Science and reason-Video art by Pipilotti Rist

1. Define the 17th century 'Scientific Revolution', and say how it changed European thought and world view. 

The 17th century scientific revolution opened up new ideas and knowledge in physics, astronomy, biology, medicine and chemistry. This new way of thought transformed medieval and ancient views of nature, and in turn laid the foundations for new modern science. According to most historians, the scientific revolution began in Europe near the end of the Renaissance era and continued until the late 18th century. Using physics, astronomy etc this made the people of this time view the world in more scientific way. Using reason and facts to explain the objects, ideas and world that they lived in. 

2. Give examples of how we can we still see evidence of the 'Scientific Revolution' in the world today.

Scientific Revolution lead to industrialization which lead to nearly everything 'modern' including transportation, computers, factories, even 'modern' art. Scientific Revolution also lead to study of 'modern' medicine. Atheism was caused by this revolution, as people were realizing how the world was really made and how plants and animals came into existence. 

Research Pipilotti Rist's video installations to answer the following;

3. From your research, do you think that the contemporary art world values art work

that uses new media/technology over traditional media?

I think that contemporary art has become very open, in the way that people can pretty much do anything odd or weird and name it 'art'. Looking at art work done before this new media we have today, it shows much more hard work and time put into the art itself. 

4. How has Pipilotti Rist used new media/technology to enhance the audience's experience of her work.

Visually its very 'in your face'. Hitting the viewer with two things going on at the same time, its almost over whelming. The size of the image is on a large scale, which impacts the viewers experience. She has used sound to enhance the viewers experience, adding a new sensory factor. 

5. Comment on how the installation, sound and scale of 'Ever is Over All' (1997) could impact on the audience's experience of the work.

Most works in galleries are on a small scale and very 2D. 'Ever is Over All' forces the viewer to take notice of the work. It would be hard to just walk past a piece of work like this. The sound adds another factor to the work. Its a way to connect more with the audience, as the viewer is enticed by the overwhelming experience. 

6. Comment on the notion of 'reason' within the content of the video. Is the woman's behaviour reasonable or unreasonable?

Watching this video, at first I got a sense that her actions were unreasonable, as what did the owners of those cars do to her? But as I see the law enforcement walk by and wave, it suddenly gave me a feeling that it was ok for her to do this. Clearly she doesn't like the fact that the world is being ruined by these objects of technology. And with the second set of images being shown, you get the sense that she's trying to help the world, as the beauty of nature is slowly being destroyed. 

7. Comment on your 'reading' (understanding) of the work by discussion the aesthetic (look), experience and the ideologies (ideas, theories) of the work.

My understanding of the work by viewing it, I can see some of the ideas she wishes to portray. I can see the idea of machines vs nature, which includes the Global warming issue. The rights of woman vs the strong image of men. Her smashing the cars is some what a symbol of woman fighting back. As the image of machine and cars is connected to men, and the image of flowers and nature is more connected to the feminine view.   

http://artintelligence.net/review/?p=443