YouTube Play: Viral Videos that Matter
Thursday, February 24th, 2011
The concept of going to a museum to view 18th century fine art has become obsolete. We are the generation of ‘YouTubers’ and obsessive ‘Facebook Stalkers’--too busy viewing funny (and yet completely uninspired) videos of people falling off ski-lifts or all those sad Justin Bieber replicas. Would it hurt to look at something awe-inspiring once in a while? And for those of us who want to look, where should we begin?
I suggest we start with one of the most innovative and thought-provoking channels on YouTube today: YouTube Play. Developed last year in partnership with the Guggenheim Museum, HP and Intel, YouTube Play promotes the ever-expanding genre of online creativity. The videos shown on this channel represent a new form of creativity that incorporates digital art, music and personal expression. This program gives creative individuals from all over the world a platform to not only showcase their work, but to introduce the ‘Facebook Stalker’ generation to something other than their ‘frenemies’’ drunken exploits.
Every two years, tens of thousands of people submit their applications and a jury judges 125 of the best shortlisted videos. The top 25 are then invited to an event at the Guggenheim.
Take a look at the steps that lead up to the event
The jury is comprised of an eclectic group of talented individuals from various creative fields. Notable jury members include experimental band Animal Collective, graphic designer Stefan Sagmeister and the film director of the moment, Darren Aronofsky, who most recently brought us ‘Black Swan’.
So you should care about this why?
Because it just might inspire you to channel your creativity and make anything from music performances to graphic design to documentaries. YouTube Play allows our generation to express all our rants, thoughts and musings in a creative way.
The following are five videos that have made YouTube play’s ‘shortlist’ and represent both past winners and current contestants. They showcase a variety of creative expression and definitely have something for everyone.
The Fuschia Fits: An Abbreviated Lexicon of Inverted Gestures
Alex Donovan
Best described as an acid trip of common gestures. The music and graphics add intensity and at some point make the viewer feel like she/he is in a drug induced trance.
A Braided Beaded Balls Suit
deehaim
A collaboration between Dana Haim and Learke Hooge Andersen to showcase how elements like textiles, dance and the human body can create an awe-inspiring hybrid sustainable costume.
Lucky- All India Radio/Dee Pee Studios
Darcy Pendergast
Winner of Best Animated Video at YouTube Play 2010--and for good reason. It features painting the air with glowsticks and shooting the action frame by frame and then sequencing it.
An insight into the changing pulse and mood of one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the world. You got it: Brooklyn. It’s funny watching people state how a couple of years ago, they would have robbed the film crew instead of appearing in the film. Testimony to how investment in underprivileged areas can improve the lives of its residents.
A digest version of a video that required 15 drawings per second. The whole piece contains approximately 3000 drawings. A truly phenomenal showcase of artistic talent and intelligence.
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