11.2 Digital art and the use of computer-based media
6 min read•august 13, 2024
revolutionizes creativity by using technology as a key part of the process. From CGI to , it breaks physical limits and offers endless possibilities. Artists can manipulate, collaborate, and distribute their work globally.
Digital art challenges traditional notions of originality and authorship. It blurs lines between art and tech, sparking debates on value and ownership. New solutions like NFTs are emerging, reshaping how we create, share, and appreciate art in the digital age.
Defining Digital Art
Forms and Techniques
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- Digital art refers to artistic works or practices that use digital technologies as an essential part of the creative or presentation process
- (CGI) is the application of computer graphics to create or contribute to images in art, printed media, video games, films, television programs, shorts, commercials, and videos
- Interactive installations are art installations that involve the audience in a way that allows the art to achieve its purpose
- Works often feature computers, sensors, and interfaces to respond to motion, heat, meteorological changes, or other types of input
- (VR) is a simulated experience that can be similar to or completely different from the real world
- VR art often incorporates immersive headsets, sensory feedback, and interactive elements to create engaging, multi-sensory experiences (Tilt Brush, Dreams)
- Other forms of digital art include , , , , , and (Photoshop, , )
Characteristics and Possibilities
- Digital art allows for the creation of works that are not bound by physical limitations, such as size, materials, or the need for physical storage space
- Digital artworks can be easily duplicated, shared, and distributed globally through digital platforms and networks (, )
- Digital tools offer artists a wide range of creative possibilities, including the ability to manipulate images, create complex 3D models, and incorporate interactivity and multimedia elements
- Digital art can be created collaboratively across distances, with artists working together on projects remotely (, )
- The non-physical nature of digital art raises questions about the value, ownership, and of digital artworks compared to traditional, physical art objects
Digital Art vs Traditional Art
Unique Characteristics of Digital Art
- Digital art is not bound by physical limitations, such as size, materials, or the need for physical storage space
- Artists can create works at any scale, from small screen-based pieces to large-scale projections and installations
- Digital artworks can incorporate a wide range of virtual materials, textures, and effects that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional media
- Digital artworks can be easily duplicated, shared, and distributed globally through digital platforms and networks
- This allows for broader accessibility and exposure for digital artists, but also raises questions about the value and scarcity of digital art
- Digital tools offer artists a wide range of creative possibilities and allow for greater experimentation and iteration in the creative process
- Artists can easily manipulate images, create complex 3D models, and incorporate interactivity and multimedia elements (sound, animation, video)
- Digital tools also enable artists to automate certain processes, generate content algorithmically, or create works that respond to real-time data or user input
Collaborative and Accessible Nature of Digital Art
- Digital art can be created collaboratively across distances, with artists working together on projects remotely
- Online collaboration platforms and version control systems enable artists to share files, provide feedback, and contribute to shared projects in real-time (Google Drive, GitHub)
- This collaborative aspect of digital art challenges traditional notions of individual authorship and ownership
- The accessibility and affordability of digital tools and platforms have democratized art creation and distribution
- Many digital art tools and software are available for free or at low costs, lowering barriers to entry for aspiring artists (, , )
- Online platforms and social media allow artists to share their work, connect with audiences, and build their careers without relying on traditional gatekeepers (DeviantArt, ArtStation, Instagram)
Coding for Digital Art
Role of Programming in Digital Art Creation
- Many digital artworks are created using specialized software and tools that require coding and programming skills
- Artists may use programming languages such as , , or to create interactive, generative, or algorithmic artworks
- These languages provide artists with greater control and flexibility in defining the behavior and aesthetics of their digital artworks
- Coding allows artists to create custom tools, scripts, and plugins to extend the capabilities of existing software or to develop entirely new digital art platforms
- Artists can automate repetitive tasks, generate complex patterns or forms, or create interactive systems that respond to various inputs (user actions, sensor data, web APIs)
- Examples include creating custom brushes in Photoshop, developing generative design tools, or building immersive VR experiences with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine
Blurring the Lines Between Art and Technology
- Knowledge of coding and programming enables artists to create more complex, dynamic, and responsive digital artworks that can interact with data, user input, or external stimuli
- Artists can create works that visualize real-time data (weather patterns, social media trends), respond to user gestures or voice commands, or adapt to different environments and contexts
- This interactivity and responsiveness can make digital artworks more engaging, immersive, and participatory for audiences
