By DAWN ELARDO
As you may have already heard or better yet--seen, Google launched their latest high profile venture of 2011 thus far: The Google Art Project.
As the digital revolution unfolds, Google's identity has shifted more towards a monopolizing enterprise (ready to overtake successful products such as social networks and the smart phone business)--quite far from its entrepreneurial spirit when Larry Page and Sergey Brin (founders) were still very high off of just launching what is probably at the top three of the most game-changing tools ever made in the story of human evolution: the early version of clever googling algorithms sans capital. (This, just weeks after Eric Schmidt stepped down from being Goole's CEO to taking the Chairman seat--and getting dethroned by Larry Page himself).
And so yesterday with the premier of The Google Art Project, we must admit that Google presented us with what seems to be a reminiscent of their famous "Do No Evil" ethos: of offering up free yet mind-blowing products that seek to educate, inspire and at times quite literally opening up our world (Google Earth)--bringing us awe-witnessing moments where you just have to sit back and observe the application that is before you--Google's worldwide audience.
As you may have already heard or better yet--seen, Google launched their latest high profile venture of 2011 thus far: The Google Art Project.
As the digital revolution unfolds, Google's identity has shifted more towards a monopolizing enterprise (ready to overtake successful products such as social networks and the smart phone business)--quite far from its entrepreneurial spirit when Larry Page and Sergey Brin (founders) were still very high off of just launching what is probably at the top three of the most game-changing tools ever made in the story of human evolution: the early version of clever googling algorithms sans capital. (This, just weeks after Eric Schmidt stepped down from being Goole's CEO to taking the Chairman seat--and getting dethroned by Larry Page himself).
And so yesterday with the premier of The Google Art Project, we must admit that Google presented us with what seems to be a reminiscent of their famous "Do No Evil" ethos: of offering up free yet mind-blowing products that seek to educate, inspire and at times quite literally opening up our world (Google Earth)--bringing us awe-witnessing moments where you just have to sit back and observe the application that is before you--Google's worldwide audience.
The Google Art Project is now allowing everyone to be able to travel and have a front seat in front of some of the most valued inheritance--left to us by the artistic geniuses of our time. What Google has done is bring the method of Google's infamous Street View, into the most sublime museums that houses the most sublime art pieces that we long to see and see again.
Amongst the 17 museums participating in the Google Art Project, just to give you a cultural taste are: Uffizi Gallery (Florence), The State Tretyakov Gallery (Moscow), Palace of Versailles (Versailles), Tate Britain (London), Museo Reina Sofia (Madrid), The Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York) Gamaldegalerie (Berlin), Museum Kampa (Prague), MoMA (New York), Smithsonian (Washington DC) and the list continues.
And so as the digital age develops, as of yesterday if we were so inclined, we could start our day immersed in the Baroque and the Renaissance era by virtually visiting the Uffizi, have a little stop with a modern intermission at the MoMA by afternoon and then finish the day with a visit to the Palace of Versailles--all in one day, (and without even leaving our home). If we could only see the look in Leonardo da Vinci's inventive eyes now.
However, (and this is a potent however to this whole entire analysis), this is not to say or in no way shape or form endorse, and or encourage, to see such works of arts solely with Googly eyes from this day forth. (But you probably already know that).
And if you don't agree with us we highly dare you to go visit the Sistine Chapel. Once there, look up at Michelangelo's fresco. And tell us afterwards, if you didn't have to prevent the tears to fall from your completely overwhelmed eyes--having been overtaken and swallowed up by the actual presence of the master creation that is jumping up and down before you. It is an incomparable sensation--period. But in the meantime, while you await your next visit to one of the greatest art houses where you are. We highly dare you to enjoy Google's "Museum View." Look around, get stimulated. And nevertheless, prepare yourself to be amazed.
Have a watch at The Google Art Project behind the scenes footage (below) via who else? Google!
The Google Art Project: Behind The Scenes
Well what are you waiting for Google it!