Art. As old as humanity.Its job is to fascinate, so it'll never cease to exist. Throughout history, we've seen art shape our world in ways that no other medium has. It never stops changing and developing; because of it, the art world consistently evolves and adapts.
Looking back at the last decade, we can see how much technological developments have impacted art.It's shaped what it means to make and consume art in new ways and continues changing our perception of it.
Here are some of the technologies that have made waves in the art world, and all of these will likely impact how we see art in the future.
1 - The Internet of Things (IoT)
The IoT is one of the key innovations we've seen over the past 20 years that has impacted how we live, including the art world. It's essentially a network of connected devices that can communicate with each other and share information, and it's quite easy to see how this can be applied in art.
For example, you can use sensors that detect movement or light and feedback from the audience to bring anew dimension of interactivity to art itself. It allows artists to create works that respond dynamically to the world around them.
2 - Blockchain Technology
The blockchain is the technology behind the phenomenon called "NFTs." And if you've been monitoring digital art all these years, you know how the art world was transformed by NFTs, albeit in a contentious manner.
The blockchain is an open ledger that records transactions, making it ideal for digital art. The transparency of the blockchain makes it possible to determine who owns what and where providing much-needed control over digital content.
3 - Digital Revolution
Digital art is, by no means, a new concept. Yet, the technology that enables it is constantly changing, which leaves us with many more possibilities to explore.
We're now seeing digital art flourish in ways we couldn't imagine. With digital art and 3D printers, we create works without regard to the material or dimensions - all you need is a computer. The digital revolution gives new meaning to the term"canvas," allowing artists to explore the possibilities of art in a rather unprecedented manner.
4 - Augmented Reality (AR) andVirtual Reality (VR)
It wasn't long ago when these two concepts were nothing but creations of science fiction. But thanks to the evolution of technology, we can now easily use AR and VR to augment our reality. While there remain questions of morality and practicality, the applications of AR and VR in art are ground-breaking. For instance, artists can now create work meant to interact with the audience. Art installation sallow visitors to walk through physical spaces and see the art in a way that's impossible with traditional painting. As we said, this was a figment of imagination several years ago.
5 - Drones
Do you remember when drones were exclusively used for military purposes? Nowadays, we use them in everything from photos to construction. And considering how the art world is constantly seeking novel forms of expression, it's not surprising that they are also being used in art.
Be reminded that the very definition of art is no longer constrained to paintings and sculptures.That said, many artists are using drones to create works that would otherwise be impossible. For example, they're used in performances and installations while also allowing for the creation of breathtaking aerial photography and videos.
6 - Artificial Intelligence (AI)
We're already seeing AI applications in art, which will continue to grow over time. As we've already mentioned, you can use sensors to create art that reacts dynamically to its surroundings. You can also use new ways of inputting data into a program, resulting in works of art based on trial and error. Artists like Mario Klingemann use algorithms and code to create art pieces that showcase unpredictability and innovation.
7 - Social Media
As much as you want to disagree, social media is a product of technology that profoundly affects our lives. And well, the art world is no exception. While it's not a new phenomenon, social media allows artists to share their works with a wider audience and express themselves in ways only possible via traditional means.
Aside from the obvious marketing purpose of social media, you can use it to communicate with other artists or even your audience. And since we're living in an age deeply rooted in technology, it's only natural for the art world to follow suit.
8 - Mathematics and Geometry
Many artists are now using mathematical models and geometry to create new works of art that were not possible without technology. Whether dealing with data sets or fractal patterns, you can use mathematics and geometry to produce something beautiful and unique.
In 2015, a team of researchers from the University of Antwerp created an algorithm allowing users to create hyperbolic planes and other works of art. Integrating math and geometry in art introduces a new breed of artists combining art and science.
9 - Nanotechnology
The concept of nanotechnology is often written about in science fiction. And for a good reason, since it allows us to manipulate matter and even create new materials on an atomic level.
While the practical applications of nanotechnologies remain unclear, scientists are already using them to create tiny robots that can be used to deliver medicine and clean up the environment. And despite being more of a science than an art, nanotechnology has recently been made a crucial tool for art preservation. For instance, nanostructures are created to provide a protective coating that protects artworks from harmful light.
Another example is using nanodroplets to create a type of paint that would allow the creation of highly detailed works of art. The same technology was used to remove old paintings' dirt, grime, and oil.
10 - Metaverse
The term metaverse was originally derived from the science fiction novels by Neal Stephenson. It refers to a virtual reality allowing users to create, share and explore content in an immersive digital world. The metaverse concept is for people to live in a different reality. This relates to the art world because it would allow artists to express themselves differently.
For example, artists could create avatars and interact with other users within the metaverse. This would allow them to showcase their work and connect with other people outside of the virtual reality they're mostly used to in real life.
Some artists are already exploring this idea by creating artworks that can be used as a base for virtual reality experiences. The metaverse would allow artists to create new genres based entirely on this concept.
From the earliest forms of cave paintings to works of art minted into NFTs, technology has always been a key influencer on how we create and consume art. So, it's natural that artists will never cease integrating new emerging technologies into their work.The mind of a human brings forth endless possibilities, which is why we're able to create art. Technology, for its part, plays the role of a catalyst.