- The use of coding and programming in digital art blurs the lines between art, design, and technology, leading to the emergence of new hybrid practices and interdisciplinary collaborations
- Artists often collaborate with programmers, engineers, and scientists to create innovative projects that span multiple fields (data visualization, bio-art, robotics)
- The integration of coding and programming in art education and practice has led to the development of new artistic genres, such as , , and software art
Impact of Digital Art on Originality
Challenges to Traditional Notions of Originality and Authorship
- The ease of duplication and distribution of digital artworks challenges traditional notions of originality and scarcity in art
- Digital works can be easily copied, shared, and remixed, making it difficult to establish the provenance and authenticity of a given piece
- This has led to debates about the value and collectibility of digital art, as well as the role of scarcity in determining artistic worth
- The collaborative and open-source nature of many digital art practices can make it difficult to attribute authorship to a single individual
- Digital artworks often incorporate elements from multiple sources, such as code libraries, stock images, or user-generated content, blurring the lines of individual authorship
- Collaborative digital art projects may involve dozens or even hundreds of contributors, each with varying degrees of input and control over the final work
Emergence of New Solutions and Discussions
- The development of blockchain technologies, such as (NFTs), has emerged as a potential solution for establishing ownership, provenance, and scarcity in digital art markets
- NFTs use blockchain to create unique, verifiable tokens that represent ownership of a specific digital artwork or asset
- While NFTs have generated significant hype and sales, they have also been criticized for their environmental impact and potential for speculation and fraud
- The impact of digital technologies on the art world has led to new discussions about the role of institutions, collectors, and art markets in the valuation and legitimization of digital artworks
- Museums and galleries are grappling with how to collect, preserve, and display digital art, which often requires specialized technical expertise and infrastructure
- Collectors and art markets are exploring new models for valuing and trading digital artworks, such as fractional ownership or digital art funds
- These developments are challenging established power structures and hierarchies in the art world, and creating new opportunities for digital artists to gain recognition and support for their work
Key Terms to Review (34)
Adobe Photoshop: Adobe Photoshop is a powerful graphic design and photo editing software that allows users to create, manipulate, and enhance images in a digital format. It's widely recognized for its extensive features that enable artists to work with layers, masks, filters, and a vast array of tools that facilitate both raster and vector graphic creation. Photoshop has become an essential application for digital art, photography, and graphic design, serving as a cornerstone in the realm of computer-based media.
Authenticity: Authenticity refers to the quality of being genuine, real, and true to oneself or a particular origin. In the art world, authenticity is crucial as it determines the value and significance of a piece, especially in contexts where reproduction and digital manipulation are prevalent. Authenticity not only involves the originality of an artwork but also its integrity in terms of the artist's intent and cultural context.
Blender: In the context of digital art and computer-based media, a blender refers to a software tool used for creating and manipulating 3D graphics, animations, and visual effects. This versatile program enables artists to design intricate models, render scenes, and animate characters, integrating various digital techniques to bring their artistic visions to life.
Casey Reas: Casey Reas is an influential artist and educator known for his pioneering work in the field of software art and generative art. He co-created Processing, a programming language and environment specifically designed for artists and designers, enabling them to explore the intersection of art and technology. Reas's work emphasizes the role of algorithms in art-making, showcasing how code can be used as a medium for creative expression.
Computer-generated imagery: Computer-generated imagery (CGI) refers to the creation of still or animated visual content using computer software. This technology has transformed the production and dissemination of art by enabling artists to create intricate visuals that may be impossible to achieve through traditional methods. CGI not only enhances storytelling in various mediums, like film and video games, but it also allows for new forms of artistic expression in digital art.
Creative coding: Creative coding is the practice of using programming as a means to create art and visual experiences, blending technology with creative expression. It allows artists to produce interactive installations, generative art, and digital experiences that go beyond traditional media. By leveraging code as a medium, creative coding expands the possibilities of artistic expression in digital art and computer-based media.
Dematerialization: Dematerialization refers to the process through which physical objects are replaced or transformed into digital formats, diminishing their material presence while retaining their conceptual essence. This shift has profound implications for how art is created, experienced, and understood, especially in the realm of digital art where traditional boundaries of medium and material are increasingly blurred. As artists embrace computer-based media, the dematerialization of art challenges conventional notions of authorship, ownership, and value.
