New Media in Art: 212-232 Response

   This section of the book discusses the internet and its inherent relationship with art that involves the active participation of the viewer. At the time of this book's publication, the internet and its unique culture was certainly not what we know it to be today, but we can see the inception of humorous and satirical internet art projects that one is used to seeing online now through groups like ®TMARK. Video games and the continual popularity of virtual reality projects is what one might think of in terms of internet art with user participation today, but at what point do these participatory art forms become less about the art in collaboration and more about being a pastime and a way to turn off the brain for a while?

   One could always make the argument that video games, movies, and the latest virtual reality experiences exist as a means for escapism. Furthermore, all art has the capacity to provide escapism both to the artist and the viewer. However, the typical person today is much more likely to find their escape from reality through playing a video game on their couch rather than looking at paintings in a gallery because this instance of interactive art has become synonymous with a way to pass time rather than a form of multimedia art that requires audience participation. Similarly, we scroll through hundreds of pieces of internet art made by people from many different backgrounds everyday on our phones through means of social media and other media-sharing websites. Rather than being likened to walking through an art gallery, this scrolling has become a way to kill time when we are bored. I find it interesting how we collectively select certain areas of art to become a means to unwind after work or escape from reality for a while; meanwhile, other areas of art are associated with being very present, aware, and highbrow.


   Rush, Michael. New Media in Art. 2nd ed., New York, Thames & Hudson Inc., 2005.

Comments

  1. Taylor SeidNovember 20, 2018 at 7:03 PM

    I totally agree with the question you pose: at what point do these art forms become less about art and more about being a pastime to turn off the brain for a while? I think this is a really important consideration in our day in age. Do we know when to unplug and live? Your observations and relations to today are really great, and very thought-provoking. Nice job!

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  2. therosefollowerNovember 21, 2018 at 5:49 PM

    I love the observation you had about Gamers and the escape they want from reality. A lot of friends of mine are gamers, who love the craft and go further than just sitting around and just playing for fun. I agree with you with internet art becoming a thing that you just so happen to view on a virtual platform and use it to pass time, instead of observing and taking it all in a whole, in the actual moment.

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