has the ability, not only to improve the quality and dimension of
communication among humans, but also to give form to our dreams and
fictions. J.G. Ballard talks of the ‘qualities of expression’ of technology
commenting that:
In the past we have always assumed that the external world
around us has represented reality, however confusing or
uncertain, and that the inner world of our minds, its dreams,
hopes, ambitions, represented the realm of fantasy and
imagination. Today these roles have been reversed (Ballard,
1973: 5).
Michael Heim suggests that the key to deal with new technologies such
as Virtual Reality is to be aware that these are our creations and are perfect
tools for entertainment, education and communication. Heim observes that
the essence of Virtual Reality can be better established when related to art
rather than technology (Heim, 1993: 82-108). Hence, every artist needs a
medium to express his or her imagination and, in this sense, art and digital
new technologies are able to complement each other. New technologies such
as Virtual Realities are certainly very intriguing devices with fewer
restrictions regarding what it is possible to do and express. In this respect
Ralph Schroeder suggests that ‘new forms of human self-expression will
release human beings from the material constraints of their current lives’
(Schroeder, 1994: 524). The potential freedom of expression of Virtual Reality
has to be managed to create something that will not be turned against us, but
will facilitate a pleasurable and educative medium that will satisfy, instruct
and encourage communication for consumers. The role of the artist in this
process of creation is understood to be fundamental.
Technology is important for art and art has to be fundamental in new
technologies, otherwise there is a risk of it becoming boring or mundane if it
merely imitates the real world. New technologies supply the artist with the
ultimate illusion maker, providing new ways to change the nature of the
relationship between the artist and the audience through the interactive
possibilities of the digital. In this respect we find a significant extension of
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