“Technology and art have a huge impact on the world. The question is, then, in which direction that impact will go. Will it help reduce inequality or increase it,” – Wallace Lages
Dr. Wallace Lages, assistant professor in Virginia Tech’s School of Visual Arts, works and does research in a variety of fields, including computer science, art and design, augmented reality and video games.
“Like many others, I became interested in computers because I liked games,” said Lages. “Computer games are a powerful way to show what a computer can do. It is not about doing computation, it is all about stories, sound, images and interaction.”
Much of Lages’ work incorporates several disciplines within art and technology, combining them to create an enriching experience for users. Just as he mixes disciplines and different fields of study, Lages also works with others to achieve a unique, technological vision.
“I am very fond of working with people from different disciplines and backgrounds. This kind of interdisciplinary work is what excites me the most,” Lages said. “It is always interesting to see how different the same thing can look from the artist and the programmer’s perspectives.”
Lages is enthusiastic about the ways virtual and augmented reality can be used by the present generation of “digital natives.” According to Lages, his PhD dissertation explored the ways we might use augmented reality devices to do commonplace things. He even suggests that these devices soon will be affordable and as prevalent as smartphones.
Despite the logical and calculated nature of science and technology, Lages’ creativity fuels his curiosity to meet his simple goals of “discovering, improving and inspiring.” Additionally, the artistic aspects of Lages’ work are something he uses to create meaningful change.
“Technology and art have a huge impact on the world. The question is, then, in which direction that impact will go. Will it help reduce inequality or increase it,” Lages said.
As a Brazilian man, Lages understands the importance of different perspectives in different fields of study and cultural spheres. “Even if you are not conscious, your background influences how you approach problems, relate to other people or recognize beauty. We need more representation so that our technology and art can reflect who we are as humanity and not simply the views of a small percentage of the population,” Lages said.
An unfortunate deterrent to diversity in technology and art is the stigmas and stereotypes placed on young people who have less popular interests, Lages points out. “We should combat those whenever possible. Everyone is a scientist, an artist and an engineer in their youth.”
Further, he adds, it is important for us to be present for students of color who wish to advance in technology and computer science, because it can be a lonely place. Encouraging those advancements help to enrich diversity. “When everything we consume comes from a single source we isolate ourselves and become strangers to each other,” Lages said.
Perhaps a backdoor method to engaging young minds in technology production rather than just consumption is video games. Along with art, many of Lages’ projects incorporate some game-like element. While video games still suffer the stigma of turning one’s brain to “mush,” 
Lages sees opportunity — opportunity to advance technology and opportunity to unite humanity.
“Many of the issues we deal with today come from not really knowing people who are different from us. Video games and interactive art can help us to understand and learn about other cultures,” Lages said.
In 2006, Lages founded his own video game development studio known as Ilusis Interactive Graphics. Technology has leaped forward since then, but Lages is doing his best to keep his projects up to date, turning past projects like his previous title Krinkle Krusher, from a traditional on-screen experience, to one that blends elements of augmented reality.
Despite his efforts and experiences, Lages admits there is still much work to be done in “reflecting the amazing diversity of the world.” Given the technological climate of today, Lages urges everyone to get involved in the direction of those advances.
“ As more and more of our connections and contacts happen in digital form, being literate in content production is key,” Lages said.
Share On Facebook
Tweet It
