Technology has had a significant impact on the art world. As technology continues to advance, it has presented new opportunities for artists to create and express themselves. Emerging art has become increasingly diverse, with new media and technologies allowing for innovative forms of artistic expression. In this editorial, we will explore the impact and effects of technology on emerging art and how it has influenced artists and their work along with discussing what challenges emerge as we transition into an increasingly digitalized ecosystem.
One of the most significant effects of technology on emerging art is the ability to create art that is interactive and immersive. Virtual reality (VR) has been particularly influential in this regard, allowing artists to create fully immersive environments that viewers can interact with. VR technology has been used to create art installations, performances, and even entire exhibitions. For instance, artist Laurie Anderson created a VR installation called “Chalkroom,” which allows viewers to explore a virtual space filled with words and drawings.
Another way that technology has affected emerging art is by enabling artists to create art that is more collaborative and participatory. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have provided artists with new channels to share their work and engage with audiences. Artists can now easily collaborate with other artists from all over the world, sharing ideas and feedback through digital channels. In addition to collaboration, technology has also provided emerging artists with new tools to create their work. Digital tools like Photoshop and Illustrator have enabled artists to create complex works that would have been impossible to create by hand. For example, artist Joshua Davis uses code and algorithms to create complex, dynamic visual art pieces.
However, technology’s impact on emerging art isn’t just limited to positive effects, it goes well beyond that. One of the most significant negative impacts is the commodification of art. With the rise of online art marketplaces, artists can now easily sell their work directly to collectors without going through traditional galleries. While this has allowed artists to reach new audiences and earn more money from their work, it has also led to an oversaturation of the art market and a focus on commercial success over artistic merit. Another negative effect of technology on emerging art is the potential for artistic ideas to be co-opted and exploited by corporations.
For example, the use of street art by corporations for advertising purposes has been a controversial issue in recent years. While street art has always been a form of public expression, the rise of social media has made it easier for corporations to appropriate and profit from this art form without compensating the original artists.
Despite these negative effects, technology has undoubtedly had a net positive impact on emerging art. It has opened up new possibilities for artistic expression and provided artists with new tools to create their work. In addition, it has enabled artists to reach new audiences and collaborate with other artists from all over the world. Looking forward, technology will continue to play an instrumental role in the world of emerging art.
With the rapid pace of technological change, artists will need to stay updated with the latest tools and techniques to remain relevant. However, it is important that artists also remain aware of the potential negative effects of technology on the art world and work to mitigate these risks. Technology is here to stay and change the way we exist, it’d be exciting to see how the art world expands its collaborations with technology and works on developing a sustainable artistic ecosystem with the changing technology.
