11.6 New media and digital art
10 min read•august 21, 2024
Digital art in Korea blends traditional aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, reflecting the country's rapid technological advancement. Korean artists have pioneered innovative techniques in , , and interactive installations, pushing the boundaries of visual expression.
The movement has been supported by institutions like the and government initiatives like the . These efforts have positioned Korea as a leader in digital art, influencing global trends in new media and interactive experiences.
Digital art in Korea
- Digital art in Korea emerged as a significant cultural force, blending traditional aesthetics with cutting-edge technology
- Korean digital artists pioneered innovative techniques, pushing boundaries of visual expression and interactivity
- This movement reflects Korea's rapid technological advancement and its impact on artistic practices
Early digital art pioneers
Top images from around the web for Early digital art pioneers
THE VIEW FROM FEZ: Visual Art on Screen in Fez View original
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Nam June Paik’s legendary Electronic Superhighway View original
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“The Father of Video Art” – Nam June Paik: Intersecting Art and The Digital – Digital Media ... View original
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THE VIEW FROM FEZ: Visual Art on Screen in Fez View original
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Nam June Paik’s legendary Electronic Superhighway View original
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Top images from around the web for Early digital art pioneers
THE VIEW FROM FEZ: Visual Art on Screen in Fez View original
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Nam June Paik’s legendary Electronic Superhighway View original
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“The Father of Video Art” – Nam June Paik: Intersecting Art and The Digital – Digital Media ... View original
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THE VIEW FROM FEZ: Visual Art on Screen in Fez View original
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Nam June Paik’s legendary Electronic Superhighway View original
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- revolutionized video art in the 1960s, creating installations using television sets and electronic manipulation
- combined traditional Korean painting techniques with digital animation, bridging past and present
- explored the intersection of projection mapping and sculpture, creating immersive environments
- These artists paved the way for future generations of Korean digital creators
New media art institutions
- Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) established a dedicated new media art wing in 2013
- Art Center Nabi focuses exclusively on digital art and technological innovation in creative practices
- provides residencies and exhibition spaces for digital artists
- These institutions foster experimentation, research, and public engagement with digital art forms
Government support for technology
- Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism launched the "Content Korea Lab" to support digital content creation
- (KOCCA) provides funding and resources for digital art projects
- Seoul Digital Foundation promotes digital literacy and innovation across various sectors, including the arts
- Government initiatives have significantly contributed to Korea's leadership in digital art and technology
Korean video game industry
- Video game industry in Korea has become a global powerhouse, influencing digital art and culture
- Korean games blend artistic elements with technological innovation, creating unique visual styles
- This sector has strong ties to other digital art forms, including animation and
Major gaming companies
- , founded in 1994, pioneered free-to-play online games with titles like "MapleStory"
- , established in 1997, created the influential MMORPG "Lineage" series
- specializes in mobile games, producing hits like "Seven Knights" and "Marvel Future Fight"
- These companies employ thousands of digital artists, animators, and designers, shaping Korea's digital art landscape
Esports culture and impact
- Korea pioneered professional gaming leagues, with StarCraft tournaments televised as early as the late 1990s
- Purpose-built esports arenas, like the Nexon Arena in Seoul, showcase digital art through game visuals and stage design
- Professional gamers achieve celebrity status, influencing fashion, advertising, and popular culture
- Esports events incorporate elaborate digital art displays, merging competitive gaming with visual spectacle
Mobile gaming dominance
- Korea leads in mobile game development, with companies like Netmarble and Com2uS creating global hits
- Mobile games feature sophisticated graphics and art styles, pushing the boundaries of small-screen visuals
- Kakao Games leverages the popular messaging app to distribute casual games with unique art direction
- Mobile gaming success has led to cross-pollination with other digital art forms, including and animation
Digital animation and webtoons
- Digital animation and webtoons represent a significant aspect of Korea's digital art scene
- These mediums blend traditional storytelling with innovative digital techniques
- Korean artists have gained international recognition for their distinctive styles and narratives
Rise of webtoon platforms
- launched in 2004, revolutionizing digital comics with its vertical scrolling format
