New Media Artists

Summary

This video explores the evolution of contemporary art, focusing on the integration of new media and technology. It highlights how artists began using computer technologies, video projections, and non-traditional materials in their works starting from the 1980s. The video also discusses the challenges artists face in using innovative materials like recycled items or aluminum foil and the importance of adapting to new technologies. Featuring interviews with artists like Shila Gupta, Elizabeth Riley, and John Nukem, the video delves into how these changes have impacted the art world, blurring the lines between fine art and craft.

Takeaways

• 😀 Artists began incorporating computer technologies and complex video projections into their work in the 1980s, marking a significant shift in the art world.
• 🎨 Traditional media, like painting and sculpture, continue to be used alongside non-traditional materials, such as cups, screws, and street signs in contemporary art.
• 💡 Video projection is an important medium in art today, with many artists using it to create immersive experiences and multi-monitor installations.
• 🏛️ Museums, like the Newark Museum, have adapted to the changing landscape of contemporary art by embracing new technologies and accommodating large-scale installations.
• 🎥 Video has evolved from simple, single-channel monitors to multi-art, multi-monitor pieces, with artists editing their own videos for installation purposes.
• 🖼️ Artists today are experimenting with a wide variety of materials, including found objects, recycled materials, and common household items, transforming them into extraordinary works of art.
• 🛠️ Some artists, like George Seagull, are using unconventional sculptural mediums such as plaster bandages to create immersive installations.
• 🔌 The inclusion of electricity and video components in sculptures and installations has become a prominent feature in contemporary art.
• 🌍 Some artists, like John Nukem, explore new ways to incorporate found objects, like old TVs, into their artwork, demonstrating a blending of new and old technologies.
• 🔄 The use of recycled and unconventional materials in art is viewed as an innovative way to challenge traditional notions of fine art, with artists turning everyday objects into something extraordinary.

Q & A

What is the significance of Shila Gupta's interactive video projection at the Newark Museum?

Shila Gupta's interactive video projection is a groundbreaking work that exemplifies how contemporary art has evolved through the use of technology. The piece illustrates the intersection of art, video, and interactivity, highlighting how artists now integrate advanced technologies like computer systems into their creative processes.

How did the 1980s contribute to the evolution of video art?

The 1980s marked a transformative period for video art, as artists began incorporating computer technologies into their works. Video pieces became more complex, transitioning from simple monitors to large-scale projections, and artists started experimenting with a wide range of materials in their creations.

Why is the Newark Museum considered a leader in contemporary art?

The Newark Museum is recognized for its commitment to following artists and the evolving nature of contemporary art. Museums like the Newark Museum are essential for collecting and exhibiting contemporary works, adapting to the artistic advancements of the times, and accommodating innovative forms of expression such as video projections and installations.

What role does Elizabeth Riley play in the transition from traditional to contemporary art?

Elizabeth Riley is an artist who bridges the gap between traditional and contemporary art. While she started as a painter and sculptor, she now incorporates non-traditional materials, such as cups and screws, into her installations, reflecting the shift toward multi-dimensional and immersive art forms.

What is installation art, and how does it differ from traditional art forms?

Installation art is a form of art that creates an immersive experience by transforming a space, often filling an entire room or creating a scene. Unlike traditional art, which typically exists on a flat canvas or sculpture, installation art engages the viewer more directly and can incorporate multiple media and materials.

What is the significance of George Seagull's sculptures using plaster bandages?

George Seagull is considered a pioneer in using plaster bandages as a sculptural medium. His innovative approach to sculpture helped lay the foundation for modern installation art, where figures are integrated into scenes to bring imagery to life and create a more immersive experience.

How has video projection become integral to contemporary installation art?

Video projection has become an important medium in contemporary installation art, allowing artists to add depth and interactivity to their works. Elizabeth Riley, for example, uses video projection to transform her installations, making them more dynamic and reflective of the technological age.

What challenges arise from using modern materials, such as fluorescent tubes or aluminum foil, in artwork?

Modern materials, like fluorescent tubes or aluminum foil, present unique challenges, especially in terms of longevity. For instance, fluorescent tubes may eventually burn out, and aluminum foil may not withstand the test of time as well as more traditional sculpting materials like clay. Artists must balance the creative potential of these materials with their eventual obsolescence.

How does John Nukem incorporate electricity into his artwork?

John Nukem incorporates electricity into his artwork by using abandoned TV sets. He paints on them and combines the static from the television with his artistic vision, creating pieces that engage both the visual and technological aspects of modern life.

What is the impact of using recycled materials, such as aluminum seals from liquor bottle caps, in contemporary art?

The use of recycled materials, like aluminum seals from liquor bottle caps, adds a layer of innovation and sustainability to contemporary art. Artists like El Anatsui turn discarded materials into beautiful and meaningful works, challenging traditional notions of fine art while promoting environmental awareness.