Welcome to Art History 101 for the artistically disinclined. I really appreciate this video for so many reasons, but for now I’ll just limit the reasons to blunt creativity and nostalgia. I’ve been seeing this video is circulation around the Internet for some time now, but haven’t actually watched it until today. I’m sure it pulled some heart-strings for anybody who ever took an Art History course. As impressive as this video was, I think I was a wee bit more impressed with myself for knowing all but two paintings referenced. Somebody payed attention in Art History class! I recently listened to a podcast by graphic design demigod Steven Heller, and he stated that he wished more young Designers and Illustrators would learn about the history of their craft. Yes? No? I definitely think it’s important.
For those who are not familiar with OK Go; they have THE BEST music videos in circulation right now. They are not at the cutting edge of media technology; however, they are on an entire different level on the grounds of creativity. Creativity is a pretty broad word, so I’ll try to define it the best I can. Creativity in regards to OK Go videos is a combination of effort, ingenuity, vision and simplicity. I say simplicity because if you look at all of their music videos, none of them depend on high level technology, mechanics or multimedia. Most of them are based on timing using one continuous shot without a single camera cut. Anybody can do this stuff. They just push the envelop to a point beyond where the average person would become satisfied. I know it sounds corny, but “they make the ordinary extraordinary”. It holds so much sway! I marvel in their consistent production of mind-blowing videos. Okay, No more ramblings. If you’re not smiling by the end of these two videos, then i think there may be something wrong with you. Hope everyone is having a smashing weekend.
