FLASH: Technology or Art?

Author: Wang Bo
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-11-01
Features: Flash, as a web-based software, emerged in the late 20th century and rapidly developed. Its rapid technological advancements and continuous innovation laid the material foundation for its popularity. This book provides a reflective introduction to Flash from both a technical and cultural perspective, including its characteristics as an interactive software and its evolution, as well as its rise, development, peak, and decline as a cultural phenomenon in China. The book analyzes representative Flash works in China, explores the artistic legitimacy and characteristics of Flash, and reflects on the potential of Flash after the (noise) fades, envisioning its future possibilities. It is a hybrid read about Flash, flash artists, popularity and creation, art and technology, and software and media. In today's world where all fields are frequently upgraded, it seems that anyone could fall behind with a single misstep. However, behind all the seemingly complex and sophisticated technologies and programs, and on the other side of all the ever-changing popular symbols, there will always be an unending pursuit of creativity and a respect for the genuine emotions experienced.
【Author Bio】 Wang Bo, also known by the online name Pi San, currently resides in Beijing and has long been dedicated to the research and creation of Flash animation and multimedia art.
◎ Started experimenting with Flash in 1999.
◎ In 2000, developed the first Flash music album in China at Yishutang Technology Co., Ltd.
◎ In 2001, held the solo exhibition "PLAYME--Wang Bo/Pi San Network Multimedia Works" (Beijing Zangxin New Media Art Space).
◎ Created Flash animations for Meng Jinghui's film "Flying Like Chicken Feathers."
◎ In 2002, participated in the inaugural Guangzhou Contemporary Art Triennial with the Flash interactive animation "Dream of Reincarnation" (Guangzhou Art Museum); participated in the exhibition "Three Expressions of Time" with the Flash interactive animation "Pi San's Seven Days."
◎ In 2004, created Flash animations for Jia Zhangke's film "The World."
【Table of Contents】
Preface
Chapter 1 What is Flash
1. What is Flash
2. From Flash 2.0 to Flash MX
3. Characteristics of Flash
Chapter 2 Flash in China
1. The Early Players
2. Flash Artists and the Flash Empire
3. Types of Flash Works
4. The Illusion of Flash's Prosperity
5. Examples of Works
6. Reasons for Popularity and Obscurity
Chapter 3 Flash Art as Network Art
1. The Immediacy and Speed of Network Dissemination
2. Transience and Replicability
3. Multimedia Characteristics
4. Interactivity
5. Non-linear Hyperlink Structure
6. Unfinished State
7. Shift in Authorial Identity
8. Virtuality
9. Popularization and Personalization
Chapter 4 About Interactivity
1. The Essence of Communication—Interactivity
2. What is Interactivity
3. Networks and Interactivity
4. Interactivity as a Technology
5. Interactivity as a Spirit
Chapter 5 About Creation and Collaboration
1. The Sense of Authentic Emptiness
2. The Extending Tool
3. Technical Interest and Expression of Intent
4. Interactive Collaborative Spirit
5. Reflections on the Work Process
6. Open Prospects—Flash as an Artistic Medium