Computer art is a modern form of creative activity where traditional forms and painting techniques (oil, watercolor and acrylic paints, inks) are converted into digital form. This is done using a computer, a hardware interface (a graphic tablet with a stylus or a modern tablet) and software (Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, SketchBook or free Gimp). The result of the work is an original work of art in digital raster image format. In what types of industries did computer art gain a strong position? What will happen to the traditional painting technique?
Creative innovation
Computer art is a form of creativity. It refers to the form of graphic art or digital images created using computer technology. This concept also includes traditional disciplines where computers are used. It covers computer painting or kinetic art (sculptures), as well as equivalent forms of applied (computerized design, architecture). In any case, this modern form of art is postmodernism created by computer means. This form of expression of the idea is very far from the rock paintings of the Stone Age.
Appearance story
The history and features of computer art appeared due to technical revolutions and the development of science.
Artists first began experimenting using computers in the 1950s. The first computer art exhibition, Computer Pictures, was held at the Howard Wise Gallery in New York. Another large-scale exhibition - Cybernetic Serendipity - took place in London in 1969 at the Institute of Contemporary Art.
At this stage, most of the works of art, called digital or cybernetic, were graphic and emphasized geometric shapes in various random combinations. Now they will not attract the attention of the modern generation, but for that time they were definitely considered revolutionary.
1970s
The history of computer art since the 1970s with the advent of the light pen has been developing in a different direction. The stylus is a digital pen that allows the user to move and place objects on a computer monitor, providing a greater degree of flexibility. Today, they are often used in tandem with digital personal organizers.
Famous artists David Hockney (b. 1937) and Richard Hamilton (1922-2011) experimented with this technology. In 1992, Hamilton used the Quantel Paintbox system to manipulate his 1956 collage.
1980-1990s
In the 1980s and 1990s, the features of computer art could be studied in interactive environments where the viewer and the artist were on the border between the real and virtual worlds. Artists focused on creating images using computer software tools. So created in 1982, Adobe released for artists easy-to-use software Adobe Illustrator.
This is still one of the main programs used by computer artists. Digital photo processing using programs such as Photoshop has created a new generation of interesting contemporary artists such as Andreas Gursky (b. 1955) and Jeff Wall (b. 1946).
Hardware developments have also impacted the industry. Many 21st century artists use Apple products. Especially popular is the iPad and touch screen technology, which makes computer images more accessible than before.
The role of the internet
The Internet has become the means by which computer artists publish their work. Artists can submit their works to online galleries or publish them on their own blogs or websites. The World Wide Web has also created interactive features that some artists use to create virtual experiences.
For example, the Indian artist Shilpa Gupta (b. 1976) invited visitors to the London Tate Modern. People at the computer have the opportunity to access a temporary website, choose a religion, and receive a virtual blessing (Blessed Bandwidth, 2003).
Arts resistance
There are many differences between computer art and traditional visual arts (painting, graphics, and sculpture). Digital art can be easily produced and presented to people who can distribute it, that is, copy and multiply. It is extremely popular among artists involved in pop art and poster art.
Traditional art takes more time, as a result, each work is unique. Today, traditional art can easily be digitized. For computer illustrations, the question remains open whether the soul of the artist is lost in digital art. Can computer art really express the artist’s inner emotions? Conservatives are on the side of the classic image and answer these questions negatively.
Modern artists do not agree with this, insisting that computer art is a highly qualified profession, the development of which can take years. They argue that the form, values and rules of art, such as shading, composition and others, are inherent in digital art, not only traditional. For this reason, does it matter whether the artist is holding a computer mouse or a brush for drawing? No doubt the discussion will continue.
It is clear that computer graphics as an art touched the life of every person. Today it is impossible to purchase anything, whether it is food, a book or a gift, without encountering images processed by digital means. Pictures are printed on the packaging, book cover and glossy brochure. Among other things, digital art has a central role in the film, animation and gaming industries.
Kinds
In the 20th century, various types of avant-garde art appeared, including animation (Walt Disney), collage (Marriage), trash art (Duchamp), assembly (Jean Dubuffet), conceptualism (Edward Kienholz, Yves Klein), installation (Joseph Boyce ), performance (Allan Kaprow) and video art (Andy Warhol, Peter Campus, Bill Viola). Digital graphics are revolutionary, because with the growth of artificial intelligence, it seeks to achieve complete artistic independence. Modern types of computer art are diverse. We list them and outline key features.
