Digital Art: The Spiritualisation of Matter
The Collision of Traditional and Digital Media exhibits in the NGV
Inside Bunjil's giant lair hangs an amazing kinetic sculpture. It is the intersection of tradition and modernity. What do you think it looks like?
“The virtual, uncertain and paradoxical status of the images is its ideal status, as it is for the object of science.”
Simulacra means there is no longer a clear copy or representation of an original version, like layer upon layer of replicas or images so far removed from the original that they begin to look like their own reality. It becomes difficult to tell which ones are genuine and which are merely copies or imitations.
However, does digital art also represent a projection of the reality？
Photo by Philosophine Magazine
Photo by Philosophine Magazine
Photo by Wikipedia
Photo by Wikipedia
Traditional Art VS Digital Art
Traditional
Use physical tools: paints, brushes
Can be touched
Remain the final form
Digital
Use digital tools: computer, software
Can NOT be touched
Easily changed
The evolution of art is just a change in media. New media creates new realities.
The distinction between digital art and traditional art is not based on the content but on the medium. From the canvas to the screen, from the theatre to the movie, digital art enhances our senses through new media, expanding the boundaries of reality. This process can be described as the Spiritualisation of Matter, where digital media serves as a physical carrier carrying the spirit of art.
It can be observed that traditional cultural and museum venues are currently embracing digitisation, with a greater proportion of their activities conducted online. The following sets of data show the changes from 2008 to 2018, using DeviantArt as the study object, to visualise the evolution.
The plot on the right demonstrates that the number of subcategories of digital art continues to expand.
The table on the right illustrates that the number of images included in each subcategory of virtual art is far higher than in traditional art.
So, how did the NGV follow up on this digital art transformation?
The NGV has embraced this evolution by launching a digital guide to enhance the artistic experience. Visitors can browse collections by artist and colour, as well as save their favourite works. Also, the NGV use the new algorithm to recommend personalised works to tourists.
Besides, the NGV has digitised over 24,000 works, accessible both at home and in the gallery.
Not only that, the NGV has set up digital creative workshops to teach students how to use mathematics and coding to create paintings and photography, integrating STEM with visual arts.
"Hi, I'm Qian Wenyi, a tour guide at the NGV."
Qian Wenyi is a professional in the field of art at Melbourne and often shares content related to her work on Xiaohongshu.
Recently, she worked as a guide at the National Gallery of Victoria which features numerous outstanding traditional art exhibits and refreshing electronic art.
Photo by Qian Wenyi
The NGV Triennial opens a dialogue around contemporary art, showcasing traditional and digital works by today's leading artists and designers.
According to Qian Wenyi's review, visitor reactions to these exhibits are diverse, reflecting the subjective nature of art appreciation.
Let's follow her to review the digital exhibits displayed at the NGV and see how visitors are responding to these works!
Heterobota
"Heterobota" probes our acceptance of robots possessing creativity and emotional expressions that transcend their utilitarian functions.
—— Michelle Lin
SPECULUM
"SPECULUM" serves as a mirror to society, presenting a stark critique of our times marked by indulgent consumerism and the profound impact of digital identity on humanity.
—— Carina Sun
Flare
Flare (Oceania) shows a continuously burning gas flame against the backdrop of the Tongan coast, symbolizing the drastic depletion of natural resources.
—— Alex He
The Charm of Digital Arts from the NGV Triennial
1. Convey artists' expressions and perspectives on social issues
"SPECULUM" criticizes the problems of consumerism and political shallowness in modern society through digital art forms, enabling the audience to feel the challenges of modern society more intuitively and to ponder when appreciating these works.
2. Carry cultural inheritance and innovation
"Heterobota" shows new ideas for the arts and education, the designer interacts and collaborates with robots, teaching them to create and working to understand Heterobota's behaviour and decision-making processes like a student. This innovative approach, much like Renaissance teachers inspiring students, opens up new possibilities for art and education.
3. Enhance individual perception of specific themes and expand their artistic boundaries
"Flare" conveys an urgent environmental message more powerfully than traditional art could.
Exploring the Boundaries: Qian Wenyi’s Thoughts on Digital Art VS Traditional Art
“Digital art is defined as the use of electronic devices and computer codes. In contrast, traditional artists use physical materials such as pencils, canvas, or written words to express art.”
—— Qian Wenyi
The interview video of Qian Wenyi discusses the differences between digital and traditional art.
The interview video of Qian Wenyi discusses the differences between digital and traditional art.
However, compared to experiencing art online or through digital media, Qian Wenyi prefers to appreciate traditional art in galleries because some traditional paintings and artistic expressions can evoke deeper emotions for her.
Can Digital Art Evoke the Same Depth of Emotion as Traditional Art?
Qian Wenyi argued that the virtual nature of digital art is shortsighted. Digital art is still relatively new compared to traditional art, but we need to realize that the purpose of both arts is for artists to convey information, ideas, and emotions in a moment, enabling others or oneself to appreciate it.
The interview video of Qian Wenyi discusses the challenges faced by digital art.
The interview video of Qian Wenyi discusses the challenges faced by digital art.
Digital technology has given artists new ways to create, just as it has provided them with new brushes. This makes us feel more deeply about art and opens up our understanding of the world.
At the end of the interview, Qian Wenyi emphasised, 'Art is not merely the act of creation; it is also a vital symbol of human civilisation and an expression of our spiritual pursuit. Through the appreciation of art, we gain enjoyment of emotions, thoughts, and beauty, thereby forming a common cultural resonance with artists, works, and other audiences.'
Have you ever stood in an art gallery, surrounded by captivating artworks? In that moment, could you feel the emotions and thoughts flowing from each piece?
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