Dear Pedro,

I completely agree with you about the clumsiness and lessening of quality
and text space with the use of cd-rom for art history. I would add that
this holds true even with the use of softwares like Powerpoint in art
history presentations - in class rooms or at conferences. Perhaps -- or no
doubt -- the technology will improve to the point where it can be useful to
art historians.

But so far, not only are the aspects you mentioned a problem, in addition,
there is the techno-elitist aspects of the computerized media.

As someone who has pioneered art historical exchanges in the area of modern
and contemporary art in Indonesia and South and Southeast Asia, and given
and participated in art historical fora various places throughout Asia, I
have experienced that anyone who comes with fancy technical demands, for
the MOST part would either find themselves unable to give their
presentations, in most places, and/or they would insult and hurt their
hosts and colleagues.

And this, I might add, is not meant as a way to reinforce any outmoded 3rd
world - 1st world distinction, as I encounter the same situation (i.e. lack
of computerized image display facilities -- or even proper slide set ups)
that serve art historical needs, in Canada, the US and Europe, every time
I step outside of an art history context (for example at interdisciplinary
studies conferences, or giving guest lectures in art courses taught in
class rooms outside the art history dept., if there even is one, locally.

The technology, then, to many of us, does not yet support art historical
work. And this should come as no surprise when we look at the values and
needs that drive the computer industry: if you come to a business or
engineering conference or teaching facility, suddenly the technology and
the local set ups prove to be a perfect match.

Art history occupies the lowest rung on the ladder of the humanities (all
of which are embattled) these days, at least in North America, and
certainly in the rest of the world outside of Europe. (I left Norway when I
was in my 20s, so I am a little out of touch with the situation for
kunsthistorie/Kunst Geschichte/l'histoire de l'art/art history in Europe
now: please, list members, tell me how it is!).

Best wishes to all,

Astri

"If no one ever took risks, Michelangelo would have painted the Sistine floor."
Neil Simon

"Color is the keyboard, the eyes are the harmonies, the soul is the piano
with many strings. The artist is the hand that plays, touching one key or
another, to cause vibrations in the soul."
Kandinsky

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Dr. Astri Wright
Associate Professor of South and Southeast Asian Art
Department of History in Art
University of Victoria
Rm.133, Fine Arts Building
P.O.Box 1700 Tel: (250) 721-7949
Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2 Fax: (250) 721-7941
Canada Email: astrifinearts.uvic.ca

Departmental Homepage:
http://www.finearts.uvic.ca/historyinart/faculty/astri_wright_bio.shtml
Articles and visuals on Contemporary Indonesian Art:
http://www.javafred.com/