The GIF celebrates its 30th birthday with an IRL art show
To mark the 30th anniversary of the phenomenal internet sensation, the GIF, GIPHY is organizing a week of events in NYC. But before we see how the milestone is being celebrated, what is GIF in the first place?
The GIF Has Evolved Drastically
Short for Graphics Interchange Format, the GIF was invented by Steve Wilhite on 15 June 1987. The latter, an engineer/software developer at CompuServe, had to make a computer display image while saving memory. Using a compression algorithm combined with image parameters, Wilhite created a software that could be used for downloading and exchanging images through the web easily. The new format allowed people to create compressed animations using timed delays.
Initially used exclusively for still images, the GIF was revolutionized with a specific compression algorithm, called the Lempel-Ziv-Welch. The new GIF could accommodate more and more information, with none of the data being trimmed in the shortening process. 30 years later, the GIF has evolved significantly, becoming one of the most reputed internet features ever created. We are still astonished as to how an image format changed the way people communicate on the web. Whether you like them or you get irritated by their impact, it’s impossible to ignore them on the news, social media or blog rooms.
Time-Frame Honours the GIF
The prominent file format turns 30 on the 15th of June 2017, and this is definitely something to rejoice. The online GIF database and search engine, GIPHY is marking the occasion by throwing a birthday party in the form of an IRL Art Show titled “Time-Frame”. The online platform moves away from the digital world for a change and into the physical by hosting an exhibition in New York. The gallery show features significant historical works and commissioned contemporary GIF art. From innovative artworks to digital art installations from leading artists, GIPHY is leaving no stone unturned to honour the virtual chef-d’oeuvre. The week of events also include presentations, public talks, screenings, artist performances and workshops at Wallplay’s Gallery 151 in New York.
The Whole Internet Is Rejoicing
As part of the anniversary celebration, GIPHY launched an interactive website that includes a timeline to unveil the history of the GIF, from its conception till date. The website historyofthegif.com also presents interviews with artists from early adopters like Net Artist and film critic, Olia Lialina. The GIF has come a long way since its creation. GIPHY community director, Dani Newman identifies the launch of Geocities as a catalyst for GIF art. He argues that Geocities provided an easy platform to create and personalize websites with available GIFs.
Created in 1999, Geocities is a web-hosting service that allows people to express themselves creatively on the web. Digital artists use it as a platform to showcase their work, whether in progress or completed. Today the GIF is officially 30 years old and is considered as one of the best digital creations ever. Having hopped from platform to platform for three decades without stopping, the GIF is here to stay.
Let’s raise a toast to the GIF!
