Green Screen: From TV Uniformity to Artistic Dénaturalisation
In her article, Jill Gasparina explores the application of green screen technology in mainstream television compared to its artistic interpretation. Originally patented in 1918 by Frank Williams, the green screen transitioned from blue to green for digital editing, gaining popularity with the advent of budget-friendly cameras and software. While television often utilizes stock footage, leading to a uniform viewing experience, artists such as Nam June Paik, Shana Moulton, Mark Leckey, and Ed Atkins expose its artificiality. Paik's Global Groove (1973) emphasizes visual effects; Moulton's Cynthia series celebrates flaws; Leckey's GreenScreenRefrigerator (2010) illustrates the technology; and Atkins's HD works demonstrate technological excess. Leckey even transports his fridge to the moon, with Mathis Gasser describing it as 'an expression of modernity,' highlighting the differing artistic applications.
Key facts
- Green screen technology was patented in 1918 by Frank Williams.
- The technique became widespread with the democratization of digital cameras and software.
- TV productions use stock images for backgrounds, creating a generic visual experience.
- Nam June Paik's Global Groove (1973) foregrounds incrustation effects.
- Shana Moulton's Cynthia series uses imperfect green screen, producing halos and floating green or violet globes.
- Mark Leckey's GreenScreenRefrigerator (2010) is an installation with a physical fridge in front of a green screen.
- Ed Atkins's HD videos make technological prowess visible through excessive effects.
- Olivier Laric's 2008 version of Mariah Carey's Touch My Body replaces all non-singer elements with green screen for fan appropriation.
Entities
Artists
- Nam June Paik
- Mark Leckey
- Shana Moulton
- Ed Atkins
- Gábor Bódy
- Robert Rauschenberg
- John Cage
- Frank Williams
- John P. Fulton
- Walt Disney
- Ub Iwerks
- Linwood Dunn
- Petro Vlahos
- Larry Butler
- Arthur Widmere
- Olivier Laric
- Mathis Gasser
- Franck Eon
- David Robbins
- Jill Gasparina
- Roland Barthes
- André Gunthert
- Edmond Couchot
- Geoffrey Nunberg
- Katie Guggenheim
- Gary Sinise
- Patrick Dempsey
- Mariah Carey
Institutions
- Stargate Studios
- Samsung
- Chisenhale Gallery
- JRP Ringier
- Les Presses du réel
- Wiley Publishing
- University of California Press
- Brepols
Locations
- Los Angeles
- Paris
- Vatican
- Thailand
- Mars
- New York
- Miami
- Las Vegas
- Washington
- Amsterdam
- California
- United States
- Hungary
Sources
- artpress —