Design Response 1

The Language of New Media
 Lev Manovich
2010

Manovich begins introducing new media identifying it, “with the use of a computer for distribution and exhibition rather than production,” however; he forewarns that this is a very limiting and simplified definition. New media is actually somewhat broad. As our professor has outlined, the five principles of how old and new media differ, are such,

Numerical representation: new media objects exist as data
Modularity: the different elements of new media exist independently
Automation: new media objects can be created and modified automatically
Variability: new media objects exist in multiple versions
Transcoding: The logic of the computer influences how we understand and represent ourselves.

Manovich explains that with these principles: “…the computer media revolution affects all stages of communication, including acquisition, manipulation, storage, and distribution; it also affects all types of media — text, still images, moving images, sound, and spatial constructions.” 

“… Just as the printing press in the fourteenth century and photography in the nineteenth century had a revolutionary impact on the development of modern society and culture, today we are in the middle of a new media revolution (…) This new revolution is arguably more profound than the previous ones and we are just beginning to sense its initial effects” (p 43)

As in the past, society and culture are constantly affected by revolutions and the present technological advance in digitization will only increase exponentially as computational power improves. Our economy was once based on industry as production, however it now relies on digital information. Although this shift affects all types of people, the arts world has been introduced to new terminology and new ways of creating media. Art based on code, or numerical representations produce, “new media objects,” or “new media art.” Not only does the art itself change because of this, but also the artist’s relationship with the work and audience does. Through the use of technology, it’s easier to collaborate with other artists. Artists can also shift their concentration to creating more interactive pieces and include the spectator. The viewer is no longer a witness to the piece, but experiencing it from the artist as if a friend is sharing a secret. The narrative has been affected by this change.