IAA Images Magazine June/July 2008

IMAGES – June/July 2008

COMMENT

Is it really possible that we are already at the June and July issue of images? As I’m sure you’ll agree when you flick through the content, we are heading for a great summer of artistic activity, and I hope you will make the opportunity to enjoy many of these events.

How much do you think technology and the arts should be intertwined? Many art forms that we treasure wouldn’t exist without it – photography, film, recorded music and so on; and many others are greatly enhanced by it. But you may think it was a step too far when recently a robot (ASIMO) walked onto the stage and conducted the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in a performance of Impossible Dream from Man of La Mancha. Apparently, according to news reports, he kept the beat OK and even managed some expression – nodding his head at high points and clenching his fist to denote passion. Sadly, the robot’s no doubt extremely intricate programming was exposed as, well, robotic, when the orchestra fell out of time at a slow-down, and ASIMO was unable to adapt and fix it as a human conductor would.

I asked Chris Green, Editor-in-Chief of images, Chair of Ipswich Arts Association, and conductor of at least two choirs and an orchestra for his comment: Robots exhibit artificial intelligence which, in turn, mimics human intelligence. There may be many conductors in this world whose intelligence is inversely related to their musicianship…He probably could manage music by some contemporary composers or John Cage’s silences.

Three reminders:

1) DON’T FORGET – if you would like to receive an e-mail alert whenever a new images or IAA newsletter is issued, let me have your e-mail address.

2) DON’T FORGET – the next issue will be on 1st August, so contact me early July with details of your events and matters of interest.

3) DON’T FORGET – I’m still looking for people who would like to write occasionally for images. Why not give it a try?

Contact: Joy Bounds, Editor, on 01473 250400 or at imageseditor@ipswich-arts.org.uk