Event 1- In Focus Play

The Exhibit, In Focus: Play, helped me relate to the idea of technology and art intertwining by revealing how photography directly influenced art. This exhibit focuses on the introduction of photography in 1839 and how that captured the changes in society at the time. A new culture was emerging that was more open to the idea of leisure activities which was finally documented through this new medium. This exhibit is a testament to how technology directly influenced a new type of art and brought out new creative ways to show a realistic side of people which was never captured before. These photographs not only showed the happiness and relaxation of people around the world but also shows the different social conditions which they played in and how technology and art developed through generations.

This exhibit shows photographs such as this with young boys playing on skateboards in Los Angeles directly next to children playing in crumbled ruins in Spain. The same art form was able to show the differences around the world through a simple idea such as playing. This not only helped to inform other cultures of what was happening at the time but also revealed the true need for advanced technology in art.

I would definitely recommend this event because it was overall just a nice way to see people happy even in the worst conditions. I found the topic of play to be a fun and interesting take on historical moments and I think its really helpful to see the effect of technology on art. The exhibit also showcased multiple photographers so it was a wide array of techniques and different takes on the idea of play which really gives you a full experience. 

In Focus: Play

December 23, 2014–May 10, 2015, GETTY CENTER