- (now Kakao Webtoon) emerged as a major competitor, fostering diverse artistic styles
- Line Webtoon expanded globally, bringing Korean digital comics to international audiences
- These platforms provide tools and resources for artists to create and monetize their digital artwork
Influential digital animators
- gained acclaim for his dark, socially critical animations like "The King of Pigs" and "Seoul Station"
- pioneered the use of rotoscoping in Korean animation with "Green Days"
- , founded by Jae-myung Yoo, produced internationally recognized series like "The Legend of Korra"
- These animators blend traditional techniques with digital tools, creating unique visual aesthetics
Global impact of Korean animation
- "Larva," a dialogue-free CGI series, became a global hit on streaming platforms
- "Pororo the Little Penguin" achieved international success, showcasing Korea's prowess in children's digital animation
- Korean animators frequently collaborate with international studios, influencing global animation trends
- The distinctive style of Korean digital animation has inspired artists and studios worldwide
Virtual and augmented reality
- Virtual and technologies have found fertile ground in Korea's digital art scene
- Korean artists and institutions explore these mediums to create immersive and interactive experiences
- VR and AR art in Korea often blends cutting-edge technology with traditional cultural elements
VR art installations
- Artist creates VR documentaries exploring themes of memory and borders
- The (MMCA) hosts VR exhibitions, allowing visitors to interact with digital artworks
- VR gaming company Giantstep collaborates with artists to create immersive art experiences
- These installations challenge traditional notions of art viewing and participation
AR in public spaces
- Seoul's Deoksugung Palace uses AR to recreate historical scenes and artifacts for visitors
- The K-Pop hologram theater in Gangnam uses AR technology to create lifelike performances
- Artist 's AR sculptures appear in various Seoul locations, blending digital art with urban landscapes
- These projects demonstrate how AR can transform public spaces into interactive digital art galleries
Mixed reality experiences
- The ": Dance! Art Museum, Learn & Play! Future Park" in Seoul combines physical installations with digital projections
- Artist collective Tacit Group creates performances that merge live music with responsive digital visuals
- The Nexon Computer Museum on Jeju Island offers mixed reality exhibits on the history of computing and gaming
- These experiences blur the lines between physical and digital art, creating new forms of audience engagement
Social media and art
- Social media platforms have significantly impacted the creation, distribution, and consumption of digital art in Korea
- Korean artists leverage these platforms to reach global audiences and experiment with new forms of artistic expression
- The rise of social media has challenged traditional art institutions and created new opportunities for artists
Instagram artists vs traditional
- Instagram-based artists like Gyung Min Lee gain large followings with their digital illustrations and animations
- Traditional galleries in Korea increasingly feature Instagram-discovered artists, bridging online and offline art worlds
- Some established artists resist social media, leading to debates about authenticity and artistic value
- The platform's visual focus has influenced artistic styles, favoring bold, eye-catching digital artworks
Online art communities
- Platforms like and host vibrant communities of Korean digital artists
- Korean-language forums like Dcinside's Illustration Gallery foster discussion and critique among digital artists
- Online communities often organize collaborative projects and challenges, pushing artistic boundaries
- These spaces provide crucial networking and learning opportunities for emerging digital artists
Viral art trends
- The "" challenge originated in Korea, spreading globally on Instagram and Twitter
- Korean artists pioneered "" trends, reimagining K-pop stars in various artistic styles
- Digital "fan art" of popular webtoons and games often goes viral, creating new opportunities for artists
- These trends demonstrate the power of social media in shaping digital art practices and aesthetics
Digital preservation of heritage
- Digital technologies play a crucial role in preserving and promoting Korea's cultural heritage
- Korean institutions leverage digital tools to make historical artifacts and sites more accessible
- These efforts bridge traditional culture with contemporary digital art practices
3D scanning of artifacts
- The National Museum of Korea uses high-resolution 3D scanning to create digital models of ancient artifacts
- Gyeongju National Museum employs photogrammetry to digitize Silla Dynasty gold crowns and jewelry
- These scans allow for detailed study and conservation planning without risking the original objects
- Digital models enable the creation of accurate replicas for exhibition and educational purposes
Virtual museum experiences
- The National Palace Museum of Korea offers virtual tours of its collections and historical palace buildings
- Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, provides an online 3D gallery showcasing both traditional and contemporary Korean art
- These virtual experiences make Korean cultural heritage accessible to global audiences
- Digital platforms allow for innovative curatorial approaches, linking artifacts across time and space
Digital archiving projects
- The National Archives of Korea digitizes historical documents, making them searchable and accessible online
