some seem entirely disinterested. The use of chiaroscuro (depth, using contrast of light and dark) is also reflective of Neoclassism in the age of Enlightenment (MindEdge, 2.11). Not only does this painting offer insight into society’s view on technology during the age of exploration, but it also reflects the diverse reactions to contemporary scientific advancements (like artificial intelligence, or cloning).

As time went on and technological advancements grew, new art mediums flourished, giving way to new productions and media. As previously noted, scientific advancements consistently prove to invoke inconsistent responses in humanity; but some common themes can still be recognized within art. The impact of technology is one theme that can be seen consistently throughout the ages. Nam June Paik (1932-2006) was creating art in Korea during the 20th century that also emphasized the impact of technology on society (Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d.). The Postmodern Era is an era of rapid technological advancements; and by the 1970s, the world was captivated by television (MindEdge, 7.06). Nam June Paik captured the impact of technology on society with his 1974 video sculpture titled TV Buddha. The digital shows a statuette of a Buddha watching a live recording of himself, implying that no one is impervious to the power of technology (see below). This work of art highlights the inescapable hold technology has on humanity using symbolism to relay its message. Even though these works of art were created in different time periods with different mediums, they both represent the effects that scientific advances have on humanity, showing the consistency of some ideas and values throughout history. 

During the 18th century, Britain and Europe alike saw tremendous industrial growth in both agriculture and urbanization; referred to as the Age of Enlightenment (MindEdge, 2.07). The Age of Enlightenment referred to the cultural movement that celebrated reason and was cautious of science (MindEdge, 2.07). An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump (1768) showcases the diverse emotional reactions to an inhumane scientific experiment, consistent with the more expressive and emotional works of the time (MindEdge, 2.07). The painting also reflects on the realistic nature of Neoclassicism, using a real experiment as the subject of the art (MindEdge, 2.11). Joseph Wright of Derby (1734-1797) was born in 18th century Britain; in a town named Derby in England, more specifically (Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d.). Wright of Derby, thanks to his use of artificial light in his art, was ranked among the best English painters of his time (Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d.). The town of Derby was home to one of the great centres of the birth of the industrial revolution, giving Joseph Wright such affinity to his home that he included it within his name. He represented local society and included self-made men of the Industrial Revolution within his works of art, highlighting the technological advancements of the time (MindEdge, 2.07). Joseph Wright of Derby’s Neoclassical element stems from his fascination with the world, which allowed him to spend a year and a half in Italy; birthplace of Neoclassicism (MindEdge, 2.11). This exposure to diversity had allowed Joseph to consider many perspectives and reveal unethical scientific advancements. His work encouraged people to continue questioning science and preserve humanity. 

A couple of centuries after the Age of Enlightenment, Postmodernism is basking in the benefits of rapid scientific advancements. A whole new world than that of the 18th century, the 20th century had allowed for global connections and technology that would have been considered science-fiction in the Age of Enlightenment. Nam June Paik’s (1932-2006) work captured the magnificence of technology in his art work. Paik was born in Seoul, Korea, not long before having to flee the country in 1950 as a result of the Korean war (Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d.). Paik attended the University of Tokyo where he studied art, history, music, and philosophy (Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d.). Nam June Paik, known for his wit and irony, pushed the boundaries of video as a fine art, which later resulted in his international recognition as the “Father of Video Art” (Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d.). Paik frequently emphasized the need for communication between the East and the West and, with his global presence and influence, he continues to inspire a new generation of artists (Smithsonian American Art Museum, 2022). His 1974 video sculpture, TV Buddha, embraces the technology of the Postmodernist era, using it to relay symbolic messages consistent with the major beliefs of his birthplace (Buddhism). His work encourages viewers to reflect on the impacts of technology.

Contemporarily, artists continue to push boundaries, strive for social justice, and express their opinions openly. One huge theme today builds from questioning science and the ways in which we interact with it is centered on building a global community. By understanding the impacts technology has on us, and the impacts we have on technology, we can better understand the importance of using technology morally and intentionally. In an attempt to learn from the past, I’ll now conduct a comparative analysis on the two works.

