Book Description
Although many people view virtual reality as a totally new phenomenon, it has its foundations in an unrecognized history of immersive images. Indeed, the search for illusionary visual space can be traced back to antiquity. In this book, Oliver Grau shows how virtual art fits into the art history of illusion and immersion. He describes the metamorphosis of the concepts of art and the image and relates those concepts to interactive art, interface design, agents, telepresence, and image evolution. Grau retells art history as media history, helping us to understand the phenomenon of virtual reality beyond the hype.
Grau shows how each epoch used the technical means available to produce maximum illusion. He discusses frescoes such as those in the Villa dei Misteri in Pompeii and the gardens of the Villa Livia near Primaporta, Renaissance and Baroque illusion spaces, and panoramas, which were the most developed form of illusion achieved through traditional methods of painting and the mass image medium before film. Through a detailed analysis of perhaps the most important German panorama, Anton von Werner's 1883 The Battle of Sedan, Grau shows how immersion produced emotional responses. He traces immersive cinema through Cinerama, Sensorama, Expanded Cinema, 3-D, Omnimax and IMAX, and the head mounted display with its military origins. He also examines those characteristics of virtual reality that distinguish it from earlier forms of illusionary art. His analysis draws on the work of contemporary artists and groups ART+COM, Maurice Benayoun, Charlotte Davies, Monika Fleischmann, Ken Goldberg, Agnes Hegedues, Eduardo Kac, Knowbotic Research, Laurent Mignonneau, Michael Naimark, Simon Penny, Daniela Plewe, Paul Sermon, Jeffrey Shaw, Karl Sims, Christa Sommerer, and Wolfgang Strauss. Grau offers not just a history of illusionary space but also a theoretical framework for analyzing its phenomenologies, functions, and strategies throughout history and into the future.
Customer Reviews:
A Virtual Review of: Virtual Art: From Illusion to Immersion.......2005-04-07
The unique approach to handing the history of `virtual art' is scholarly and innovative, undermining popular conceptions of the notion of `virtuality'. I would have appreciated colour plates, since the subject matter often pertains to the study of many forms of visual art. A glossary of terms also would have been helpful. The addition of these to elements would make the book much more accessible to readers who are introducing themselves to these concepts and artworks.
Broad in breadth and depth, Virtual Art: From Illusion to Immersion traces the history of virtual art through studying the history of `immersion' and `illusion' in the arts, and relates these ideas to the current developments in `virtual reality'. It is unlikely that the general public, or even most arts professionals, would consider the panoramic frescoes of ancient Pompeii a precursor to the 1980's notion of goggled cybernetic digitalia, nor the recent developments in transgenic art, yet this book includes very convincing arguments that link these ideas to the development of today's virtual art. Self-proclaimed as the `first' to link art history and immersive visual culture to the field of contemporary digital environment-based art experiences, this innovative and convincing research is laid out before the reader in an intellectual, yet accessible fashion, complete with diagrams and illustrations to illuminate key ideas. Many interesting works of art are chronicled here, placed within a contextual framework that demonstrates the significance of the ideas and technology supporting the works. Gathering this information in a print format also allows these works to live on and influence other thinkers outside of directly experiencing the works, which is often not technically possible, given the temporal nature of many immersion-based artworks. Ideas do not develop in a vacuum, but through the dialogues of overlapping discourses, combined with critical thought. Grau demonstrates that virtual art is not exactly new, and it satisfies a basic human desire for experiencing the `other', whether through looking at panoramic paintings of mythology or faraway lands, or designing a prototype Holodeck (Star Trek). Unexpected parallels abound, making this a very informative read that may forever change the reader's interpretations of classical art history as well as of virtual reality.
It is likely that Grau reaches the academic arts audience he sets out to reach with this book, as is demonstrated by the numerous references to this book online, in various journals, blogs, and academic websites. This focus on art history as media history would be thoroughly appreciated by Marshall McLuhan fans, as well as art historians who specialize in media studies. Artists and historians interested in 3-D modeling, avatar development, online immersive environments, transgenic art, and historical instances of illusion in the arts will also find this book a valuable and up-to-date resource. This book would make a welcome addition to a University library, a gallery or artist-run centre's library, or the personal collection of savvy technophiles.
Image Science.......2003-10-21
This book is a outstanding contribution to the upcoming new field image science.
Virtual Art by Grau.......2003-10-08
This book is an excellent rendition for electro-visual labs.
The work is perfect if you are looking for new ideas on interior
decorating for the home. There are many exotic art forms
depicted in this work.
Virtual reality is integrated into art immersion. The work
provides a panoramic view of the Battle of Sedan. There are
pictures of the Futurama in the 1939 World Fair. In addition,
a screenshot portrays the Home of the Brain. The work is
excellent for anticipated student school projects.
