Current Event: Video Games as Art

Pac-Man (1980)

The question of whether or not video games could be considered art has been a popular topic of discussion for quite a while. However, with an announcement from The Museum of Modern Art, the issue has been actively circulating around once again. On November 29, The Museum of Modern Art announced revealed that they acquired 14 video-games to be featured in their Architecture and Design collection.

The 14 chosen games include:
Pac-Man (1980), Tetris (1984), Another World (1991), Myst (1993), SimCity 2000 (1994), vib-ribbon (1999), The Sims (2000), Katamari Damacy (2004), EVE Online (2003), Dwarf Fortress (2006), Portal (2007), flOw (2006), Passage (2008), and Canabalt (2009).

In order to see if the games had artistic value, they were assessed on four-dimensions: behavior, aesthetics, space and time. (While the MoMA blog has a more extensive description of of the dimensions, Time.com summarizes them nicely). Additionally, the MoMA also chose the games based on their cultural and historical significance. While there are only 14 games at the moment, there are a total of 40 games that they hope to acquire in the future. (One of them being one of my personal favorites, Animal Crossing. YES!)

Animal Crossing (2001)

But what about the question of whether or not video games could or should be considered art? Interestingly, according to the Supreme Court, they are. I feel that art itself is something that is subjective, but there are people who disagree--and I do respect that. However, I still think that video games are very artistic. Even though I haven't had time to sit down and play a video game in a long time, I believe that there was much artistic value in the games I have played in the past.

Art you can eat!

Something I enjoy doing on my spare time is looking up baking recipes and watching Cupcake wars and Ace of Cakes. While I was looking up some cookie and cake recipes I came across a site called Crazy Cakes Inc. (http://www.crazycakes.com). They literally have the craziest cakes I've ever seen! Their motto is "Art you can eat", and they sure are right about that! Here are some cool cakes that you wouldn't believe are edible! Enjoy and be amazed!

-Tiffany Beaumont

A little laugh will help you pass!

According to http://www.helpguide.org, laughter is a great stress reliever. At this time, I know exams are coming up and papers are due.....but stop studying for a sec and get a little laughter in your system first. 

• Laughter relaxes your muscles for up to 45 minutes
• It lowers stress hormones
•  boost up your mood
• Eases anxiety and fear

 

So go on http://www.youtube.com and type in anything that will make your stomach hurt! Let's start with the 80 year old woman sky diving and elevator pranks! Enjoy!

-Tiffany Beaumont

Skiing as an Art Form

Last semester, my English teacher posed a question to the class, "what is art?" I sat back in my chair and reflected upon the question for a moment. At first I began to think of paintings or sculptures on display inside of an art gallery and I imagined that this is what most people thought of when they  consider the topic of art.

However, art can be found in many places depending on the person you ask.  I believe we can all agree that art is something that, through creativity, is intended to be pleasing in some way, whether it be visual or through one of the other senses. Following my presentation on skiing last week, I think you might find it easy to believe that I think skiing is a form of art.  Skiing is a form of creative expression that requires the use of skill and individual action. When skiing gets to a certain level of skill, each skier becomes their own artist out on the mountain. They have the ability to use their skill to make something that is physically and emotionally enjoyable to them and at the same time, visually appealing to others.

Filmer's these days do a great job capturing the essence of skiing through their video's and I think episode 4 of The Wonder Reels is another great example. As the song in the video says, "everything lies within the eyes of you". Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. In my opinion, skiing is a beautiful art form.

My Teaching Credo

Being an education major, I'm always thinking about how I want to present myself as a (future) teacher. There are many things that I value and that I want to implement in my classroom. Therefore, I came up with a credo of what I believe a good classroom should be like and what I, as a teacher, want to strive for. Additionally, I designed a mini-poster to organize my thoughts. Here is the end result! (Click to enlarge.)

My Teaching Credo

1. Everyone is different and learns in a different way--so be accommodating. I believe in working hard to reach all students’ needs.
2. Grades should not be the primary focus of a classroom. I believe in having  students challenge themselves and understand the material without fear of failure.
3. Learning should be fun! I believe in fostering creative expression through a wide variety of activities that makes the learning experience enjoyable for everyone.
4. The classroom should be a safe and welcoming environment. I believe in making sure that students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and are never intimidated. 

Check out rapgenius.com

Many of today's rap stars write seemingly nonsensical lyrics.  On this website, members attempt to deconstruct the lyrics to ever rap song in existence-from the most complex to the most obvious. I recommend reading the analysis of 2 chainz's birthday song. It's hilarious. In order to access the site, you will have to quickly sign up and create an alias.

 

          

hitRECord

This past week I was fortunate to go home for Thanksgiving break. I was even more fortunate in that I was able to go see Joseph Gordon Levitt speak on behalf of his new undertaking, hitRECord.  

This project is a mass collaboration movement of the arts.  

Artist, singers, dancers, animators and many more post their material to the website, combine with others, remix and revise in an international effort for creative mashups.  

Some of my favorites include "Strawberry Bootlaces" and "Mademoiselle Noir."  

Through this project, JGL has also published two volumes of the "Tiny Book of Tiny Stories."  

Anyone can sign up.  

Push your creative boundaries and hitRECord!