The works of art being compared come from eras so different from one another, it seems like separate worlds, yet their themes and some characteristics prevail. In Joseph Wright of Derby’s 1768 An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump, technology had not yet advanced enough to allow for photography, and art was often created by painting. Contrarily, when Nam June Paik created TV Buddha in 1974, society was completely immersed in the development of videomaking. Even still, both arts reflect a desire to contemplate the effects of technology. In Joseph’s painting, the scientist conducting the experiment is a male; and in Nam’s piece, the Buddha is the only subject; both reflecting a patriarchy. In Wright of Derby’s painting (1768), there are female subjects, but males seem to be controlling the show. Even the little boy in the shadows has a job. Furthermore, the females all seem disinterested, disgusted, or distraught; while the males all represent more inquisitive, contemplative, or observative demeanors. Referring to Paik’s work (1974), Buddhas are male, so the Buddha as the subject emphasizes a patriarchy in that respect. Both artists constructed light in their arts, but used a light source reflective of the eras they came from. Joseph uses a full moon to illuminate the science experiment in his painting, reflective of the time period where electricity had not yet been invented (The National Gallery, n.d.). Nam used spotlights powered by electricity to illuminate his subject, the Buddha head. Both works of art used symbolism to relay their messages, and some of the symbolism is consistent between the pieces. Both Joseph and Nam symbolized the horrors of technology and the closed-minded views of the societies and eras they lived in. However, Joseph relayed his message in more subtle ways than Nam did, reflective of their respective time periods.

Joseph’s painting, An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump (1768), gives us insight into the type of scientific advancements of the 18th century and the society of the time’s reaction to them. This painting also provides us with a good representation of the Neoclassical art that emerged during the late 18th century. In Joseph’s painting, the focal point is the air pump; in which a cockatoo faces impending doom, invoking a sense of urgency and a glaring fear that scientific advancements might take precedence over humanity. All of the humans (including the subject) are below the apex of the air pump, showing a perspective of lesser importance; and the crowd is in the shadows, only illuminated by the moonlight that’s reflecting off the air pump. By drawing our attention away from the experiment, we realize the impact of the technology.

To highlight the impact of technology and emphasize the message, Joseph used chiaroscuro, bold colors, and deep shades with dark hues around the outer parts of his painting, characteristic of the intensity that marked the Age of Enlightenment (MindEdge 2.07). In his painting, the focal point is the science experiment; where we find congestion, lines pointing toward it, and light gleaming straight on it. He also simulated texture in his painting by placing creases in clothing, wrinkles on faces, and a shine that bounces off metallic objects. The creased clothing, use of facial expressions to convey emotions, and use of color to imitate metal, are all representative of the natural world that was celebrated in the Age of Enlightenment during the 18th century.

The Age of Enlightenment was sort of an awakening, helping humans of the time learn to understand the world in which they were a part of. Society had a yearning to understand the world around them and were firm in their beliefs on reasoning. Religion was progressively being pushed away as discoveries led to a new understanding of the natural world (MindEdge, 2.07). This favoring of science over religion is reflected in the Postmodernist era as well.

Nam’s TV Buddha (1974) allows us to view the art entirely as it is, monochromatic and only free to interpret the meaning of the art instead of the color schemes it used. The depressions on the top of Buddha’s hair depicts curls that would be rough upon touching them, but it has a glossy finish that makes it seem smooth. The sand is very fine and looks to be soft, not consisting of large rocks or pebbles. Nam uses a mixture of lines to create an ongoing cycle for the eye to follow. Horizontal lines draw the eye to the tv, vertical lines focus on the video camera, and diagonal lines point back at Buddha whom is staring at the tv, drawing our attention back towards the video camera behind it; all working cohesively to take the eye around the entire cycle of the video sculpture and creating balance in the piece. The Buddha head is the focal point of the piece, highlighted with a strategically placed spotlight. Understanding the beliefs of Buddhism helps to understand the message Nam is trying to convey in this work of art.

In Buddhism, the concept of Buddhahood relates to quality of the afterlife. Once someone reaches nirvana, Buddhahood will be achieved upon their death, allowing them to break free from the karmic cycle of life and death (Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d.). Nirvana can be achieved by understanding the causes of suffering and overcoming them; until this happens, the spirit is doomed to a cycle of life and death in which the actions of an individual in one life will determine the soul’s quality of life after reincarnation (MindEdge, 3.09). The lines, balance, and symmetry in this piece are reflective of this endless cycle.

