The Relationship between Technology and Art
While purists on either side of the parapet may disagree, there is an innate and enduringly tempestuous relationship between art and technology. Just as fine art enthusiasts have always demonstrated a wary sense of cynicism towards the use of modern technologies; those in the fields of innovation prefer to deal in fact rather than subjective outlooks and opinions.
The facts suggest this relationship is largely indisputable, however, while it has become even stronger as it has continued to evolve. To understand this further, you need only look at how almost all rendering and visual art is underpinned by advanced technology in the modern age, while the fact that our lives are increasingly entwined in technology also creates fascinating and diverse subject matter for topical artists.
Image: — Pixabay
A Reignited Love Affair: Art and Technology around the world
Our increased obsession and reliance on technology has created wonderful inspiration for modern artists around the world, which in turn has reignited the relationship between art and tech. This has been reflected in an array of new, cutting edge exhibitions that have been held since 2014, which have often been inspired by government initiatives and increased collaborations between public sector groups and artists.
This will come to a head this summer, with the Barbican in London launching a ‘Digital Revolution’ exhibition that pays homage to the artist’s passion for technology in all of its various guises. The Tate Gallery is also taking an interest in this relationship, as it recently announced a shortlist for the IK Prize which rewards the fusion of creativity and digital art. This continues a trend first established in America, where The New Museum in NYC and the LSA County Museum of Art have both opened new Art and Technology research labs in a bid to create more diverse collaborations.
The Rise of Multimedia Art and Entirely new Genres
As this continues, we are seeing two primary developments emerge as a result. Firstly, art enthusiasts are able to enjoy an increasingly large and diverse array of genres, each of which bring classic art principles to life with modern, technology-driven techniques. Take multimedia art, for example, which is embodied by pioneers such as Tiff McGinnis (also Grande Dame) and manages dazzle and intrigue in equal measure.
Image: - Grande Dame
In this respect, we have what is arguably the final stage in the evolution of art and technology as joined entities. From simply facilitating the refinement of modern art, technology now serves as a key influence that drives, shape and inspires contemporary work. Many new genres of art also fuses the fundamental principles of technology, using modern techniques to create pieces of work that are truly reflective of their time.
As love affairs go, this is one that will continue to grow close as time progresses.
