From the reading, I found the work by Joseph Nechvatal particularly interesting. His paintings (and animations) are degraded images of sexual body parts. They are degraded through the use of a computer virus and created by an assisting computer robot. The bio on his website (http://www.nechvatal.net/) was brief, but revealed that Nechvatal was educated in the philosophy of art and new technology. I think this part of his background is what's so interesting about his work, since I've never given much thought to technology, art, and philosophy altogether. Nechvatal combines these concepts to create artwork that it not only made using technology, but visually represents the organic and mechanical/virtual while also communicating to the viewer.

This is one of his early works created in 1986, titled Informed Man. Also found at http://www.nechvatal.net/   under the link "Selected computer-robotic canvases 1986-91.

I am very drawn to this piece, although it makes me feel uneasy.  The obvious human figure in the center appears to be 3 dimensional and I think is made of news papers, which links with the title. The image of a dagger over the chest feels violent, and reminds me of the fear mongering that is always present in the news media. It also looks like the figure is wearing an eye patch which reminds me of my frustration with biased media reports that leave me feeling uninformed (or blind). Beyond the obvious human figure are many outlined faces. One appears to be a clown, another a judge. Their forms overlap in a frenzied way, with added tension from the ting of red color surrounding the center figure. There is a lot of movement, tension, and metaphor in this piece. Very Strong.

I think his work is important for the social commentary it offers. It is also important because it addresses the modern world, modern technology, and the virtual presence by using it to create these works.