Abstract
On the surface, the digital image is virtually indistinguishable from the film-based photographic image, but the underlying structure of the digital image is vastly different. The technology and processes employed to produce the digital image file is precisely what makes it unique, and will ultimately determine the future development of new visual aesthetics for this medium. Yet, at present, these aspects of technology and process are not apparent in the visual manifestation of the digital image. This paper argues that by acknowledging the unique process and technology of digital imaging, in other words making the invisible visible, is a logical starting point in the quest to offer aesthetic alternatives in the future development of the digital image, as opposed to the current practice of the simulation of the visual qualities of film based image technologies.
Citation
McQuade, P. (2004) Making The Invisible Visible., in Redmond, J., Durling, D. and de Bono, A (eds.), Futureground - DRS International Conference 2004, 17-21 November, Melbourne, Australia. https://dl.designresearchsociety.org/drs-conference-papers/drs2004/researchpapers/150
Making The Invisible Visible.
On the surface, the digital image is virtually indistinguishable from the film-based photographic image, but the underlying structure of the digital image is vastly different. The technology and processes employed to produce the digital image file is precisely what makes it unique, and will ultimately determine the future development of new visual aesthetics for this medium. Yet, at present, these aspects of technology and process are not apparent in the visual manifestation of the digital image. This paper argues that by acknowledging the unique process and technology of digital imaging, in other words making the invisible visible, is a logical starting point in the quest to offer aesthetic alternatives in the future development of the digital image, as opposed to the current practice of the simulation of the visual qualities of film based image technologies.