This work is perfect for art enthusiasts, historians,
interior decorators, architects , photographers and a whole
host of professionals in varied fields.
Key Book.......2003-01-23
WIRED spoke about a "great read" and Lev Manovich decribed Grau's book as a "must-read for anyone interested in new media, art history, and any field using virtual images." - Grau lives up to expectations ! He analyzes what is new in media art by balancing recent works and historic media development, and so retells art history as media history. An interdisciplinary study in art history, media history, and new media art, the cross fertilization enriches his analysis and helps clarify the essence of immersion and Virtual Reality. Beyond Grau's analysis, I was thankful to see so many artists involved - many hot names. This book will be valuable for both practitioners and theoreticians. Hopefully there will be a paperback soon for students.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent but pricey..........2007-09-14
This is a well written project book in jewellery. The projects are detailed and well photographed, but not a book for the beginner. If you require books on methods and technical information I recommend 'Jewelry Concepts & Technology' by Oppi Untracht and 'Theory and Practice of Goldsmithing (Jewelry Crafts)'by Erhard Brepohl, which are better value for money.
Excellent Book: About to get better, New Edition on the way in'07 WAIT!!!.......2007-06-22
1st off a new edition is on the way with lots of new photos and 5 new chapers so don't get fleeced buying an over priced used copy.
Meanwhile, This is the single best choice for the intermediate to advanced jewler and even a beginner can learn much. Great step by step that is written so one can jump in a process and glean a specific skill without making the entire piece.
I've been making jewelry such as featured in this book for over 17 years and am a book hound. All the others are fighting it out for 2nd place as this rules the roost!
Can't wait for the new edition. Hurry up Alan!
Regards,
Excellent Comprehensive Guide.......2006-12-04
This book is a gem. Pun intended. Gorgeous photographs and concise instructions combine to give the reader a lovely and interesting assistance into the complex world of goldsmithing , which Alan Revere knows initmately.
I especially appreciate the glossary and tool descriptions, which serve to beautifully strengthen both novice and veteran metal artists' cognitive arsenal. Wonderful beautiful volume, destined to be a classic for generations of fine jewelers and goldsmiths. Thank You Alan!!!
The best project book in jewelry that I know.......2005-09-16
This is the most elaborated project book in jewelry that I know. The projects are detailed step by step at lenght. But this isn't a book for the beginner. It's projects require a studio well equiped, and this isn't the case of the absolute beginner, and a coach experienced, that may guide him trohough the lessons.
Professional Goldsmithing........2003-05-27
What a brilliant piece of literature. Any person who has not used such a book as this is definitely missing out.The instructions and the models are very good, and useable, and will enable any who use this book to attain a very high degree of skill.
Average customer rating:
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Flash Photography (A Modern Photo Guide)
Manufacturer: Guild Press of Indiana
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Lighting
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Photo Essays
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0385181507 |
Average customer rating:
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Flash in Modern Photography
Manufacturer: Camera Craft, San Francisco
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000I9O7I4 |
Average customer rating:
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Flash in modern photography
William Mortensen
Manufacturer: Camera craft Pub. Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
General
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: B0007E4Y56 |
Book Description
The legendary series of short "webisodes" featured A-list directors such as John Woo and Ridley Scott telling tales of the Hire - an enigmatic driver and the passengers that need his transportation and protection. Now, some of the biggest names in comics bring The Hire to Dark Horse! Matt Wagner (Grendel) tells a story of a spoiled party-girl and her high-speed hunters, Bruce Campbell (Evil Dead) and Kilian Plunket (Superman: Red Son) team the Driver with a schoolteacher with unfortunate mob connections, Mark Waid (Fantastic Four) and Claude St. Aubin (Dominion) tell the tale of a geeky bureaucrat with a valuable secret and Kurt Busiek (Conan) and Steven Grant (Badlands) with Francisco Ruiz Velasco (Lone Wolf 2100) relate the story of a millionaire businessman facing a very hostile takeover.
Book Description
For years, award-winning independent filmmaker Rick Schmidt has been teaching aspiring writers, directors, and producers how to make no-budget films, both in workshops and in his classic guide, Feature Filmmaking at Used-Car Prices. Now Schmidt shows how it is easierand cheaperthan ever to make an innovative, high quality work, thanks to digital video. Filled with the latest information on equipment and software, ideas for experimenting with new techniques, and advice based on Schmidt's own experiences, Extreme DV at Used-Car Prices offers a step-by-step tour through the making of a feature- length movie using the newest and ever-changing DV technology. Instructive and inspiring, this one-of-a-kind book is essential for filmmakers with lots of ideas but little money.
