New Media Art

Overview

New media art is a genre that encompasses artworks created with new media technologies, including digital art, computer graphics, computer animation, virtual art, Internet art, interactive art, video games, computer robotics, 3D printing, cyborg art and art as biotechnology. The term differentiates itself by its resulting cultural objects and social events, which can be seen in opposition to those deriving from old visual arts (i.e. traditional painting, sculpture, etc.). This concern with medium is a key feature of much contemporary art and indeed many art schools and major universities now offer majors in "New Genres" or "New Media" and a growing number of graduate programs have emerged internationally.

History

New media art often involves interaction between artist and observer or between observers and the artwork, which responds to them. Yet, as several theorists and curators have noted, such forms of interaction, social exchange, participation, and transformation do not distinguish new media art but rather serve as a common ground that has parallels in other strands of contemporary art practice. Such insights emphasize the forms of cultural practice that arise concurrently with emerging technological platforms, and question the focus on technological media, per se.

Types of New Media Art

New media art does not appear as a set of homogeneous practices, but as a complex field converging around three major elements: 1) the art system, 2) scientific and industrial research, and 3) political-cultural media activism. There are different ways of looking at the complex phenomena gathered under the term "new media art". One can emphasize the cultural context (art system and political-cultural media activism), the technological and scientific dimension, or the artistic element (the creative process, the artworks, the aesthetic dimension).

Digital Art

Digital art is a term for artistic works that use digital technology as an essential part of the creative process. It includes both static and interactive artworks and encompasses a wide range of genres and practices, from digital painting and photography to digital sculpture and net art.

Computer Graphics

Computer graphics art involves the use of digital tools and software to create visual images. This can include 2D images, 3D models, animations, and virtual reality environments. Computer graphics art often overlaps with other forms of new media art, such as digital art and interactive art.

Virtual Art

Virtual art is a term used to describe art that uses virtual reality technology. This can include immersive installations, virtual reality games, and virtual reality films. Virtual art often involves a high degree of interactivity, with the viewer able to explore and interact with the virtual environment.

Internet Art

Internet art (also known as net art) is a form of digital art that uses the internet as its primary medium or platform. This can include websites, online performances, interactive online installations, and social media art.

Interactive Art

Interactive art is a form of art that involves interaction between the viewer and the artwork. This can include installations that respond to the viewer's movements, online artworks that allow the viewer to manipulate the content, and performance art that involves audience participation.

Video Game Art

Video game art is a form of art that uses video games as its medium. This can include art games, machinima, and game modifications (mods).

Computer Robotics

Computer robotics art involves the use of robots in the creation of art. This can include robotic sculptures, performances involving robots, and interactive installations that use robotic elements.

3D Printing

3D printing art involves the use of 3D printers to create physical objects. This can include sculptures, installations, and wearable art.

Cyborg Art

Cyborg art is a form of art that involves the use of technology to augment or modify the human body. This can include body modifications, wearable technology, and biohacking.

Art as Biotechnology

Art as biotechnology involves the use of biological materials and processes in the creation of art. This can include bioart, genetic art, and living art.