EMBRACING THE DIGITAL CANVAS: DIGITAL ART AS A LEGITIMATE ART FORM

The Garden of Emoji delights 2014 by Carla Gangs. Simone Woods Abstract Artist

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In the ever-evolving world of art, the question of what qualifies as ‘real art’ remains a subject of intense debate. At the heart of this debate in the contemporary era is digital art – a medium that has transformed the traditional notions of creativity and artistic expression. With advancements in technology, artists have found a new canvas in the digital realm, crafting works that challenge and expand the boundaries of art. This article seeks to shed light on this modern artistic phenomenon, arguing that digital art is indeed ‘real art’. By exploring examples of digital creations alongside traditional contemporary art, we will delve into the intrinsic value and legitimacy of digital art in the art world.

UNDERSTANDING DIGITAL ART

Digital art refers to a diverse range of artistic works and practices that utilize digital technology as an integral part of the creative and/or presentation process. It marks a significant departure from traditional art forms like painting and sculpture, as it involves using digital mediums and tools to conceive, create, and exhibit artworks. 

The roots of digital art can be traced back to the 1960s, when pioneers like Frieder Nake and Michael Noll began experimenting with computer algorithms to create patterns and images, laying the foundation for this new artistic expression. Since then, the evolution of digital art has been closely tied to the advancement of digital technology. The advent of personal computers, graphic design software, digital imaging tools, and more recently, the internet and virtual reality, have continuously expanded the horizons of what can be achieved in digital art. 

In digital art, the artist’s studio is typically a computer or a digital device, where software programs replace traditional tools like brushes and palettes. This digital environment offers unlimited possibilities for creativity, allowing artists to experiment with colors, shapes, and textures in ways that are impossible in traditional mediums. Digital art can include digital paintings, illustrations, 3D models, digital photography, animations, and even interactive installations that combine digital elements with physical spaces. 

One of the unique aspects of digital art is its reproducibility and accessibility. Digital artworks can be duplicated without any degradation of quality, enabling them to reach a wider audience through digital displays, online galleries, and NFT (Non-Fungible Token) marketplaces. This accessibility challenges traditional notions of art ownership and value, contributing to ongoing debates in the art world. 

As digital technology continues to evolve, so does digital art, constantly pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. It stands as a testament to the human ability to adapt and innovate, blending creativity with technology to create new forms of visual expression.

“The Garden of Emoji Delights” by Carla Gannis

The Garden of Emoji delights 2014 by Carla Gangs. Simone Woods Abstract Artist

CARLA GANNIS USES EMOJIS, A MODERN DIGITAL SYMBOL, TO RECREATE THIS ICONIC ARTWORK, INFUSING CONTEMPORARY DIGITAL CULTURE INTO A HISTORICAL MASTERPIECE.

“Augmented Shadow” by Joon Y. Moon

“Augmented Shadow” by Joon Y. Moon

MOON’S WORK COMBINES DIGITAL PROJECTION AND PHYSICAL OBJECTS TO CREATE INTERACTIVE, SHADOW-LIKE FIGURES IN REAL-TIME. IT’S A UNIQUE BLEND OF TECHNOLOGY AND TRADITIONAL ELEMENTS, DEMONSTRATING THE VAST POTENTIAL OF DIGITAL MEDIUMS.

“Everydays – The First 5000 Days” by Beeple

BEEPLE’S DIGITAL COLLAGE, SOLD AS A NON-FUNGIBLE TOKEN (NFT), MADE HEADLINES FOR ITS RECORD-BREAKING AUCTION SALE. IT REPRESENTS OVER 13 YEARS OF DAILY ARTISTIC OUTPUT, SHOWCASING THE DEDICATION AND ARTISTIC RIGOUR PRESENT IN THE DIGITAL ART WORLD.

EXPLORING TRADITIONAL CONTEMPORARY ART

Traditional contemporary art represents a unique fusion where time-honored art techniques, as apposed to the digital techniques above, meet the dynamic themes of the modern world. It’s a realm where the rich legacy of traditional art forms—like painting, sculpture, and printmaking—is reinterpreted through the lens of contemporary life, ideas, and technologies. 

This genre stands out for its ability to bridge the past and present. Artists adept in classical techniques apply their skills to explore current social, political, and personal themes. For instance, traditional oil painting, a centuries-old technique, is often employed by contemporary artists to comment on modern societal issues or to express current cultural narratives. 

One of the most fascinating aspects of traditional contemporary art is its dialogue between the old and the new. Artists often take inspiration from historical styles, motifs, and methods, blending them with contemporary content and context. This not only preserves the traditional art forms but also breathes new life into them, making them relevant and resonant in today’s world. 

The diversity in this field is also remarkable. While some artists choose to adhere closely to classical methods, others experiment by combining traditional techniques with new media and technologies. Such experimentation leads to innovative works that challenge and expand the boundaries of what traditional art can encompass in the contemporary era. 

Moreover, traditional contemporary art serves as a crucial link connecting generations of artists and audiences. It offers a unique perspective where the historical context of traditional techniques enriches the understanding of contemporary issues and experiences. 

In exploring traditional contemporary art, one discovers a rich tapestry where the timelessness of traditional artistry and the immediacy of contemporary themes interweave. It’s a vibrant, evolving field that reflects the continuous dialogue between the past and the present, showcasing the enduring relevance and adaptability of traditional art in our rapidly changing world.

