Cory Arcangel

Definition

Cory Arcangel is a contemporary artist and a pioneer in the field of digital media art, known for his innovative use of technology and software to create thought-provoking works. His projects often blend humor, nostalgia, and critique of digital culture, making him a significant figure in the evolution of digital media as an art form. Arcangel's work challenges traditional notions of art by exploring the intersection of technology, creativity, and cultural commentary.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cory Arcangel gained prominence in the early 2000s with his work that often subverts video games and internet culture, highlighting the absurdities within digital media.
2. He is known for projects like 'Super Mario Clouds,' where he removed everything from the game except for the clouds, creating a minimalist piece that provokes thought about nostalgia and gaming.
3. Arcangel's work frequently involves hacking and repurposing existing software, showcasing his skills as both an artist and a coder.
4. He has exhibited his work in major institutions worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Whitney Museum of American Art.
5. Arcangel's approach encourages viewers to reflect on their relationship with technology and how it shapes our perceptions of reality.

Review Questions

• How does Cory Arcangel's work challenge traditional views of art in relation to technology?
  • Cory Arcangel challenges traditional views of art by using technology not just as a tool but as a medium that transforms how art is created and perceived. His works often critique digital culture, encouraging viewers to engage with familiar technologies in new ways. By repurposing video games and software, he blurs the lines between artist and coder, prompting discussions about authorship and the role of technology in contemporary art.
• Discuss the significance of Cory Arcangel's 'Super Mario Clouds' in the context of digital media art.
  • 'Super Mario Clouds' is significant because it exemplifies how Cory Arcangel transforms a nostalgic video game into a minimalist art piece that challenges viewers' expectations. By removing all elements from the game except for the clouds, he creates a new experience that prompts reflection on memory, simplicity, and the nature of gameplay. This work illustrates how digital media art can evoke deeper meanings while questioning our engagement with digital nostalgia.
• Evaluate how Cory Arcangel's practices reflect broader trends in digital media art and culture.
  • Cory Arcangel's practices reflect broader trends in digital media art by embracing remix culture and glitch aesthetics, which highlight imperfections in technology. His playful yet critical approach showcases how artists are increasingly questioning digital norms and the impact of technology on daily life. By manipulating existing software and gaming environments, Arcangel exemplifies how contemporary artists can engage with cultural commentary while pushing the boundaries of what constitutes art in the digital age.

Related terms

Net Art: A genre of art that uses the internet as its primary medium, often incorporating elements like websites, social media, and online communities.

Remix Culture: A cultural phenomenon where existing works are reimagined, altered, or repurposed to create new forms of expression, heavily influenced by digital technologies.

Glitch Art: An artistic practice that embraces errors and glitches in digital processes to create visually striking and conceptually rich artworks.