- The War Memorial of Korea creates digital archives of war-related materials, including veteran testimonies
- Universities collaborate on the Korean History Digital Archive, preserving and organizing historical records
- These projects ensure the long-term preservation of Korea's cultural memory and facilitate new forms of historical research
Artificial intelligence in art
- Artificial intelligence has emerged as a powerful tool and subject in Korean digital art
- Korean artists and researchers explore the creative potential and ethical implications of AI in artistic practice
- AI art challenges traditional notions of authorship and creativity in the Korean art world
AI-generated Korean art
- Artist collaborates with AI to create paintings that blend human and machine aesthetics
- Researcher develops AI systems that generate traditional Korean landscape paintings
- The "" in Seoul showcases AI-created artworks alongside human-made pieces
- These projects explore the boundaries between human and machine creativity in the context of Korean art traditions
Ethical considerations
- Korean artists debate the implications of AI authorship and the potential displacement of human artists
- Questions of data bias in AI training sets raise concerns about representation in AI-generated Korean art
- The use of AI in art restoration and recreation of lost cultural artifacts sparks discussions about authenticity
- These ethical debates shape policies and practices in AI art creation and exhibition in Korea
Collaborations between AI and artists
- The "" uses AI to complete unfinished patterns on ancient Korean pottery
- Artist group teamLab incorporates AI into interactive installations that respond to viewer movements
- Korean game developers use AI to generate dynamic in-game art and environments
- These collaborations demonstrate how AI can augment and inspire human creativity in digital art
Blockchain and crypto art
- Blockchain technology and cryptocurrency have begun to influence the Korean digital art market
- Korean artists and institutions explore new models of art ownership and distribution through blockchain
- These technologies raise questions about the nature of digital art and its value in the Korean context
NFTs in Korean art market
- Major Korean auction houses like Seoul Auction integrate NFT sales into their offerings
- Digital artist Mikyung Lee sold her "Ethereum Flower" series as NFTs, gaining international attention
- The Busan Blockchain Industry Association promotes NFT art through exhibitions and educational programs
- NFTs provide new avenues for Korean digital artists to monetize their work and reach global collectors
Cryptocurrency impact on galleries
- Traditional Korean galleries like Arario and Kukje explore cryptocurrency payment options for digital artworks
- Crypto art platforms like SuperRare and Foundation attract Korean artists seeking alternative markets
- Some Korean galleries create virtual spaces in the metaverse to showcase NFT artworks
- These developments challenge traditional art market structures and valuation methods in Korea
Digital art ownership issues
- Korean legal experts grapple with copyright and ownership questions related to blockchain-based art
- The Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) develops guidelines for NFT art creation and trading
- Debates arise over the environmental impact of blockchain technology in the context of digital art
- These issues prompt discussions about the future of art collecting and preservation in the digital age
Interactive media installations
- Interactive media installations have become a significant form of digital art in Korea
- Korean artists combine technology with traditional art forms to create immersive experiences
- These installations often engage with social and cultural issues specific to Korea
Notable Korean media artists
- Lee Lee-nam creates digital reinterpretations of classical Korean paintings using LED screens
- 's multimedia installations explore themes of surveillance and technology in Korean society
- and collaborate on futuristic video installations addressing social issues
- These artists push the boundaries of technology and art, creating unique interactive experiences
Public interactive artworks
- The Seoul Light Festival features large-scale interactive light installations throughout the city
- Daejeon's "Art Center Nabi" hosts rotating exhibitions of interactive digital artworks
- The Incheon International Airport showcases permanent interactive media art installations
- These public works make digital art accessible to a wide audience and transform urban spaces
Technology in performance art
- Tacit Group incorporates real-time data visualization in their audiovisual performances
- Choreographer Ahn Eun-me uses motion capture technology in her digital dance performances
- The Korea National Contemporary Dance Company collaborates with digital artists for immersive stage designs
- These performances blur the lines between traditional and digital art forms, creating new hybrid experiences
Digital art education
- Digital art education in Korea has evolved to meet the demands of the rapidly changing technological landscape
- Korean institutions focus on integrating traditional art practices with cutting-edge digital techniques
- The emphasis on digital skills reflects Korea's position as a global leader in technology and digital culture
University programs
- Seoul National University offers a Digital Art Lab within its College of Fine Arts
