P3D Re: Alternative Content (was:Burning Man site updated)

["Xal razutis" <razutis@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Re: Dr. Themelis' question (below):

'Alternative-content 3D' refers to subjects that would otherwise be absent 
from discourse on a particular list, or absent from viewing in typical 3D 
shows (more on that below).  Location, techniques, resolution, camera-type 
were not what I was refering to.  These topics are amply refered to (in all 
their variants) on this list and appear to be 'normative' content for list 
exchanges.

Subject, social-context, cultural intent - that is disturbing to the norm - 
is a form of 'alternative content'.

Las Vegas, to use the example I cited, is a controlled environment, 
manicured with kitch and appropriated symbols, all at the service of 'money' 
(spending it/making more of/).  No disruptions allowed.
Take your pictures only from authorized places.  Point your camera only at 
what is acceptable, legal, and non-intrusive.

In recent US photo-art:

Mapelthorpe was unacceptable 'alternative content' for Jessie Helms and the 
so-called 'moral majority', resulting in the near dismantling of the NEA.  
New York's Giuliani is explicitly objecting, in the recent headlines, to the 
CONTENT of the recent Brooklyn show.  Neither spoke about 'form' and 
'technique', or which 'cameras did they use'.

In the Grand Canyon, one doesn't have to worry too much about 'social 
implications' of content.  Nature is a 'neutral' place for many, allowing 
them to explore 3D compositions in a socially 'neutral' epiphany.  In Las 
Vegas, try making something 'socially critical' of casinos...no, it's like a 
constructed mirror for a certain  'human nature', but don't 'mess with it'.

Take the events of Burning Man and put them on Las Vegas Boulevard.  They 
would be swept off the street by the cops in a matter of minutes.
The suburbs are 'clean' because the cops make them so.  Far from the 
inner-city problems and cultures or the anti-consummerism or the 'anarchy' 
of artists/sculptors/hedonists/bikers/musicians/hippies out in the Nevada 
desert.


The Burning Man images Harold put up represent content that is 'alternative' 
to what is usually discussed on this list.  I congratulated him and ask for 
more.

In case someone misunderstands this post as being irrelevant to the cultures 
of 'Photo 3D' (cultures which reside in 3D clubs, or this list (with it's 
rules of acceptable behavior and interests/topics), or associations, 
conferences),  let me remind them how 'alternative content' is typically 
excised (censored) from public view by organizers of 3D events.

Examples?

Several years ago at NSA convention (Bellevue, Wash.) I had some (invited) 
3D video work presented, then suddenly removed from the show. It appears one 
of the pieces ('Virtual Flesh'), a piece that had won an award that year at 
the Southern Calif. 3D Film/Video fest., was deemed 'unacceptable content' 
by organizers (presumably on this list).  All it took was a complaint, 'and 
it's gone'.

Earlier this year at the SPIE convention (San Jose, Calif.) my colleagues in 
LA (Unterseher and Deem) were informed that their holograms (depicting a 
partially nude figure) had to be removed from the floor of the convention.  
Another complaint, and it's gone.  Because the 'norm' of content has been 
disturbed.  This event could be corroborated by members of this list who 
were at SPIE.

Is the problem content or 'style' (form)?  I suggest it's content (the 
subject matter, and it's social context), since one rarely sees an uproar 
about 'poor technique'.

One of the purposes of art is to 'shake up the norm' (and not just make 
'pretty pictures' to hang on the wall or present at shows), but violating 
what is deemed 'acceptable content'.


Al Razutis




>I would like a definition of "alternative-content 3D" if you have some
>time... I understand what "traditional 3D" is.  So, anything 
>non-traditional
>is considered "alternative-content"?  What makes it "alternative-content"?
>Location?  Subject?  Unusual techniques?  I would think that Las Vegas is a
>good place for some "non traditional 3D" photography. At least better than
>Grand Canyon...
>






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