Overview

Digital Art is art made with code and pixels. It ranges from painting on an iPad to generative algorithms that create infinite variations.

Core Idea

The core idea is Virtualization. The canvas is infinite. The “Undo” button exists.

Formal Definition

Art that uses digital technology as an essential part of the creative or presentation process.

  • Raster: Pixels (Photoshop). Like painting.
  • Vector: Math (Illustrator). Like drawing with infinite precision.

Intuition

  • The Tool: The computer is just a fancy brush.
  • The Layer: Separating elements so you can change the background without ruining the foreground.

Examples

  • CGI (Computer Generated Imagery): Movies like Avatar.
  • Pixel Art: Nostalgic aesthetic from early video games.
  • Generative Art: Writing code that draws (Processing, p5.js).

Common Misconceptions

  • Misconception: The computer does the work.
    • Correction: You still need to know anatomy, color, and composition. The computer just renders it.
  • Misconception: It’s not “real” art because there is no original.
    • Correction: NFTs attempt to solve this by creating artificial scarcity.

Applications

  • Game Design: Creating worlds.
  • VFX: Movie magic.

Criticism and Limitations

  • Obsolescence: Digital files can become unreadable (Bit Rot).

Further Reading

  • Digital Art by Christiane Paul