Customer Reviews:
Awesome book!.......2007-09-23
Do yourself a favor and read it if you are serious about no only making a movie/video but having people sit through and enjoy your work.
Good intro to those seeking to make film at "used car" price.......2007-08-03
This book is a good intro to those seeking to make a DV film at a "used car" price. It has a chapter on everything from planning, shooting and marketing plus some of the author's experiences in each. The bad aspect of the book is that each section is very short. The chapters only basically touch on subjects. In addition, the movie is weak in the area of planning non-documentaries (i.e., very litte discussion of script - author's advice is just go out and shoot). In addition, the book is geared to the cheapest production values. For example, he spends a lot of time discussing the use of a TRV10 (a digital 8 camera!!) and the $60.00 on camera amateur mike that can be purchased for it. Little discussion is given of using even a slightly more advanced camera such as a Canon XL-1. If you are going to spend a few weeks of your life on a project does it not make sense to spend another grand and use decent equipment?
Despite these weaknesses book gives good (albiet very rudimentary) intro to most phases to indie filmaking. For somebody starting out fine. For someone who is beyond the beginner level the book will not provide much of use.
A digital filmmaking must!!!.......2006-01-18
Don't judge this book on the typing errors (they are not noticeable anyway), but on the content. Rick has been very successful in independent film, but is a much better teacher than a filmmaker. As a filmmaker myself, this book along with Rick's original one on feature filmmaking, has inspired and taught me more than any other book on the subject. In the new era of digital and HD filmmaking, this book will breif you on everything you need to know. Great advice lines the pages and motivation to make a movie is the least you'll take away from reading even just a chapter. Buy this book because even if you breifly thought about making a movie then Rick can get you started.
Yuck.......2006-01-04
Dont buy this, its just his own personal experiences of making horrible sounding DV film. He gives bad advice, and sugguests not using a script. As said before, look at who is giving you advice before you take it. If you really want this book buy a used copy.
Don't Be Afraid.......2005-06-05
Ya ever think - I'd like to make a movie - but then stopped right there 'cause the reality (so you think) is that putting something like that together is just too hard? Pick up Extreme DV, ya goof. It doesn't have to be that difficult. You could get your cinematic vision in the can without the unpleasantness of ulcers and spousal abandonment. Take a look. And don't be afraid.
Average customer rating:
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The Osbournes Talking: The Osbournes in Their Own Words (Talking) (Talking)
Harry Shaw , and
Bruce Kavanagh
Manufacturer: Omnibus Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Voice
| Instruments & Performers
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Rock
| Musical Genres
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Television
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
1990's through 2004
| Shows
| Television
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Arts & Literature
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
| Actors & Actresses
| Artists, Architects & Photographers
| Authors
| Composers & Musicians
| Dancers
| Entertainers
| Movie Directors
| New Age
| Television Performers
| Theatre
General
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Memoirs
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1844494047
Release Date: 2004-10-01 |
Product Description
Updated and redesigned editions of the classic guides to the music of the world s best known acts. Written by experts, each book examines every song in a given artist s recorded repertoire, making it an invaluable guide for collectors and fans alike.
Average customer rating:
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Popular Music: Critical Concepts in Media and Cultural Studies
Simon Frith
Manufacturer: Routledge
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Reference
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
History & Criticism
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Popular
| Musical Genres
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Music
| Pop Culture
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Popular Culture
| Social Sciences
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0415299055 |
Book Description
This set brings together essential scholarship on pop music, from its music-hall origins, through to the present-day proliferation of musical styles resulting from the break-down of traditional genres such as country, rock, pop, and soul.
In the wide range of articles he has collected here, editor and well-known music scholar Simon Frith selects key pieces from leading sociology and cultural studies journals as well as influential music publications, allowing students and researchers to explore the topics from diverse social science perspectives. This unique resource provides invaluable context on the heritage of the music, the impact of Napster and other developments that have galvanized the music industry in recent years, the culture industry, and much more.
Books:
- Vladimir Nabokov, Alphabet in Color
- Wedgwood Jasper Ware: A Shape Book and Collector's Guide (Schiffer Book for Collectors)
- What Do Pictures Want?: The Lives and Loves of Images
- What Ever Happened to Orson Welles?: A Portrait of an Independent Career
- White Graphics: The Power of White in Graphic Design
- Whitman Coin Collecting: Starter Set
- 60 Minutes to Better Painting: Sharpen Your Skills in Oil and Acrylic
- African Art Now: Masterpieces from the Jean Pigozzi Collection
- Aircraft Nose Art: From World War I to Today (Motorbooks Classics)
- American Sublime: Landscape Painting in the United States, 1820-1880
Books Index
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