- Korea National University of Arts (K-Arts) provides specialized programs in digital media and
- Hongik University's Department of Digital Media Design focuses on practical skills for the digital content industry
- These programs combine technical training with critical theory, preparing students for diverse careers in digital art
Online learning platforms
- Coursera partners with Korean universities to offer digital art and design courses globally
- K-MOOC (Korean Massive Open Online Courses) provides free digital art and technology classes in Korean
- Platforms like Class101 feature courses by professional Korean digital artists and designers
- These online resources democratize access to digital art education and promote lifelong learning
Digital skills for artists
- The Korean Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) offers workshops on emerging technologies for artists
- Art Center Nabi provides residencies and training programs focusing on new media art skills
- The Seoul Animation Center runs courses on digital animation techniques for aspiring animators
- These initiatives ensure that Korean artists remain at the forefront of digital art practices and technologies
Key Terms to Review (49)
3D modeling: 3D modeling is the process of creating a three-dimensional representation of an object or scene using specialized software. This technique allows artists and designers to visualize and manipulate objects in a virtual space, providing depth and realism that flat images cannot achieve. It has become an essential part of new media and digital art, facilitating innovative ways to express creativity and engage audiences.
Art and technology discourse: Art and technology discourse refers to the ongoing conversation and examination of the relationship between artistic practices and technological advancements. This discourse explores how new tools and mediums, particularly in the realm of digital art and new media, influence artistic expression, cultural production, and audience engagement. It also addresses the ethical implications and societal impacts that arise from integrating technology into the creative process.
Artificial intelligence art competition: An artificial intelligence art competition is a contest where artists and technologists use AI algorithms to create original artworks, often exploring the intersection of creativity and technology. These competitions challenge participants to push the boundaries of traditional art forms by leveraging machine learning, neural networks, and other AI techniques, ultimately raising questions about authorship, creativity, and the role of technology in contemporary art.
Artstation: ArtStation is an online platform that serves as a community and portfolio site for artists, especially those in the fields of concept art, illustration, and digital art. It allows creators to showcase their work, connect with others in the industry, and find job opportunities, making it a vital resource for both aspiring and established artists in the digital landscape.
Augmented Reality: Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that superimposes digital information, such as images, sounds, or text, onto the real world, enhancing the user's perception of their environment. This interactive experience blends virtual elements with the physical world, creating new possibilities for engagement and creativity in various fields, including art and entertainment.
Behance: Behance is an online platform that allows creative professionals to showcase their work, connect with other artists, and find job opportunities in the design and digital art fields. It serves as a portfolio site for users to present their projects, receive feedback, and gain visibility within the creative community, making it a vital resource for those involved in new media and digital art.
Content Korea Lab: Content Korea Lab is a creative platform established to support and promote digital content creation in South Korea. It focuses on nurturing innovative ideas and facilitating collaboration among creators, technologists, and businesses to enhance the development of new media and digital art. By providing resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities, Content Korea Lab aims to foster a vibrant ecosystem for digital creativity and expression.
Cyber culture: Cyber culture refers to the social, cultural, and intellectual aspects that arise from the widespread use of digital technology and the internet. It encompasses the ways in which individuals and communities interact, create, and express themselves in virtual spaces, influencing art, communication, and identity in profound ways. As technology evolves, cyber culture continuously shapes and reflects our values, beliefs, and social dynamics.
Daum webtoon: Daum Webtoon is a popular webcomic platform in South Korea that allows artists to publish their comic strips and stories online for free. It has become a significant part of the digital art scene, promoting new forms of storytelling through its unique format that often includes scrolling narratives, color illustrations, and interactive elements.
Digital animation: Digital animation refers to the creation of moving images through digital technology, utilizing software and computer-generated imagery to bring visual art to life. This technique has revolutionized the animation industry by allowing artists to produce complex and dynamic animations that were previously unattainable with traditional methods. With advancements in technology, digital animation has become an essential medium for storytelling in films, video games, and multimedia art.
