The Systems Theory in Creative Art Ecologies - Thesis Example

On the other hand, the systems theory has been defined using various perspectives depending on the area of study. According to Halsal (2008), the systems theory can generally be defined as the study of systems whereby various elements relate to form a whole process. This paper seeks to examine the systems theory in creative Art ecologies. The analysis scope will be grounded on examining the concept of the systems theory in art and design. The paper will also examine the concept of Systems thinking in creative Art Ecology and its contribution to creating a sustainable and self-sufficient society.

Halsal (2008) discloses that systems thinking has again become a topic of interest in the contemporary art and design world. A case in point was 2005 when Tate Modern organized an exhibition referred to as the Open system. The theme was derived from the 1970 theme of Rethinking Art. During the show, Donna de Salvo, the curator, used the system's concept to re- historicize art from 1970. The exhibition becomes a success due to two major reasons. One of the reasons is that it mirrored the modern interests of art during the period.

The second factor was that the system's concept provided proof as a potentially suggestive and flexible strategy of thinking in modern art.In my opinion, the views by Halsal (2008) are actually valid. This is basically because systems thinking cannot be excluded from art and design work. Like in other fields, the systems theory has proven to be a critical discourse for understanding the concept of sustainability within the ecosystem. When looking at environmental studies, for instance, the idea of sustainability within the ecosystem entails an integrated system that consists of human beings and the rest of nature.

The human component (which consists of the law, economy, and society) must work to advance the natural elements' constant operation (which consists of the ecosystem, biochemical cycles, and biodiversity).

3 In general, the concept of sustainability is often linked to a type of development that is able to serve the needs of the present generation without compromising the future generations ability to meet their needs. In the context of the art and design ecosystem, I believe that sustainability can be attained when the creative works designed and presented by artists are able to benefit the lives of human being or their civilization in a manner that can meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the needs of the future generations.

The systems thinking in the creative art ecology is therefore a key for attaining sustainable development through exploring the way in which Art and design can benefit the human population. This explains the reason why Halsal, (2008) reveals that the systems theory has again become a topic of interest to the modern art and design world.4 Key attributes of the Systems Theory in Art and Design Complexity In order for a system to be considered as complex, it does not necessarily imply that it is complicated, but it implies that a complex system consists of a large number of components that interrelate in a nonlinear manner and frequently result into an unexpectedly self-organized behavior.

In general, a person is reminded of the saying that the whole is superior than the some of its parts. 5 Illustrations of complex systems that are familiar in the society include the stock market, the mind as evaluated by psychologists, the brain in the study of biology and weather predictions. Such systems are characterized by emergent behavior that is dynamic while at the same time deterministic which also means mechanical. It can therefore be stated that complex systems develop in way that is unpredictable or dramatic.

6 In the context of art and design, the concept of complexity within the system also exists. It is however essential to acknowledge the fact that the field of art and design provides its own unique approaches and perspective of the concept of complexity. The artistic perspective of complexity entails the relationship of the text to the image , repetition , visualization and various methods of transformation . Artists that have adopted complexity in their work include John Simon Jr and Peter Hertz.

Nevertheless, the artists are conscious of the material and design factors that are involved in the presentation. For artists such as; Janet Cohen and Nancy Chunn, it is more significant to develop a direct and personal reaction to the systems away from the complexity that is exhibited in the science world.7 When applied to my studio work the concept of complexity has often been integrated. This has taken place in situations whereby the material and visual elements of the artwork develops a sequence of communication where I ensure that the person viewing the work can follow each piece of work with another that is also related to it.

Additionally, the use of approaches such as juxtaposition of two works that are visually related results to the creation of an adoptive and complex system. Thus based on the findings propagated by Dorsky (2002) the concept of complexity does influence the manner in which art and design works are to be presented in the studio and the way they should be viewed. 8 I have also taken note of the fact that in the recent years for instance, artists have laid emphasis on the concept of complexity.

The emergence of technologies such as robotics, the World Wide Web, virtual reality, genetic engineering, and telepresence have greatly transformed the artistic world. Such technologies have assisted artists to bring out the concept of complexity within the system. Interdependence Systems thinking is a perceptive that consists of purposeful, open and complex wholes. As stated by Francois (1999) the term systemics is used to refer to the evolving system. A key attribute of systemics is the concept of interdependence.

The existence of interdependence between the constituents of the system and the environment results to the emergence of learning, self-organizing, adaptation, evolution and complexity.