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Guest post by Lucy Wyndham
Science is the seeking of knowledge through facts and unbiased opinions, while art is the application of human creativity and imagination. These two factions are complete opposites that very rarely go hand in hand. Now, modern art is changing that.
Artists are combining the pursuit of science and technology with the expression of creativity to generate art that we have never seen before. Technology is revolutionizing the tools artists can use to create works of art, it’s changing the blank canvas they use to portray their vision, and it’s transforming the way we view, produce, and distribute art.
Technology is Being Added to an Artist’s Toolkit
Typically, an artist’s toolkit consisted of a paintbrush, paint, pencils, and/or stencils. However, with the inclusion of technology into creativity, artists are now changing the tools they use to create their visions. For example, 3D printing has been a hot topic in the technology industry and has particularly made leaps and bounds in the field of medicine.
Now, the tool is also being used by artists to complete their works of art. The world-famous Banksy used 3D printing to bring to life some of his famous works and Gilles Azzaro is a digital artist that creates 3D images of voice and sound waves. One artist, Eyal Gever is also working to create visualizations of human laughter that will be 3D printed on the International Space Station. This shows that technology is enhancing and simplifying the creation of art.
Changing the Canvas of Art
Technology isn’t only changing the tools of the trade. It’s also redefining the term canvas. Artists are no longer using paper or paint canvases to portray their creations and are now using technology to showcase their works of art. Artists are using devices such as the HTC Vive or Oculus Rift to allow people to enter a whole new realm of art. They are creating an entire virtual reality universe that you can completely emerge yourself into.
For example, one traveling exhibit called Bjork Digital is using virtual reality as their art gallery. Visitors sit on spinning stools and strap on virtual reality sets that take them into another world. The virtual reality erases any sense of the building around them or the other visitors in the room and allows everyone to view the art without distractions.
Technology is Creating More Art Fans
Previously, art was seen as an activity for the rich or the elite. With the Internet, anyone and everyone can view art and appreciate creativity. The Internet has connected everyone together and art is no different. Art is no longer confined to a room of an art gallery and can now be broadcasted to people all over the world. It also allows more people to become artists. With the ability to share your art on social media and the opportunity to raise money through crowdfunding platforms, artists can find unique new ways to ensure that their creative minds are heard.
Technology is merging with art to form a field of creativity unlike no other. As science and technology changes, we can also expect art to change with it. The future shows great promise for the creative mind.