Archive of Change
The Conversation with Media Artist Seiko Karakama, April 16, 2004 revolved
around Seiko’s videotape: Technology Evolution (2002, running
time: 2min., audio: Techno Mixes by Seiko Karakama.) In that tape, she
lined up several different video and data formats: VHS, Beta, CD’s,
DVD’s, etc. The curving line snaked around through various rooms
until she sent them tumbling. A convoluting ‘domino effect’
was achieved through use of visual edits. Electronic music ‘kept
the beat.’
Valerie LeBlanc: Can you tell me something about your background?
Seiko Karakama: I am originally from Japan and came
to Calgary in 1990. I arrived in Vancouver in 1989, and came here a
year later when I was almost seven.
VL: As an artist, what first drew you into electronic
technology?
SK: I guess it was computers in general. When I first
came in contact (with them) it was amazing, especially when the new
Macs came in. Graphically, it was attractive. In grade five, I was using
one of those old Apples that only did text. But I think it was 1994,
when I first had access to an Apple with graphical capability. That
interested me! I was in grade seven then.
VL: So you probably worked with computers to do graphics
quite a bit through junior high?
SK: I tried to, there wasn't that much for graphic
programs at school but, even with applications like PowerPoint and stuff,
I was able to integrate different kinds of media. With others, (applications)
that were text base, and clip art; I brought in movies, sound, and my
own drawings.
VL: Did your parents have a computer at home for you
to use?
SK: They had those old text based computers, the IBM
black screen style.
VL: So by the time you were ready to start art school, you were
familiar with various computer environments. In your videotape Technology
Evolution, you set up a variety of tape and disc formats and built a
domino effect with them. I was wondering how the idea to do a tape like
that started?
SK: I guess because I am interested in technology and how things are
developing right now, especially with digital coming in. Before, things
were material based and now everything is zeros and ones. It is more
abstract, less (physical) material and I guess it affects everybody
right now. I think that doing the tape had to do with when I was younger;
building dominoes with videotapes was a game that I played. Then, when
I came to the College (Alberta College of Art & Design), I just
thought it would be a way to visually demonstrate the evolution of technology.
VL: You are now getting ready to graduate; what benefits
or drawbacks do you envision for future technology use?
SK: I think that new technology is becoming an elite
thing where only the people with the knowledge and the money can keep
up. When the average citizen buys a product, it is already becoming
old and obsolete. So then, I don’t know if we can all keep up
with those kinds of 'corporate people.'
VL: So you think that corporations drive changes?
SK: Yes.
VL: Getting ready to graduate, do you have an idea
of where you fit into it all? Do you see yourself trying to stay in
that elite group that keeps up with the technology?
SK: (hesitates) … I want to but it is even hard
for artists because software keeps changing so fast, every version is
different. You have to learn new technology all the time.
VL: Once you are outside of an institution, you might
have more choice. Do you see benefits to learning a lot of different
software; do you think that you become more adaptable?
SK: I guess that there is always new stuff that you
can learn, it kind of changes how you perceive the world, and how you
see yourself within the technology.
- Valerie LeBlanc
August 18, 2004