The Infernal Internal

I just watched a fascinating TEDtalk by Anders Ynnerman,'Visualizing the Medical Data Explosion'. I'll add the link, but be forewarned it does have some macabre forensic imagery. (TEDlink) The talk revolves around the medical research Ynnerman is involved in with the use of CT scans of different subjects. The huge data chunks he gets from the scans of a body are translated by graphics processors(from the ever growing games industry) into incredible 3D images that become more and more Star Trek as the talk progresses. The real time probe that a Doctor can use on a screen that allows her to feel the heart beating and press inside of the heart valves is wild.

I'm always interested in the curve in the road. 3D figurative images will continue to become more and more sophisticated. My kids play with Autodesk's 123D Sculpt on the iPad, and more 3D figurative forms will become commonplace. I think this is good news for people who draw. Whenever there are great technological changes artists are in the vanguard. In the mid-1800's as the Industrial Revolution changed the face of Europe, the ground shook under artists and inspired the first stirrings of a modern art.

Interactivity, 3D, and motion graphics offer opportunities for artists to engage in new and unique ways, especially if the landscape is littered with heavily armed 3D characters with attitude--zzzz. The worlds going to need pictures loaded with weapons of mass meaning and genuine engagement.