Exploratory Writing 2B
This particular set of readings definitely stirred some thoughts that I never truly considered before. The first reading “Memes in a Digital World: Reconciling with a Conceptual Troublemaker” is well written and I appreciate the authors approach to memes within a digital world. But, I couldn't help but think about memes outside of the digital sphere. The author did well touching on memes as we may know them after the rise of the internet, but I wish they would have addressed the history of memes themselves. I may be bold in saying that Kilroy or Kilroy was here is perhaps the worlds first well known meme, and became popular during a time when computer communication was no where near the capacity we are familiar with today. I would also bet that most western people would recognize Kilroy or at least his form in some way. I will also be a tad bold and say that the reading presented failed in presenting memes as something mysterious and hard to study due to disputes over what memes are (372). I do not think memes are so mysterious that they are hard to study, but I think our understanding of memes themselves has changed. This change I believe stems from globalization, technology advancements, and a new found understanding in various forms of social interaction/communication. Looking at memes outside of the digital sphere may prove to provide some insight into WHAT they actually are. I suppose it would be wrong to disagree with the reading, and not provide my own perhaps controversial definition of memes. I would say that a meme is more than a funny photo, or relatable drawing but is more of an element/composition of a culture/system of behavior, thoughts, and concepts that could be passed from one individual to any non genetic means. (Perhaps this definition is a bit broad, and incorporates some already common beliefs on what a meme is by definition, but I think it at least makes memes less mysterious)
All the same, the reading made excellent points regarding memes in the digital world. I find that memes have become a more common form of communication as communication itself has grown and evolved. As our communication needs/desires grow the forms of communication available will also continue to evolve, and memes are everchanging based on their desired intent. I feel that memes serve as a raw form of human communication created and manipulated to suit our communication needs.
The second reading “What Does Net Art Mean in the Post-Digital Age?” was thought provoking to say the least. I especially loved the last portion where the question of fine art and digital art meeting is asked. As someone that works in a gallery, and survives on selling my own art I cant help but feel that that the digital sphere is changing the world of contemporary art quite rapidly. Specifically the fine arts are coming to accept the digital sphere as truly valid within the contemporary world. I truly think this is a great thing as more and more museums, galleries, and patrons seek diverse digital works of art. Digital art has a right to be shared within the same stage as other artistic mediums, and no doubt is equally as important both historically and culturally. I truly look forward to digital art submissions to the gallery, and hope more artists step forward in the years to come.