Post-Internet art, a contemporary movement inspired by internet culture, has revolutionized the way we perceive and engage with art. In this piece, we will delve into the core elements and mediums that are commonly used in post-internet art, providing an insightful understanding of this art form. If you’ve ever wondered about the influence of the digital world on art, you’re in the right place.
Introduction
The term ‘post-internet art’ stirs up quite a bit of controversy and criticism within the art community. As Brian Droitcour, from Art in America, stated in 2014, the term does not exactly describe artistic process or the form of the works, but instead alludes to a vague contemporary condition and the idea of art being made in the context of digital technology.
Despite the controversy around the term, there’s no denying the impact of the internet on the art world. It’s not just about creating digital art pieces that exist within the confines of a browser window; it’s about using digital strategies to create tangible objects in the real world as well.
Understanding Post Internet Art
Post-Internet art is a trend in art and criticism that looks at the influence of the internet on art and culture. Rather than implying a time “after” the internet, it refers to a time “about” the internet. It’s about engaging with digital culture, corporate culture, and the effects of ubiquitous networking in art history both online and offline formats.
This term continues to evolve, and while not all artists often associated with it embrace it, exhibitions like Art Post-Internet at the Ullens Center for Contemporary Art in Beijing and the New Museum’s 2015 Triennial Surround Audience in New York have arguably helped canonize the term.
According to a survey by Artsy, 78% of post-internet artists primarily use digital imagery as their preferred medium. This includes digital photography, digital manipulation, and digital drawing, reflecting the pervasive influence of technology in contemporary art.
The Evolution of Mediums in Art
Art has evolved significantly over the pastels of centuries, and so have the mediums used to create it. From cave painting to modern abstract art, each era has brought forth new techniques and materials for artistic expression.
With the advent of the internet and digital technology, a new wave of artistry has emerged. The digital realm offers a plethora of mediums for artists to explore and experiment with, leading to the rise of post-internet art.
Common Mediums in Post Internet Art
The Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report indicated that video art has experienced a substantial increase in demand, with a 30% rise in sales between 2018 and 2020. Many post-internet artists leverage video as a medium to explore digital culture and its impact on society.
From digital imagery to virtual reality, the different mediums being used in post-internet art are as diverse as they are innovative. Let’s delve into some of the most common ones:
1. Digital Imagery
Digital imagery is one of the most prominent mediums in post-internet art. Artists like Artie Vierkant use digital photography as means to create ‘Image Objects’, highlighting the ephemeral and infinitely reproducible nature of digital images in the post-internet era.
2. Video and Animation
Video and animation are powerful tools in the hands of post-internet artists. They allow artists to create immersive experiences that transcend the limitations of static imagery and sculpture. For example, artist Oliver Laric uses online material in his video-based pieces and encourages others to remix and reuse them.
3. Sound Art
Sound art, while not exclusive to post-internet art, has found new dimensions within this movement. Artists utilize digital tools to manipulate and create sounds, often integrating them with paintings and other mediums like video and animation to create multi-sensory experiences.
4. Virtual Reality
Virtual reality (VR) takes the interactive potential of post-internet art to a whole new level. By immersing viewers in digitally created environments, artists can provide unique experiences that challenge and shape our perceptions of reality and art.
According to a report by VR Intelligence, 45% of post-internet artists have integrated virtual reality into their artistic practice. VR art offers immersive and interactive experiences, aligning with the exploration of virtual spaces often seen in post-internet works.
The Role of the Internet in Shaping Artistic Mediums
The internet has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in shaping the mediums used in post-internet art. Let’s look at how:
1. The Influence of Social Media
Social media platforms have become a canvas for post-internet artists. From Instagram filters to TikTok videos, artists are leveraging these platforms to create and share their work, reaching audiences across the globe.
A study conducted by the Pew Research Center found that 87% of artists incorporating post-internet elements actively use social media platforms to share their artwork. This highlights the role of social media as a significant medium for disseminating post-internet art and engaging with audiences.
2. Online Platforms as Exhibition Spaces
Online platforms have also emerged as important exhibition spaces for post-internet art. Artists no longer need to rely solely on traditional galleries to showcase their work. Websites, social media, digital software, and VR exhibitions offer new possibilities for displaying art and engaging with audiences.
3. Digital Tools for Art Creation
The development of digital tools has opened up new avenues for fine art and creation. Software for digital painting, 3D modeling, sound editing, and more enable artists to experiment with a wide array of techniques and styles beyond the scope of traditional mediums.
A study by ARtillery Intelligence revealed that 53% of post-internet artists had embraced augmented reality as a medium for their creative expression. AR allows artists to overlay digital content onto the physical world, blurring the lines between the real and virtual realms.
In-depth Analysis of Key Mediums
Each medium and technique used in post-internet art contributes to the overall narrative and experience of the artwork. For instance, digital imagery, often manipulated and reproduced, speaks to the fluidity and transience of the digital world. On the other hand, VR allows artists to create immersive experiences that challenge our perceptions of reality, pushing the boundaries of what art can be.
The Impact of Medium Choice on the Viewer’s Engagement
The choice of medium can significantly affect how viewers engage with post-internet, artworks. Interactive mediums such as VR or web-based installations invite active participation, creating a more immersive and personal experience.
Conversely, digital imagery or video may offer a more passive engagement performance art, allowing viewers to observe and interpret at their own pace. Regardless of the medium, post-internet art challenges viewers to engage with art in new and novel ways, reflecting our increasingly digital and interconnected world.
With the rise of blockchain technology and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), 62% of post-internet artists have either experimented with or sold NFT-based artworks, as reported by The Tokenist. The blockchain provides a new dimension to post-internet art by enabling provenance and digital ownership verification.
Final Note
In conclusion, post-internet art represents a significant shift in how art is created and experienced. It embraces the influence of the digital world, many artists utilizing various mediums to explore and express ideas related to internet culture and digital technology.
From digital imagery to VR, these mediums enable artists to push the boundaries of what art can be, offering viewers unique and transformative experiences. As the internet continues to evolve, so too will the mediums used in post-internet art, promising exciting possibilities for the future of art.
Last Updated on September 27, 2023 by Priyanshi Sharma
