A strange tension between identity and conformity has developed in American culture since the 1980’s. America’s fascination with branding everything is a curiosity to me. In the spirit of identifying with the masses, one has to conform. This destruction of individuality is continually juxtaposed with the message to the masses – strive for uniqueness. The consumer jungle of the 21st century is not a social place where one can truly identify with others, but a laborious parade of social hierarchy and conformity.
I am interested in the processes behind this social programming. For the last three generations mass media has played a critical role in the creation of our culture.
With a backdrop of precision bombing and satellite imagery, a painting sings and a sculpture dances. In the 21st Century we rely on computers which are programmed to read and organize symbols – namely “one” or “zero” which are then interpreted into “on” or “off.” We, as thinking machines, easily construe the pragmatic “yes” or “no” into the principled “good” or “bad.” Where does the interpretation of empirical symbols stop and ethical insight begin? Can our identities be simplified to a series of ones and zeros? Can a machine be programmed with an identity? How does that relate to our social programming? In any case, who or what authors the definitions?
2005 Thesis Synopsis – Art History
A special thank you to Dr. Irene Nero for her timeless guiding wisdom.