Digital Art: Digital art refers to artwork created using digital technology, encompassing various forms such as digital painting, 3D modeling, and computer-generated imagery. This medium allows artists to manipulate their work through software, which has transformed the ways in which art is created, represented, and experienced.
Digital collage: Digital collage is an art form that combines various digital images, graphics, and textures to create a new, cohesive composition using computer-based media. This technique allows artists to blend multiple sources seamlessly, manipulating elements like color, scale, and layering, resulting in a unique visual experience. Digital collage can incorporate photography, digital painting, and scanned objects, demonstrating the versatility of modern digital tools in artistic creation.
Digital painting: Digital painting is the creation of artwork using digital tools and software, mimicking traditional painting techniques like oil or watercolor. This art form allows artists to utilize a variety of brushes, textures, and colors that can be easily manipulated, offering unique capabilities not found in physical mediums. With advancements in technology, digital painting has become an essential part of contemporary art practices, enabling artists to produce work that is both innovative and accessible.
Digital photography: Digital photography is the process of capturing images using digital technology, converting light into electronic signals to create photographs that can be stored, edited, and shared in digital format. This method revolutionized the way images are produced and disseminated, offering new opportunities for artists to manipulate and distribute their work instantly and broadly.
Generative Art: Generative art refers to artworks created through autonomous systems, often involving algorithms or computational processes that produce unique results based on pre-defined rules. This form of art emphasizes the relationship between the artist, the tools they use, and the resulting work, showcasing the role of medium and technique in representation as it shifts from traditional methods to more dynamic digital processes.
Gimp: Gimp is a free and open-source graphics editing software that is widely used for tasks such as photo retouching, image composition, and image authoring. It provides a robust set of tools comparable to those found in commercial software, enabling artists and designers to create digital artwork and manipulate images effectively. Gimp's versatility and customizable interface make it a popular choice among digital artists and hobbyists alike.
Immersive experience: An immersive experience is an engaging and interactive encounter that surrounds the participant in a way that blurs the line between reality and the artwork, often utilizing technology to enhance sensory perception. This concept encompasses the creation of environments where individuals can explore and interact with art, leading to a deeper emotional and cognitive connection. It is often facilitated through digital platforms, virtual realities, and multi-sensory installations, creating a participatory dimension to contemporary artistic expressions.
Inkscape: Inkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics editor used to create and edit scalable vector graphics (SVG) files. It provides a variety of tools for drawing shapes, manipulating text, and applying colors, making it a popular choice among digital artists and graphic designers. Inkscape's flexibility allows users to produce high-quality artwork and illustrations that can be resized without losing resolution, which is crucial in the realm of digital art and computer-based media.
Interactive installations: Interactive installations are artistic environments that actively engage the audience through participation, often incorporating technology to create a dialogue between the artwork and the viewer. This type of art encourages individuals to become part of the piece, allowing them to influence or alter their experience in real-time, thus reshaping traditional roles of observer and creator. By utilizing various mediums and techniques, these installations redefine representation and push the boundaries of how art is experienced and understood.
Krita: Krita is a free and open-source digital painting software designed primarily for artists and illustrators. It offers a variety of tools and features tailored for creating digital art, including brush engines, layers, and color management options, making it a popular choice in the realm of digital art and computer-based media.
Max/msp: Max/MSP is a visual programming language designed for music and multimedia, allowing users to create interactive applications and sound processing systems. It combines the features of Max, which is focused on real-time audio and visual processing, with MSP (Max Signal Processing), which specializes in audio synthesis and effects. This powerful tool is widely used by artists, musicians, and developers to explore new forms of digital art and interactive experiences.
Net art: Net art refers to artworks created and experienced through the internet, utilizing its unique qualities to engage audiences in innovative ways. This form of art often challenges traditional notions of authorship, ownership, and the role of the viewer, while also exploring how digital culture shapes artistic expression and interaction.
New media art: New media art refers to artistic works created or presented using digital technologies, including computer-based media, interactive installations, and internet art. This form of art often challenges traditional boundaries and engages with contemporary issues, utilizing the capabilities of technology to create innovative experiences for audiences.
