Art and science are typically considered as dichotomous fields, as irreconcilable as night and day.
Yet over the past few decades, artists and engineers have found ingenious ways to combine these two disciplines.
This fusion is being used to generate new forms of captivating media, pushing the envelope in novel and exciting directions.
In this article, we’ll explore three mediums at the intersection of art and technology.
- Digital interactive installations
Creative minds have been creating interactive art for generations, connecting artists and audiences in unusual ways. But recently, digital art has come to the forefront. This medium asks audiences to engage with art made using technology or displayed in a visual format.
The artists who create these need to mix coding and computing with their artistic creativity. Making a digital interactive installation usually requires the use of single-board computers such as OKdo mico:bit to control light displays, camera tracking systems, and other technological components.
Digital interactive installations tend to have a powerful impact on audiences, creating memorable and immersive impressions. And by offering experiences that allow almost anyone to participate, they make engaging with art more accessible.
- Artificial intelligence (AI) art
This refers to any artwork created using artificial intelligence systems – algorithms designed to mimic human thought. It can be work created by an AI system by itself or in collaboration with a human artist.
Using machine learning, artificial intelligence models analyse thousands of images to ‘learn’ various styles and aesthetics. The algorithms can then create novel forms, shapes, figure, and patterns to produce their own art works.
Interestingly, these art works tend to have a unique style and aesthetic of their own. AI art often looks surreal and otherworldly – attracting a great deal of interest online.
- Non-fungible Tokens (NFTs)
These demonstrably unique digital assets have taken the world by storm in recent years. Each NFT has identifying information recorded in smart contracts – special pieces of code that facilitate transactions via blockchain technology.
NFTs are most recognisable as pieces of digital artwork such as Hashmasks and Bored Ape, some selling for millions of dollars and being popular among celebrities.
Since NFTs emerged, many artists have begun experimenting with this new technology as a way to market their work.
Opinions over NFTs are polarized. To some, NFTs are pointless and wastes of money. Yet to many, they represent the future of art.
Digital media: The future of art?
The intersection of art and technology has led to the creation of new and exciting mediums, enabling artists to push the boundaries experienced in traditional art forms.
While some traditionalists view the incorporation of technology into art with skepticism, it’s clear that this fusion is driving innovation and has the potential to change the nature of art as we know it.
