[New Media Institution] NTT InterCommunication Center

Established in 1997, NTT InterCommunication Center [ICC] is an innovative cultural facility located in Tokyo, Japan. Their core theme is “communication,” to encourage a dialogue between art and technology. ICC aims to become a network that brings together all scholars, artists, and the public to converse and exchange information between art and science. At ICC, many events and exhibitions are held with a focus on media art; the theme is to utilize various kinds of media including computer by traverse art, science and technology. In addition to exhibitions, ICC also publishes quarterly journals to distribute information.

"Appearance and Disappearance 2012"
OSAKA Takuro, 2012

Since its opening, ICC has been actively introducing media art works which employ the newest electronic technologies such as virtual reality and interactive technology. Special exhibitions which break with conventional frameworks and transcend genres have also been held. In addition, ICC also holds various programs such as workshops, performances, symposiums, NewSchool, and publishing to introduce new forms of expression in attempts to explore further possibilities of communication.

ICC's short term exhibition - Project Event Space

Open Salon Artists' Talk

"SymbioticA × metaPhorest : Exploring Life at Open Space 2"

Compares to other new media institution, ICC has a more completed database on their website by which lots of exhibition photos are included in the gallery. For each artists and their artwork, detail description and artist statement are included so even though people cannot personally attend they can still have a sense of the idea of the exhibition. Also, there is a special feature on ICC’s website called “live on the Internet,” in which exhibitions and events are held in real time on the web. This is an innovative use of technology and it allows people all over the world to gain access to the event easily. I want to introduce ICC because it is a Japanese institution and we get to observe how different people from different cultures integrate art with technology. It would be nice to have a comparison between the different uses of new media in different countries. 

NTT InterCommunication Center [ICC]

http://www.ntticc.or.jp/

[New Media Artist] Darren Pearson

Happy Campers - Yosemite, CA - 450sec exposure - 2012

Darren Pearson worked as an illustrator by day, but has developed an interest to create light sculpture using long exposure photography at night. Very interestingly, none of his complex photographs are alternated through Photoshop. Darren terms his technique: light painting. I find it remarkable because we have all experienced with the technique he employs. Using sparklers to write down words in the air and captures it with camera is a very simple and pure action, yet Pearson has pushed it even further to create extensive and complicated composition. In order to produce these photos he has to memorize the complete contour of light tracks; Pearson has to simulate the composition in his mind while painting the invisible lines with a laser pointer.

Light Goes On - 720 light-painted frames, 2013

There is an interesting contrast in the use of light between traditional art and new media art here. While lighting in traditional art is used to enhance the artwork, here it becomes a direct source of medium like paint. Pearson’s work prompts me to consider the nature of technology: how it has secretly merged into and transformed our life style. There is no doubt that technology has made things easier for us. This technique Pearson incorporates was not difficult as long as you are careful and patient. As a matter of fact, he even puts up video tutorial teaching everyone how to create light painting photo. Technology has made it possible for everyone to become an artist. However, this then highlights the importance of IDEA in which the creative concept behind the art becomes crucial. By employing new media we are pushed to investigate further, the nature of technology and its connection with us.

Darren Pearson-DARIUS TWIN

                                                   http://www.dariustwin.com/index.html

About Me

My name is Joanna Chou. I am currently enrolled in Master of Art Education with Initial Certification program. I was born in Taiwan and moved to Canada when I was fifteen. I majored in Visual Art during my undergrad with a concentration on drawing and painting. I minored in Japanese and had gone on a one year exchange to Kyoto in my third year of university. I love to travel, read, and I am a BIG movie lover (especially horror film). 

My experience with new media is somehow familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. Since my concentration was in drawing and painting I usually worked with traditional art medium. I have taken digital art class in university where I have touched upon Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, Flash, and Audacity. I later took some workshop in several software including Photoshop, Painter, Illustrator, Photoimpact, and InDesign. Unfortunately I only remember the basic of the basic. One thing I have to confess though is that I am more used to working with Windows system so I will need some time to familiarize with Mac.

Now a day people’s conversation always centers on the newest technology, whether it be phone, system, software, or machine. I believe it is one of the teacher’s responsibilities to introduce these new concepts into the classroom, to further stimulate and to offer students with more possibilities to exercise their creative mind. If we would to teach our students we must have experience with the new material ourselves first; therefore I am really excited to start New Media New Forms and see what I can create with the new media. It would be an interesting challenge!