Non-fungible tokens: Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are unique digital assets verified using blockchain technology, representing ownership of specific items or content, often in the realm of art, music, and virtual collectibles. Unlike cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, which are interchangeable and have the same value, NFTs are one-of-a-kind and cannot be exchanged on a one-to-one basis. This distinctiveness allows digital creators to sell their work in a way that proves authenticity and ownership.
Online collaboration platforms: Online collaboration platforms are digital tools that facilitate teamwork and communication among individuals, allowing them to work together in real-time, regardless of geographical location. These platforms often include features such as file sharing, messaging, video conferencing, and project management, enabling artists and creators to collaborate on digital art projects seamlessly.
Online galleries: Online galleries are virtual spaces where artworks can be displayed, viewed, and purchased via the internet. They have revolutionized how artists share their work and how audiences access art, facilitating a broader reach and interaction beyond physical locations. This shift has fundamentally transformed both the creation of art and its distribution in a digital age.
OpenFrameworks: openFrameworks is an open-source C++ toolkit designed for creative coding, providing a framework that simplifies the process of working with graphics, audio, and interactivity. It allows artists and developers to create digital art and interactive installations with ease, making it a popular choice in the digital art community for its accessibility and flexibility.
Pixel art: Pixel art is a form of digital art that uses small, distinct pixels as the primary building blocks to create images. This style often evokes a nostalgic connection to early video games and digital graphics, emphasizing simplicity and clarity in its visuals. Artists employ limited color palettes and grid-like structures, which can lead to strikingly expressive designs despite the restrictions.
Post-digital art: Post-digital art refers to a movement in contemporary art that emerges from the evolution and saturation of digital technology in daily life. It reflects on the impact of digital culture while incorporating both digital and traditional media, often blurring the lines between physical and virtual spaces. This term emphasizes an awareness of the omnipresence of technology and how it reshapes the way artists create and audiences engage with art.
Processing: Processing refers to the manipulation and transformation of digital data using software tools to create visual art. In digital art, processing plays a crucial role in generating images, animations, and interactive installations, allowing artists to explore new methods of creation that differ from traditional art forms. This approach opens up a myriad of possibilities for artistic expression and experimentation.
Procreate: Procreate is a digital painting app designed for iPad that allows artists to create high-quality illustrations, animations, and designs using a variety of brushes, tools, and layers. It connects traditional artistic practices with modern technology, making it accessible for both professional artists and hobbyists. The app supports intuitive gestures and offers advanced features like animation assist, allowing for a dynamic creative process that enhances the user experience in the realm of digital art.
Rafael lozano-hemmer: Rafael Lozano-Hemmer is a Mexican-Canadian electronic artist known for his innovative use of technology and interactivity in art. His work often explores themes of surveillance, presence, and the relationship between human beings and technology, bridging the gap between digital art and computer-based media. Lozano-Hemmer's installations frequently invite viewer participation, making the audience an integral part of the artistic experience.
Social media: Social media refers to digital platforms and tools that facilitate the creation and sharing of content, allowing users to connect and communicate with each other. It plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse, promoting artistic expression, and influencing art criticism by enabling instant feedback and broad dissemination of ideas. Social media has transformed how artists, critics, and audiences interact, fostering a more democratized conversation around art.
Software art: Software art refers to artworks created using computer programming languages and software as a medium. This form of digital art combines creativity and coding, allowing artists to explore new aesthetic possibilities through algorithms, interactive installations, and generative processes. By utilizing software, artists can manipulate data and create experiences that engage viewers in unique ways, pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms.
User engagement: User engagement refers to the level of interaction, participation, and emotional involvement that a user has with a digital art piece or computer-based media. This concept emphasizes the importance of creating experiences that not only capture attention but also encourage active involvement, leading to deeper connections and meaningful interactions between the user and the artwork.
Version control systems: Version control systems are tools that help manage changes to digital content over time, allowing users to track edits, revert to previous versions, and collaborate on projects. They are essential in digital art and computer-based media because they enable artists to experiment freely while keeping a complete history of their work, ensuring that no creative effort is lost and that multiple contributors can work together seamlessly.
Virtual reality: Virtual reality is an immersive technology that creates a simulated environment, enabling users to interact with a 3D space using specialized equipment such as headsets and controllers. This technology significantly influences how art is produced, experienced, and shared, pushing the boundaries of creativity and interactivity in artistic practices.