Digital ethics: Digital ethics refers to the principles and moral guidelines that govern the use of digital technology and the internet. This concept encompasses issues related to privacy, data security, intellectual property, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and online interactions. As digital art and new media evolve, the importance of these ethical considerations grows, influencing how creators engage with technology and their audiences.
Digital installations: Digital installations refer to immersive artworks that utilize digital technology to create interactive and dynamic environments, often combining video, audio, and computer-generated imagery. These installations engage viewers by transforming physical spaces into sensory experiences that encourage participation and exploration. They often blur the lines between art and technology, pushing boundaries of traditional artistic expression.
Draw This In Your Style: 'Draw This In Your Style' is a popular artistic challenge where artists reinterpret a piece of art in their own unique style. This practice encourages creativity, experimentation, and collaboration among artists while promoting engagement within the art community. By putting their own spin on existing works, artists can explore different techniques and expand their artistic horizons, which is particularly relevant in the context of new media and digital art.
Esports culture: Esports culture refers to the community, practices, and social interactions surrounding competitive video gaming, which has evolved into a significant global phenomenon. It encompasses everything from organized tournaments and professional teams to fan engagement and streaming platforms, creating a vibrant ecosystem that connects gamers and audiences alike. This culture has reshaped entertainment, social interaction, and even business models in the digital age, driving innovations in media and digital art as well.
Gaming culture: Gaming culture refers to the social and communal aspects surrounding video games, including the behaviors, interactions, and practices of players and fans. It encompasses a wide range of activities such as gaming tournaments, streaming, fan art, and discussions on forums, creating a vibrant community that influences game design, marketing, and social norms within the industry.
Hayoun kwon: Hayoun Kwon is a contemporary artist known for her innovative work in new media and digital art, particularly exploring themes of identity, memory, and technology. Her pieces often incorporate immersive installations and interactive elements that engage viewers, creating a dialogue between the physical and digital realms. Kwon's work pushes the boundaries of traditional art forms, emphasizing the intersection of art and technology in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Hong deok-pyo: Hong deok-pyo refers to a contemporary Korean artist and a pivotal figure in the realm of new media and digital art. He is known for his innovative use of technology and digital platforms to create immersive experiences that challenge traditional forms of artistic expression. His work often blurs the lines between the digital and physical worlds, reflecting on the impact of technology on culture and society.
Idol as art: Idol as art refers to the creation and appreciation of religious or cultural figures that serve as objects of veneration, embodying spiritual or societal values. These artworks often transcend mere representation, becoming a focal point for devotion and community identity, especially in new media and digital art contexts, where they can be reinterpreted, remixed, and shared across various platforms.
Incheon Art Platform: The Incheon Art Platform is a contemporary art space located in Incheon, South Korea, dedicated to promoting new media and digital art through various exhibitions, residencies, and educational programs. This platform serves as a hub for artists, curators, and the public to engage with innovative forms of artistic expression and technology, reflecting the evolving landscape of contemporary art practices.
Interactive art: Interactive art is a form of art that requires the active participation of the audience to create or shape the artwork's experience. This type of art often utilizes technology and digital media, allowing viewers to engage with the piece in a meaningful way, thus transforming them from passive observers into active participants. By incorporating elements like sensors, software, and virtual reality, interactive art creates a dynamic relationship between the viewer and the artwork.
Jeon joonho: Jeon Joonho is a contemporary South Korean artist recognized for his innovative work that bridges traditional Korean aesthetics with modern digital media practices. His art often incorporates elements like interactive installations and multimedia presentations, reflecting the dynamic nature of new media and digital art in Korea today.
Joo Yeon Park: Joo Yeon Park is a contemporary Korean artist known for her innovative use of new media and digital art. Her work often explores the intersection of technology and human experience, utilizing various digital platforms to create immersive and interactive art installations that engage viewers on multiple levels. Through her art, she reflects on modern society's relationship with technology, challenging traditional boundaries of artistic expression.
K-bokcheon project: The k-bokcheon project is an innovative initiative in South Korea that focuses on integrating traditional Korean art and culture with contemporary digital media practices. This project aims to explore the intersection of heritage and technology, using digital tools to create new forms of artistic expression that resonate with modern audiences while honoring traditional methods.
