GIF reading response 2-3-2019

                              GIF reading response due 2-4-2019
                                        Beverly Williams

Graphic Interchange Format (GIF) is older then the web itself. It allows someone to create a image file, from static images and have those images move. GIF’s are a limited file size format which belongs to no one, therefore they belong to everyone. This lack of ownership has allowed for these to survive. GIFs creation has evolved from relatively simple loops, used to keep your attention while a web page loaded, to very complex ones which are capable of transfixing the viewer.

The very early GIFs are difficult to locate as many of the beginning websites are no longer up and running. The early animated GIF exhibitions, from the early 2000’s unfortunately, are not around anymore either. They have given way to more complex ones and more artist are using the platform for their creations. The fact that these sites are no longer around makes it difficult to put together the artists who used this platform for their creations. Cory Arcangel is an artist that isolated and captured the clouds from the early Mario Brothers game. He used them to create and GIF of just the clouds passing by and later used them in an art exhibition. Simple Net Art Diagram allowed other to participate in the animation. It wanted other artist to manipulate the image addressing where art is created.

        Collaboration and participation of artist using GIF’s has grown exponentially through the use of social media. There are more blogs than ever before that encourage artist to participate in the use of the images that are available, for free. This allows for a more diverse layering of GIFs. Recently, there is a power grab. Newer networks are popping up with their own versions of looping images. Some sites have put limits on the file sizes and resolutions which can be placed in their domain. In doing so the imagination and creativity of artists is dampened. Yet, the artist will prevail as they find new ways to display their works. Some really great works are popping up all over the internet. GIF is currently being used on web pages, Facebook, twitter, dating sites, by popular singers, and the everyday person. Some of them can make people physically ill. Some of them are disgusting while other are humorous. The possibilities for creation are endless.

        I believe that the versatility of the GIF allows for the creation of a work that is unique. I am in my early stages of growth using digital media. As an artist I see a plethora of possible uses. Time is the only thing that can hold me back. Imagination is my friend. I can see that the use of many images, using transparency layers will allow me to create a work that will transfix the viewer. The fact the GIF is not static, the only drawback I see with GIF, is the places that one can display their work. I am sure that the real of possibilities for display is opening up. There are a number of museums that are currently, or will in the future, be doing exhibitions of this timeless media. Hopefully GIF will not be lost.