2.2 The Rise of Electronic and Computer Art (20th Century)

Electronic and computer art emerged as artists embraced new technologies. From early light art to computer-generated imagery, pioneers like László Moholy-Nagy and Nam June Paik pushed boundaries, exploring the aesthetic potential of machines and digital systems.

This artistic evolution reflected broader societal changes. As technology advanced, artists responded to mass media, the Space Race, and the digital revolution, creating works that challenged traditional forms and explored the intersection of art, technology, and human experience.

The Emergence and Development of Electronic and Computer Art

Emergence of electronic art

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• Early 20th century artists experimented with new technologies and media
  • Futurists, Dadaists, and Constructivists explored the aesthetic potential of machines and technology (Umberto Boccioni, Marcel Duchamp, Vladimir Tatlin)
• 1920s-1930s pioneers created early forms of light art and kinetic sculptures
  • László Moholy-Nagy's "Light Prop for an Electric Stage" (1930) used moving parts and light effects
  • Thomas Wilfred's "Lumia" compositions (1920s-1940s) employed colored light projections
• 1950s-1960s rise of cybernetics and computer technology influenced artists
  • Ben F. Laposky's "Oscillons" (1950) were the first computer-generated artworks using an oscilloscope
  • John Whitney Sr. and James Whitney experimented with computer graphics and animation in films like "Catalog" (1961)
• 1960s-1970s emergence of video art and interactive installations
  • Nam June Paik and Wolf Vostell incorporated television sets and video into their artworks (Paik's "TV Buddha", 1974)
  • Myron Krueger developed early interactive environments like "Videoplace" (1975) which responded to participant movements
• 1980s-1990s widespread adoption of personal computers and digital technologies
  • Artists explored computer-generated imagery (CGI), 3D modeling, and virtual reality (Rebecca Allen, Char Davies)
  • The rise of net art and internet-based artworks (Olia Lialina, Vuk Ćosić)

Pioneers of computer art

• László Moholy-Nagy pioneered the use of light and kinetic elements in art
  • Created the "Light-Space Modulator" (1930), an early example of light art using motorized sculpture and projected light
• Ben F. Laposky created the first computer-generated artwork, "Oscillons" (1950)
  • Used an oscilloscope and electronic circuits to manipulate electron beams and create abstract images
• John Whitney Sr. and James Whitney pioneered computer graphics and animation
  • Created experimental films like "Catalog" (1961) and "Lapis" (1966) using analog computers and custom-built devices
• Nam June Paik, considered the "father of video art", incorporated television sets and video into installations and performances
  • Created works like "TV Buddha" (1974), juxtaposing a statue with a live video feed, and "Electronic Superhighway" (1995), a large-scale video installation
• Myron Krueger developed early interactive environments
  • "Videoplace" (1975) used computer vision to allow participants to interact with their own silhouettes and virtual objects
• Roy Ascott explored the intersection of art, technology, and consciousness
  • Coined the term "telematic art" to describe networked, interactive artworks that connected participants across distances

The Intersection of Art, Technology, and Society

Art and technology in context

• 20th century rapid technological advancements and social changes reflected in art
  • Artists responded to developments like mass production, urbanization, and globalization (Futurism, Dada, Pop Art)
• Rise of mass media and consumer culture influenced art production and reception
  • Pop Art and New Media Art addressed the impact of mass media and advertising (Andy Warhol, Richard Hamilton)
• Cold War and Space Race fueled interest in science and technology
  • Artists explored the aesthetic potential of new technologies and scientific concepts (Experiments in Art and Technology, NASA Art Program)
• 1960s-1970s counterculture challenged traditional art forms
  • Experimentation with new media, performance art, and participatory practices (Fluxus, Happenings, Yoko Ono)
• 1980s-1990s digital revolution transformed art creation and distribution
  • Emergence of computer-based art, net art, and digital media (David Em, JODI, Olia Lialina)

Influence of cybernetics on art

• Cybernetics studied control and communication in systems
  • Artists explored feedback loops, self-regulation, and human-machine interaction
    1. Gordon Pask's "Colloquy of Mobiles" (1968) featured interactive robotic sculptures that communicated with each other and participants
    2. Edward Ihnatowicz's "Senster" (1970) was a large robotic sculpture that responded to sound and movement using microphones and radar
• Information Theory studied the quantification, storage, and communication of information
  • Artists investigated the aesthetic potential of information and data visualization
    • Claude Shannon's "Ultimate Machine" (1952) was a simple device that turned itself off when switched on, demonstrating a feedback loop
    • A. Michael Noll's "Gaussian Quadratic" (1963) used a computer to generate patterns based on mathematical equations
• Systems Theory studied the organization and complexity of systems
  • Artists created complex, interactive, and self-organizing artworks
    • Hans Haacke's "Condensation Cube" (1963-65) was a sealed Plexiglas cube containing water that responded to environmental conditions
    • Jack Burnham's "Systems Esthetics" (1968) proposed a new aesthetic theory based on the principles of systems and cybernetics, influencing artists like Hans Haacke and Sol LeWitt