Kim jae-gwon: Kim Jae-gwon is a contemporary Korean artist known for his innovative approach to new media and digital art, often blending traditional themes with modern technology. His work explores the intersection of culture and technology, challenging viewers to consider how digital tools can shape and transform artistic expression. Through various forms of media, Kim pushes the boundaries of what constitutes art in the digital age.
Korean Creative Content Agency: A Korean creative content agency specializes in producing and managing various forms of creative media, including music, film, television, and digital art. These agencies play a pivotal role in shaping the global appeal of Korean culture, known as the Korean Wave or Hallyu, by facilitating the development and distribution of creative content across international markets.
Korean Wave: The Korean Wave, also known as Hallyu, refers to the global popularity of South Korean culture, particularly in music, television, and film. This phenomenon gained momentum in the late 1990s and has since influenced various aspects of global entertainment and culture, driving interest in Korea's language, fashion, and food.
Lee lee-nam: Lee Lee-nam is a contemporary Korean artist known for his innovative use of digital technology in art, blending traditional motifs with new media forms. His work often explores themes of cultural identity and modernity, utilizing digital animation and interactive installations to create immersive experiences that challenge viewers' perceptions of both art and technology.
Mobile gaming dominance: Mobile gaming dominance refers to the overwhelming popularity and market share of mobile games in the global gaming industry. This phenomenon has significantly reshaped how games are developed, distributed, and consumed, with mobile platforms becoming the primary medium for gamers worldwide. As a result, traditional gaming models have been disrupted, leading to innovative approaches in game design and player engagement.
Moon kyungwon: Moon Kyungwon is a South Korean artist known for her innovative work in new media and digital art, often exploring the intersection of technology, art, and cultural narratives. Her projects blend traditional artistic practices with contemporary digital techniques, resulting in immersive experiences that challenge viewers’ perceptions and engagement with art. By using cutting-edge technology, Moon's work often reflects on societal issues and the evolving nature of identity in a rapidly changing world.
Nam June Paik: Nam June Paik was a pioneering Korean-American artist known for his innovative work in video art and new media, often referred to as the 'father of video art.' His unique approach combined elements of performance, technology, and visual art, establishing a bridge between Eastern and Western artistic traditions and influencing contemporary practices in digital art.
National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art: The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) in South Korea is a leading institution dedicated to showcasing and preserving contemporary art, including modern Korean art movements. This museum plays a crucial role in promoting the understanding and appreciation of avant-garde expressions, social movements, and the evolution of artistic practices in Korea, reflecting broader trends in both national and global art scenes.
Naver Webtoon: Naver Webtoon is a popular online platform for webcomics, launched by the South Korean tech company Naver in 2004. This platform has transformed how comics are consumed, allowing creators to share their work digitally and interact with a global audience. It has popularized the webtoon format, characterized by vertical scrolling, vibrant colors, and often episodic storytelling, making it a significant part of new media and digital art in contemporary culture.
Ncsoft: ncsoft is a South Korean video game development company known for creating massively multiplayer online games (MMOs) and innovative digital experiences. As a pioneer in the gaming industry, ncsoft has significantly impacted new media and digital art by blending technology with artistic expression, pushing boundaries in game design and interactive storytelling.
Net art: Net art refers to artistic works that are created and experienced through the internet, utilizing the unique qualities of the web as a medium for expression. This form of digital art often interacts with web culture, addressing issues such as technology, social networks, and the implications of living in a digitally connected world. By leveraging online platforms, net art challenges traditional notions of art by emphasizing interactivity, user participation, and the ephemeral nature of online experiences.
Netmarble: Netmarble is a South Korean mobile game development company known for creating and publishing highly successful games, primarily focused on the mobile platform. The company has made significant contributions to the gaming industry by blending innovative technology with captivating storytelling, enhancing the overall gaming experience for users worldwide.
Nexon: Nexon is a South Korean video game company known for developing and publishing popular online games, particularly in the realm of new media and digital art. It has gained recognition for its innovative use of technology and creative approaches to game design, which reflect the evolving landscape of digital entertainment and artistic expression. Nexon's commitment to interactive media has made it a significant player in the global gaming industry, influencing how digital art is integrated into gaming experiences.