The subject of the video sculpture is the Buddha head, highlighted by spotlight, watching a recording of himself. This individualistic and self-centered view is reflective of the Postmodern era that was characteristic of alienation (MindEdge, 7.06). Also characteristic of the Postmodern era and its lack of a static definition, is the layered messages being relayed in this piece of art. The 20th century was riddled with irony, encouraging humanity to look for meaning beneath the surface (MindEdge, 7.06). For this reason, Nam used symbolism within his work of art. The Buddha head is on a mound of dirt, symbolic of the connection between Buddhists and nature. The Buddha is watching himself on the television, symbolic of the self-reflective nature of Buddhists; also foreshadowing of the self-indulgence technology can bring. The video camera perspective from above the Buddha symbolizes the power technology holds over everyone, even those eligible for Buddhahood. The box holding the art piece is even symbolic, representing the unknown. Is the Buddha’s earthly body inside? Does it represent the ground, from which everything came, including technology? Comparatively to the ways in which the Age of Enlightenment highlighted diversity as technology emerged, the Postmodernist era highlighted diversity by allowing the viewer to determine the message of the box.

Today, unity, inclusiveness, and compassion are all driving factors in many arts; and companies like Noosphere are passionate about both technology and celebrating diversity. Noosphere emphasizes the importance of humanity thinking on a planetary level when advancing science. The company also celebrates the diverse thinking within humanity by funding unique art projects, free for the public to enjoy. In 2021, Noosphere called upon artists from across the Ukraine to decorate 1.5-metre-high (approximately five foot) rockets, which were put in Dnipro’s Gagarin Park for the public to enjoy. The park has 23 rocket sculptures, all painted by artists in diverse styles; one of which is titled “Together to the Stars” by a young painter named Alyona Voloshina, from Dnipro (below). Alyona’s art highlights the importance of diverse opinions in science. She claims, “Mankind has always dreamed of reaching the stars. This interest unites young dreamers and adult explorers alike”. Contemporarily, we’re highlighting social concerns; much like Nam June Paik’s 1974 video sculpture, which highlighted moral concerns. However, unlike the 18th and 20th centuries, we’re now celebrating diverse opinions and encouraging diversity in science. It seems a pattern has been broken and it’s exciting to wonder where technology will take us next.

By changing preconceived notions of identity, we can create an environment safe for all of humanity. The humanities show us that opinions have always, and will always, vary, but with the passage of time, our understanding cultivates compassion. In the 18th century, men were in charge, animals were being tortured in the name of science, and technology wasn’t yet advanced enough for lights, let alone a means for a layman to spread the news of injustice. By the time the 20th century arrived, science had long enacted ethical guideline that were improving by the generation. Social injustices were not only realized, but wars were waged against them. Technology had advanced enough that most households had televisions. Today, technology runs our lives and, by studying the Humanities, we can reflect on how we’re going to impact the future. It is the responsibility of the artist to invoke feelings into the viewer, but the artist owes it to society to recognize the impact that the art will have in shaping society. In today’s world, information can be shared globally with a click of a button, a house-wife can get famous for posting a video of her cleaning routine, and even children can access vast amounts of ideas on the internet. Understanding the world in which our art is released into, and the impacts our ideas have on the future, will help guide us on a path of coexistence. By understanding the impacts of technology, we can better work towards a global community. Looking at the progressive and consistent themes within art throughout history helps us to see this importance.

References

Encyclopedia Britannica. (n.d.). Joseph Wright. Britannica Academic. Retrieved November 28, 2022, from https://academic-eb-com.ezproxy.snhu.edu/levels/collegiate/article/Joseph-Wright/77558 

Encyclopedia Britannica. (n.d.). Nam June Paik. Britannica Academic. Retrieved November 28, 2022, from https://academic-eb-com.ezproxy.snhu.edu/levels/collegiate/article/Nam-June-Paik/471199 

Joseph Wright ‘of Derby’, 1768. An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump. The National Gallery. https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/joseph-wright-of-derby-an-experiment-on-a-bird-in-the-air-pump 

MindEdge (2022) Parts 2.03, 2.07, 2.11, and 7.06. In FAS-202. Introduction to Humanities II. MindEdge, Inc.

MindEdge (2022) Part 3.09. In PHL-230. Religions of the World. MindEdge, Inc.

Noosphere. 2022. Philosophy. https://noosphereglobal.com/who-we-are/philosophy/

Paik, Nam June, 1974. TV Buddha. Artstor. https://library-artstor-org.ezproxy.snhu.edu/asset/ARTSTOR_103_41822001602794 

Smithsonian American Art Museum. (n.d.). Nam June Paik. Smithsonian. https://americanart.si.edu/artist/nam-june-paik-3670 

World Air Sports Federation. December 21, 2021. Combining Art and Technology: Noosphere Art Rocket Exhibition. FAI - Fédération Aéronautique Internationale. https://www.fai.org/news/combining-art-and-technology-noosphere-art-rocket-exhibition