The FAX show raises several interesting questions. For me, the first thing that comes to mind when I think about using a FAX machine to transmit art is how much technology has changed the definition of what art is. The FAX machine was the first stepping stone to so many other technological innovations that we now use to create “art”.
The next question that it raises for me is how this FAX machine was also a stepping stone to something else. With so many new, easy ways to copy, transmit or even distort art work we now have to worry about the original artists getting the proper credit they deserve. In this way I feel that the FAX machine, and all that followed it, has both positive and negative pieces that come along with it.
While I was thinking about how I wanted to respond to these questions that the show raised for me, I came across a picture I took over the summer while I was at the beach. Originally, the picture was just of my shadow on the sand. To me it seemed like an analogy to these problems. The shadow, though it is distinguishable as a human being, has no face or true identity. I see this as the art work that is so easily accessible in modern times. It is so simple to copy something and call it your own while the true artist never receives the proper credit for it.
The reason I decided to alter the picture goes back to my original statement about how technology changed the definition of art. Before this technology of fax machines and computers there were such things as photographs. However, there was no way to alter the pictures and create something such as this. I realize that when this is transmitted through the FAX machine it will be altered again. I think this will only add to the picture and make it even more interesting. I also think it will contribute to the point that technology has permanently altered art, just as it will alter this piece I have created.