Online exhibitions: Online exhibitions are virtual displays of artworks and artifacts that can be accessed via the internet, allowing viewers to experience art from anywhere in the world. These exhibitions often utilize digital media, enhancing traditional exhibition formats by incorporating multimedia elements, interactive features, and educational resources. They provide an opportunity for artists, galleries, and institutions to reach wider audiences and engage with diverse communities in innovative ways.
Post-digital aesthetics: Post-digital aesthetics refers to an artistic approach that emerges in response to the saturation of digital technology in contemporary society, where digital tools are integrated into traditional practices, leading to a hybridization of mediums. This aesthetic reflects the nuances of living in a digitally dominated age while also acknowledging the imperfections and tangible qualities of analog experiences, emphasizing a sense of authenticity and materiality.
Seoul Museum of Art: The Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) is a prominent cultural institution in South Korea that showcases contemporary art and plays a significant role in promoting artistic dialogue. It serves as a hub for innovative exhibitions, educational programs, and community engagement, reflecting the evolving landscape of Korean avant-garde movements and the integration of new media and digital art.
Social media art: Social media art refers to artistic works created and shared through social media platforms, utilizing the unique features and interactivity of these platforms to engage with audiences. This form of art often blurs the lines between creator and viewer, encouraging participation and collaboration in ways that traditional art forms do not. Artists leverage the immediacy and accessibility of social media to disseminate their work, foster community engagement, and explore contemporary issues.
Sougwen Chung: Sougwen Chung is an artist and researcher known for her innovative work in the intersection of traditional art practices and new media, particularly focusing on how technology influences creativity. She combines traditional drawing techniques with artificial intelligence and interactive installations, exploring themes of collaboration between humans and machines in the creative process.
Studio Mir: Studio Mir is a prominent animation studio based in South Korea, known for its unique blend of traditional and digital animation techniques. Founded in 2010, it gained international recognition for producing high-quality animated series and films, merging artistic styles with engaging storytelling. Its works often showcase a vibrant aesthetic that resonates with global audiences while also reflecting cultural influences from Korea.
TeamLab World: teamLab World is an interactive digital art experience created by the Japanese art collective teamLab, which combines technology, art, and nature to create immersive environments. This innovative installation allows visitors to engage with dynamic art pieces that respond to their movements and interactions, blurring the lines between the observer and the artwork. It highlights the intersection of new media and digital art, showcasing how technology can transform artistic expression and audience engagement.
Video art: Video art is a contemporary art form that uses video technology as a medium for creative expression, often emphasizing the artistic and aesthetic qualities of moving images. This form of art emerged as a distinct practice in the 1960s and 1970s, allowing artists to explore new narratives and experiment with time, space, and viewer engagement. Video art connects to various cultural movements, technological advancements, and global exchanges in the art world.
Virtual reality: Virtual reality (VR) is an immersive technology that simulates a computer-generated environment, allowing users to interact within a 3D space using specialized equipment like headsets and motion controllers. This technology creates an engaging experience that can transport users to different settings, enhancing creativity and interaction in digital art and providing innovative ways to preserve and restore cultural heritage.
Webtoons: Webtoons are digital comics that originated in South Korea, designed to be read on the internet and often displayed in a vertical scroll format. They combine traditional comic storytelling with innovative digital features, allowing for a unique reading experience that engages audiences through color, sound, and motion. This medium has gained immense popularity worldwide, influencing the development of new media and digital art forms.
Yangachi: Yangachi is a term used to describe a genre of contemporary Korean art that utilizes digital media and technology to engage audiences in innovative and interactive ways. This artistic form blends traditional elements with modern technology, often challenging viewers' perceptions and encouraging active participation in the art-making process. It represents a significant shift in how art is experienced, moving from passive observation to an immersive and dynamic interaction.
Yeon Sang-ho: Yeon Sang-ho is a prominent South Korean filmmaker and artist known for his innovative contributions to new media and digital art, particularly through his work in animation and feature films. He gained international recognition for his ability to blend social commentary with compelling narratives, often utilizing digital technology as a medium to express complex themes and emotions in contemporary society.
Yiyun kang: Yiyun Kang is a contemporary artist known for her innovative use of new media and digital art forms, focusing on the intersection of technology and traditional artistic practices. Her work often explores themes of identity, culture, and the impact of digital technology on society, reflecting a blend of Eastern and Western influences in her artistic expression.