Introduction
When I think of art, I often have a picture of ancient or Renaissance paintings and architecture in my head. Much like the Sistine Chapel or La Sagrada Familia, I picture the most intricate designs of a past era. However, I often forget how large of an impact modern and simplistic art has made on our current society. In school, students are usually offered classes such as Art History or Renaissance Art so they are not exposed to the way modern art is formed.
A huge reason for modern art looking so unique compared to trends of the past is because of technology advancements in the industry. You may be wondering how technology can be of use in a field that requires imagination and creativity, however behind the scenes, it has been paving an innovative pathway for current artists.
In this post we’re going to look at 4 applications of technology to the arts:
- Digital Art
- Human Interaction Technology
- Performance Art
- Tamiko Thiel
- Conclusions
1. Digital Art
The idea of digital art began showing up around the ’60s and ’70s. Artists worked with engineers and scientists in order to incorporate our technology into their usage. The first technological innovation within the industry was digital art. The more popular set of drawings were done way back in the ’80s with an Amiga computer. From then on, this kind of art became very popular in the ’90s.
The internet tremendously, which allowed artists to display their work online. Their pieces gained a lot of traction and publicity from those all over the nation. Digital art allowed for efficient and quick modifications so as comments and feedback came in, the artists could adjust them quickly for their next projects.
The introduction of this kind of technology was during a digital art exhibition in London. Those who joined this show were able to connect deeply with the pieces and interact with them in ways we were not able to before. This production was put in place as a stepping stone for the art world and its movement using technology. Not only does technology add innovation to art but it also values opinion, beliefs, and more. With technology, art is no longer 2-D or built for months or years by hand.
A design can be created within minutes using aspects of mind, body, language, and environment. The most abstract form of art has been created using unique forms of technology so we express our creative sides. To make these pieces of art a lot of science and technology is involved. The use of information technology, data, engineering, coding, pixels, and more are very prominent in producing the most intricate invention.
2. Human Interaction Technology
Artistic technology is being used so that humans can interact with pieces just as they could on an actual canvas. They project some form of art onto a wall and people interact with them by throwing objects at it. Once the objects touch the projected art there are sensors that form a visual on it. You can create anything you want based on the theme of the art at and.
For example, the background put up could be of a tropical island and when interacted with, humans can throw objects at it to create an addition to what was already there. When thrown at, accessories to the projection could include coconuts, star fish, turtles, and more. It is a creative way to get the audience active and have fun with the piece. As opposed to just looking at it, it is unique to be able to form your own work within a piece already being displayed.
This kind of digitized art was originally made for children but as teenagers and adults showed more interest in this, they made it available to all. Art museums and other converatories have upgraded human interaction pieces for all ages. This way the crowd is not just interacting with the design but also with everyone else there with them.
3. Performance Art
A lot of the art market relies on the internet to publicize their pieces and to find out what art consumers are looking for. At the end of the day artists need to make money so using online sources is very helpful in this aspect. Some even use computers as a way to understand reflection on their work and viewing them through computer displays. Performance art is a huge addition to the industry using moving technology to bring inspiration to their audience. In the 60’s there were two technological milestones called Fluxus and Gutai which influenced other moving performers to use specific kinds of technology. A very famous artist is Chris Milk whose moving art has been showcased everywhere and is widely known by the public as well.
Performance art involves four components: time, body, space and presence. These are all influenced by the artist’s relationship with its community and consumers. This kind of art can be displayed on the streets, in museums, at large events and more. They are meant to show a sense of aesthetic but also originality. They usually are very edgy and have some sort of theme to them in order to gain traction and both positive/constructructive feedback from its people. The art wants to be known as the most “unique” so they incorporate risky elements that will be remembered by the audience.
4. Tamiko Thiel
One artist who has explored digital art exceptionally is Tamiko Thiel. She was the lead designer on MIT’s Connection Machine 1 – one of the most advanced artistic technologies using components of Artificial Intelligence. She is very well known in the digital art world and on an international level as well. Her artwork encompasses using unique themes and trends to make a mark in the art world. Her work uses very in depth technology in compilation with other artists as well.
She uses social media and podcasts as a way to advocate and showcase her work alongside others. She worked on a special digital art project for children diagnosed with severe conditions so they could play with them while in the hospital or on bed rest. Not only could they add to the art but they could play with other children in the same condition with them as well. She also advocates for a green environment so she has made virtual reality projects where we are able to see where we are harming the environment. Examples of locations are under water, Antarctica, cities, and more.
Conclusions
Overall, the art world has seen great improvement in technology within the industry. Aside from technology being used to create art, there are also various other kinds of innovations involved. From Artificial Intelligence to Virtual Reality, we are able to display artistic talent in ways we have never been able to before. Digital art has now grown on an immense level where we can now make our projects move.
Performance art is heavily being noticed and it is grasping the attention of art consumers. Projects are being used not only for publicism but also for the greater good of the public. Theil used art as a way to bring joy to ill children and to vocalize problems in society to the public. She influenced knowledge of keeping the environment clean by having a VR project where the audience would see underwater and how our actions are harming ecosystems there.
