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HowXu — Small thought regarding modern computer

Published: 2013-06-01 11:04:09 +0000 UTC; Views: 15756; Favourites: 199; Downloads: 66
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Description "Computers are no match for the average fourth-grader when it comes to creativity."


The Special Exhibition for Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni ([link] 1475-1564) in national museum of history in Taiwan had finally over in 2013/05/12. Luckily I was able to pay a visit by the end of April. In there, the museum display many Michelangelo's painting and sculpture including the best-known sculpture, David. Notably, it is not the authentic work. As a matter of facts, most of the exhibition weren't either. They are replicates by computer. According to the art history professor who suggest his class to pay a visit, the original works are too precious that it cannot transport abroad. But thanks to the modern technology, the computers are able replicate the exact same pieces of work in both painting and sculpture. Therefore, although we cannot witness the genuine works, we could still feel and touch Michelangelo's grandeur artistic soul.

This make me gasp in admiration of modern technology. The computers are like Superman that could do all sorts of different tasks for us. However, no one doesn't seems to give credit to the computers in the exhibition. In fact, I heard that some people even complain that those were just replicates and they want to see the genuine works. Personally, I think whether the works are genuine or not doesn't really matters in art appreciating. What's more important is whether the art touch your souls or not. But they did have a point though. Computer is nothing more than a tool. No matter how accurate and powerful it become, it does not create.
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Thanks to for providing the counter view:
" While computational creativity([link] ) is by and large nowhere near the level of an adult human, it still does some stuff. I'd say it's at least a match for the average fourth grader.

I've once seen a computer design a flying machine in soda constructor([link] ). This is impressive, considering the physics in that game clearly prohibit flying. The computer managed to take advantage of rounding errors to make the models do what should be impossible. Humans have managed to duplicate this feat, but only after seeing computers do it."

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Further reading: [link]

PS. Thanks to for the tech-brush "[link] " which I used for the background of 1st panel.
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Comments: 56

HowXu In reply to ??? [2013-06-02 03:14:30 +0000 UTC]

Oh, allow me to explain a little.

The computer was recreating Michelangelo's "The Creation of Adam". But it was still replicating. I deliberately erased the portrait of the god to imply that the computer doesn't do so out of enlightenment or inspiration. It just do its job and no one really pay attention of what its doing. On the contrary, the girl on the other side draw everyone's attention because she is doing creation and that's what people actually care about. I deliberately draw the computer bigger and the girl much smaller to increase the tension of the contrast. Small enlightenment is more precious than massive replication. Like what Einstein said:

"Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration, but sometimes, one-percent inspiration is more important than ninety-nine percent perspiration."

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KirovAirship2012 [2013-06-01 11:51:51 +0000 UTC]

But... but... computers are friends...

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HowXu In reply to KirovAirship2012 [2013-06-02 03:22:05 +0000 UTC]

Yes, they are our most loyal allies. They would not betray. They would always do their work if you instruct them properly. They would do many boring tasks for us without complaining. However they are not human. They don't have complex thinking ability, sophisticated creativity and individuality as an unique being. So before the invention of a true AI, computers are inevitably considered as a tool.

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Dewani90 [2013-06-01 11:25:22 +0000 UTC]

some people are born complainers, i would appreciate the art even if it was just a replica, and i appreciate your art made on the computer, the lines, brushes and everything looks like a work of art, even if it wasn't made with real brushes or tinctures n.n, and i like how you used those tools for your drawing that now looks like one of those Picasso's when the paintings looked like things instead of abstract stuff, or maybe a Rembrandt, well, i dunno a lot about art, but i know what i like.

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EspyFur [2013-06-01 11:24:09 +0000 UTC]

derp XD

TV MAN TO THE RESCUE !!!

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