Quince and Pomegranate on Wall by Simone woods Abstract Artist
Quince and Pomegranate by Simone Woods

QUINCE AND POMEGRANATE USES MUTED COLOURS WITH FLASHES OF BOLD COLOUR, CONTRASTED WITH FINE DETAIL TO EXPRESS THE WARMTH AND DECADENCE OF A RENAISSANCE STILL LIFE

My Bed – by Tracey Emin

MY BED IS AN UNORTHODOX YET POWERFUL INSTALLATION. EXHIBITED AT THE TATE GALLERY, IT FEATURES HER OWN BED IN A DISHEVELED STATE, SURROUNDED BY PERSONAL ITEMS. IT’S A BOLD, AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL PIECE THAT CHALLENGES THE VIEWER’S PERCEPTION OF ART.

Rathayatra – Sujith kumar Karimbila

‘RATHA YATRA’ VIVIDLY CAPTURES THE DYNAMIC SPIRIT OF THE INDIAN FESTIVAL. THE PAINTING DEPICTS THE GRAND CHARIOT PROCESSION WITH VIBRANT COLOURS AND ENERGETIC BRUSH STROKES, REFLECTING THE CULTURAL RICHNESS AND COMMUNAL JOY. ITS INTRICATE DETAILS INVITE VIEWERS INTO THE HEART OF THE CELEBRATION.

These examples underscore the craftsmanship and artistic vision in traditional contemporary art. They are testimonies to the enduring relevance and adaptability of traditional art forms in expressing complex, contemporary themes.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS & CREATIVE PROCESSES

The creative journey in both digital and traditional art involves a complex interplay of skill, creativity, and vision. However, their mediums and tools differ, leading to unique artistic processes and outcomes.  In digital art, artists often employ software and hardware as their primary tools. This digital environment offers limitless possibilities for experimentation and iteration, allowing artists to explore and manipulate their creations with unprecedented freedom and precision. In contrast, traditional art relies on physical materials like paint, canvas, or clay. These materials impose certain constraints that can, paradoxically, spur creativity. The tactile experience of manipulating these materials is a fundamental aspect of traditional artistic expression.

PERCEPTION OF VALUE AND AUTHENTICITY

A common misconception about digital art is its perceived lack of authenticity or value compared to traditional art. This viewpoint often stems from the above-mentioned reproducibility of digital works. However, this reproducibility does not diminish the originality and creativity of the digital artist’s vision. Traditional art, while unique in its physical singularity, shares the same essence of artistic expression and conceptual depth.

CHALLENGING MISCONCEPTIONS

Digital art’s recent inclusion in major galleries and its increasing commercial value in the art market challenge these misconceptions. The sale of Beeple’s digital collage (above) as an NFT, for instance, signifies a shift in how digital art is perceived in terms of value and legitimacy.
In essence, while the mediums and methods differ, both digital and traditional art forms require a high level of skill, creativity, and artistic intent. The choice of medium, whether pixels or paint, does not inherently affect the artwork’s status as ‘real art’.

DIGITAL ART IN THE ART WORLD

The ascension of digital art in the art world is marked not only by its inclusion in traditional galleries but also by the proliferation of festivals and exhibitions dedicated to this medium. These events showcase the vibrancy and diversity of digital art, further solidifying its position as a legitimate form of artistic expression.


Ars Electronica Festival (Linz, Austria)
This festival is a prominent platform for digital and media arts. It offers a fusion of art, technology, and society, featuring innovative digital works that range from interactive installations to virtual reality experiences.


SIGGRAPH (Special Interest Group on Computer GRAPHics and Interactive Techniques)
Held annually in various locations, SIGGRAPH is renowned for displaying cutting-edge digital art and technology. It’s a hub where artists, researchers, and technologists converge to explore the boundaries of digital creativity.


The Lumen Prize Exhibition
An international award and exhibition for digital art, The Lumen Prize celebrates the very best art created with technology. It provides a global platform for artists experimenting with digital mediums, from digital painting to augmented reality.
These festivals and exhibitions are not mere showcases; they are vibrant, interactive spaces where the public can engage directly with digital art in its many forms. Through these events, digital art gains visibility and recognition, affirming its place in the global art community.

The journey through the realms of digital and traditional art in this discussion leads us to a clear conclusion: digital art is unequivocally ‘real art’. Its inclusion in prestigious galleries and the burgeoning market for digital pieces underscore its legitimacy and artistic value. The creativity, skill, and vision required to produce digital art are parallel to those in traditional mediums, proving that artistry is not bound by the medium but is defined by the artist’s ability to convey ideas, emotions, and perspectives.
As the art world continues to evolve, embracing both traditional and digital forms, it becomes a more inclusive and diverse space. The recognition of digital art as ‘real art’ is not just an acceptance of a new medium but a celebration of the boundless potential of human creativity. In this era of digital transformation, art remains a universal language, transcending mediums to connect, inspire, and provoke thought.

About Simone

Image of Simone Woods Artist in her studio.

Experience the magic of colour and nature with my stunning abstract art. Every piece is crafted to bring you joy and elevate your space, making it a focal point that sparks admiration and conversation. Let your home reflect your love for art and beauty."

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