Pioneers Content Page

Pioneers Online Content

Online Panel Discussions

On January 12, 2022, the SIGGRAPH Pioneers presented a panel on The Analog Years of Computer Animation, circa 1969-1983. Pioneers Chair Ed Kramer moderated the panel about analog computers like Scanimate, and some of the earliest electronic animations ever created. Panelists were Susan Crouse, former animator with Computer Image Corporation in Denver, Fred Kessler, former animator with Dolphin Productions in New York, Roy Weinstock, former animator at Image West in Hollywood, and David Seig, former Chief Engineer at Image West, and curator of the website www.scanimate.com

From the SIGGRAPH Pioneers:  Chasing Pixels: The Pioneering Graphics Processors. The panel was presented live on April 13, 2022. It is introduced by Chair Ed Kramer and moderated by former Chair Jon Peddie (jonpeddie.com), and is part of our ongoing series of panels about significant early developments in computer graphics and interactive techniques. The video starts with a short presentation about the SIGGRAPH History project from Bonnie Mitchell and Jan Searleman.

On Wednesday, 8 March 2023, the SIGGRAPH Pioneers held another in their Pioneers of Computer Graphics series. Dr. Bill Joel moderated an all-star panel of CGI educators, including three recipients of the SIGGRAPH Distinguished Educator Award and two Chairs of the SIGGRAPH Education Committee.

From the earliest days of computing, a special breed of technically-savvy artists used the computer to create works intended to be recognized as art. Their artwork and animations were meant to be appreciated not only for technical achievement, but as works with innate aesthetic value.

This SPARKS focuses on the work of artists and animators who worked in the 1960’s, 1970’s, and 1980’s. We will learn about their experiences working in a time where software had to be developed and specialized hardware had to be developed or accessed from research labs. These artists and animators were pioneers, inventing new directions despite the resistance of the art and technical communities. From algorithmic art to animation, video and interactive art, these artists legitimized the use of the computer as another tool in the artistic grab-bag of techniques.

On Wednesday, 07 February 2024, the SIGGRAPH Pioneers held a Zoom panel called “A Pioneer’s Perspective on Generative AI” to discuss issues at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Computer Graphics. Speakers included Dan B. Goldman, Rebecca Perry, Blake Schreurs and David Spoelstra, each of whom has an extensive history in CGI and a current interest in AI technology. SIGGRAPH 2024 Education Chair Dr. Bill Joel moderated the panel, and Ed Kramer hosted the event as Chair of the SIGGRAPH Pioneers.

On Wednesday, 15 May 2024, the SIGGRAPH Pioneers held the follow-up to our Zoom panel from February, called “A Pioneer’s Perspective on Generative AI – The Sequel.” AI expert panelists Dan B. Goldman, Rebecca Perry, Blake Schreurs and David Spoelstra returned to discuss topics at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Computer Graphics. This time panelists confronted head-on some of their scariest scenarios for abuse of the technology, as well as presenting their views on the greatest potential benefits. SIGGRAPH 2024 Education Chair Dr. Bill Joel moderated the panel, and Ed Kramer hosted the event as Chair of the SIGGRAPH Pioneers.

Computer Graphics Chronicles - Interviews with Computer Graphics Luminaries

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Featured Speakers from the annual Pioneers Reception at the SIGGRAPH Conference

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SIGGRAPH Conference Chair Interviews

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Conference Recollections and Materials

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Annual In Memoriam Tributes

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Miscellaneous

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