Commentary on Digital Art Reading

Christiane Paul's book Digital Art not only provided a good background and history of digital art but also explains digital art's place in today's world.  One of the more interesting debates presented in the book was that of whether the presentation of artwork (online or in a separate museum space vs. a main exhibition room) marginalizes it against more tradition art forms like painting and sculptures.  This is specifically relates to digital art since many museums are not capable of displaying digital works which require extensive wiring, lighting, and projection systems, whether due to space limitations or lack of funds.  Personally, I believe that the idea of a main exhibition room being the sole space for art to be presented is now a thing of the past.  With technological progress one can now view artwork from around the world right from their computer through online exhibitions   I think the alternative modes of viewing and interacting with art are exciting and allow viewers to experience art in a way that they never could with traditional forms.  Art is meant to cross boundaries and explore our surroundings.  Regardless of its form or presentation, if art connects with a viewer, explores new or old concepts and ideas, or communicates any message, it is still art to me. 

Below is a photo from Crown Fountain, an interactive public artwork and video sculpture featured in Chicago's Millennium Park.  This is just an example of some of the digital media works I have experienced which goes beyond the traditional museum exhibition presentation.

Project 2 Final Images

These are the my final photoshop images from project 2 :) As a newbie to photoshop I am really excited with how these images came out!  I am a senior Studio Art major and for my Senior Project I am focusing on the theme of nature vs. technology and the loss of the purity of nature.  With technological progress comes many consequences, mainly the destruction and contamination of our environment.  My work focuses on the balance (or rather inbalance) between these two opposing forces.  Many of the elements of these images are parts of other works I have completed in the past (i.e. acrylic and ink paintings and collagraph and ink wash prints) along with some images with Britain's famous street artist, Banksy.  These stenciled graffiti images deal with the issues of environmental awareness which help to emphasize my own theme. I hope you guys enjoy the pieces! Thanks :D

The Work of Miguel Paredes

One of my favorite artists who use digital media extensively within their work is American artist and urban impressionist, Miguel Paredes.  Miguel Paredes, resides in Miami, Florida but has gained wide recognition and popularity for his works around the world.  Paredes’ New York City upbringing greatly influenced his art with the inclusion of street culture and graffiti style throughout many of his works. Among my favorites of his works is his series “Pulgha and Birds”.  These hand-drawn digital works are hip-hop and anime inspired, often set amongst city landscapes and brightly colored to integrate the spirit of his urban landscape and Latin American heritage.  The Pulgha (“pulga” means flea in Spanish) is a small anime insect flea that serves to educate children by promoting environmental conservation and green initiatives in the artist’s concept for a children’s storybook.

I find these works to be very intriguing and beautiful not only for the vibrant color and seamless integration with all the other elements within the composition, but also for its social commentary on environmental conservation.  As a Studio Art major, in my senior year, I have focused my senior works on the theme of the imbalance between nature and technology. Twenty-first century technology has allowed for great progress and industry in society but at the cost of destroying our natural environment.  It is always exciting when I find an artist that shares a similar idea but expresses it in a unique and spectacular way.  The attention to detail and thought behind Paredes work allows the viewer to find joy and run wild in an alternate world full of vibrancy, energy, and fun.  These works make me want to learn as much as I can about digital media and hopefully incorporate my own ideas into this genre of art.

Pulgha & 2 Geishas 2

48" x 72", 2011, print on canvas

 Pulgha World

45" x 60", 2010, print on canvas

View Miguel Paredes' website here:

http://www.miguelparedes.com

What is Digital Media Art?

As I am taking a digital media class for the first time, I wondered what digital media art is?  How is it produced?  How has this relatively new art movement impacted that art world?  During my quest to find the answer to these basic questions I came across an article that gave me insight into the digital media world.  Digital media has allowed artists to use digital technology to create traditional forms of art such as paintings, sculptures, and drawings with new mediums.  Artists use technologies like advanced digital media, remote sensing technologies, and Internet media to create these new and interesting works.  Digital media has had a big impact on the art world as an alternative way of preserving art, creating new vernacular, and allowing viewers another way of experiencing and connecting with art.  While digital media has been praised as a revolutionary new art genre, it has been ridiculed as lacking creativity in digitally made art and therefore are not to be considered “a genuine art form”.  However, I find digital media to be very creative at times and a new and exciting experience for both viewers and artists alike.

Check out this link for the full article!

http://www.designjuices.co.uk/2011/08/creative-digital-media/