Computer graphics
Computer graphics as an art form is the most profitable area of the digital industry. Creation of computer images is based on specialized software. Images can range from simple (like a company logo) to complex animation and realistic movie with special effects. They revolutionized the industry of computer games, film business and animation. Pixar Animation Studios, the best computer animation studio, has been awarded.
Digital installation art
Computer technology in art is needed to create large-scale public art projects. This is a projection of images of objects (building facade, wall in a room) generated by a computer. As a rule, a “work of art” is mobile (which means that it can be transferred to any surface) and scalable, subject-oriented.
Generative art
Generative art means that a work of art was created in a random automated way, that is, a computer program using a mathematical algorithm. Here, a work of art is created with a certain degree of autonomy, that is, with the limited influence of the artist.
The author establishes the basic rules in the form of formulas and then starts a random process. The computer creates paintings and drawings that can be printed on paper or canvas. Now generative art is developing under the influence of artificial intelligence and robotic algorithms.
Computer illustration
In digital illustration, computer software such as Adobe Illustrator is used to create works of art similar to traditional fine art. Most often, computer illustrations are created from scratch, but photographic elements can be included in such works. Digital illustration is popular in the fashion industry when designers create their layouts.
Digital painting
Programs for digital painting are equipped with a palette of colors and are intended for the exact reproduction of the stroke and the technique of real tools: brushes, pastels, pencils, charcoal, pen. The artist uses techniques to create a digital picture directly on the computer.
Most programs for computer graphics are flexible, they allow the user to create new brushes, combine techniques.
Correction of the picture is made by changing the angle of the pen on the tablet or pressure on a specific area of the picture.
Computer graphics become art when a digital artist masters specific techniques in his environment, otherwise the knowledge is the same as that of an ordinary artist (perspective, composition, playing with color and light).
New vision
The use of digital tools and aids to create works of art has become commonplace. In digital art, the computer becomes the main vehicle for creative power. Now we give vivid examples of computer art:
1. Scott Snibbe, The Falling Girl
The exciting interactive storytelling installation The Falling Girl allows the viewer to become an active part of the story, which follows the unnaturally slow descent of a young girl from the top of a skyscraper to the ground. A falling girl reacts to people and events from every window in front of which she flies on her way down. The message of this work of art is transmitted in an interactive way, the brevity of our life and the unimportance of many things are emphasized here.
2. Gilles Tran, "The Wind Blows"
Modern French 3D-artist Gilles Tran, known as Oyonale, created a work called "The Wind Blows", in which gravity seems to play with objects in the room. It seems that the whole scene is engulfed in a beautiful and at the same time dangerous moment - a breath of wind. The work was created on 3D-rendering software such as POV-Ray, Cinema 4D, Poser and FinalRender. A hardworking programmer and designer created his surreal worlds. Its three-dimensional space attracts the viewer due to the realism of the image.
3. Pascal Dombis, "Irrational Geometry"
Pascal Dombis in his works explores the complexity of visual paradoxes. Algorithmic components are key factors in his art. Thanks to complex repetitions of simple processes, it creates complex geometric and typographic characters. The fragment resembles the failure that people encounter when working in computer programs. The image causes a feeling of awkwardness and imbalance. The viewer thinks about the paradox of mechanical control and chaotic randomness caused by software failure.
4. POV-Ray, "Still Life"
How far has computer art gone forward after more than 50 years? A small program called Persistence of Vision Raytracer, also known as POV-Ray, can provide an answer. This tracing software, it generates images based on textual descriptions, creating visual works of art from millions and billions of complex mathematical calculations.
Everyone can learn how to use this program, it does not require any innate talents and drawing or drawing skills. The end result speaks for itself. The incredible similarity of the final image with a photograph or a real image will amaze anyone who looks at it. To date, the program remains one of the most commonly used platforms for ray tracing, because it is easy to use and provides a powerful resource for editing generated images.
Computer or digital art is growing rapidly. At this stage, it is closely connected with the Internet, intelligent systems and robotics. No one knows what will happen next. But the fact that the worlds of traditional and digital art are moving away from each other is certain.