Beemer, Bri Week 7

 In Claudia Zapata's journal article "Chicanx Graphics in the Digital Age" she explores how digital art and technology have impacted social movements. What I find most interesting from her article is VR experiences used to convey a political message and how technology can be used to criticize the tech industry. Zapata discusses how Nonny de la Peña, a big figure in VR, sees VR as an "empathy machine." However, an artistic medium called an "empathy machine" is no new occurrence since I learned that film is referred to as an empathy machine. Film claimed this label first and to me it fits better than for VR, so I think a more fitting reference for VR would be an "empathy-agency machine." Agency and interactivity are the primary features that distinguish the media of videogames and VR from film. I believe VR is better suited for gameplay and storytelling rather than just storytelling alone, but the immersive element makes de la Peña's project "Out of Exile: Daniel's Story" unique. Using VR technology to critique Silicon Valley is an interesting "fight fire with fire" approach. I am intrigued by the message of Michael Menchaca's work "Minority Report." I like that he questions "the Valley's reach and influence on society, its ability to effect behavior modification," but without that description, I would not pick up that message by just looking at the art as a standalone piece. However, I have not seen the visual narrative that is contained within the VR headset. I do think its interesting that he considers participants in the VR headsert part of the exhibition because onlookers will see how the viewer is interacting with the digital environment. The intersection of art and digital technologies can provide many opportunities for innovation and amplification of a message across social media channels. Therefore, I see Zapata's essay as a critical area of inquiry for the study of art.