Digital Art
Introduction
Digital art, a term encompassing a broad range of artistic works and practices, fundamentally relies on digital technology as an integral part of the creative or presentation process. This art form has been referred to by various names since its inception in the 1960s, including computer art and multimedia art, and is considered a subset of the larger domain of new media art.
Historical Background
The evolution of digital art is deeply intertwined with the emergence and advancement of the computer. In the early 1960s, digital computers evolved to a point where they could serve as a novel medium for artists. The earliest instances of digital art were primarily experimental, focusing on the exploration of geometrical shapes and structures.
Techniques and Approaches
Digital art can be manifested through a multitude of techniques, some of which include:
Computer Generated Imagery (CGI)
Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) is the application of computer graphics to create or contribute to images in art, printed media, video games, films, television programs, commercials, simulators and simulation generally. The visual scenes may be dynamic or static, and may be two-dimensional (2D), though the term "CGI" is most commonly used to refer to the 3D computer graphics used for creating characters, scenes and special effects in films and television.
Digital Painting
Digital painting is a method of creating an art object digitally and/or a technique for making digital art on the computer. As a method of creating an art object, it adapts traditional painting medium such as acrylic paint, oils, ink, watercolor, etc. and applies the pigment to traditional carriers, such as woven canvas cloth, paper, polyester etc. by means of a computer, a digitizing tablet and stylus, and software.
Fractal/Algorithmic Art
Fractal art is a form of algorithmic art created by calculating fractal objects and representing the calculation results as still images, animations, and media. Fractal art developed from the mid-1980s onwards. It is a genre of computer art and digital art which are part of new media art.
Data-Moshing
Data-moshing is a form of glitch art that is made by manipulating the data of media files in order to achieve visual or auditory effects when the file is decoded.
Impact and Influence
Digital art has profoundly influenced the art world, impacting a variety of artistic disciplines. It has also been instrumental in the emergence of new forms of artistic expression and collaboration.
Influence on Traditional Art
Digital technology has revolutionized traditional art. The ability to create and manipulate images and sounds in ways that were once impossible has led to new forms of artistic expression. Digital technology has also made it possible for artists to create works that are interactive, allowing viewers to participate in the creation of the artwork.
Influence on Music
In the realm of music, digital technology has revolutionized the way music is produced, distributed, and consumed. Musicians can now create complex compositions using digital instruments and software, and distribute their music to a global audience via the internet.
Influence on Film and Animation
Digital technology has also had a profound impact on the film and animation industries. Digital animation and CGI have become standard in the film industry, and digital technology has also made it possible for independent filmmakers to produce high-quality films at a fraction of the cost of traditional film production.
Future of Digital Art
The future of digital art is likely to be shaped by advances in technology, as well as by changes in the way we interact with technology. Virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence are all areas that could have a significant impact on the future of digital art.
