Post-internet art

Definition

Post-internet art refers to artistic practices that engage with the internet's influence on culture, society, and identity, often utilizing digital media while acknowledging the omnipresence of the web in contemporary life. This form of art examines how the internet shapes our perceptions and experiences, emphasizing the interplay between physical and virtual realms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Post-internet art emerged as a response to the proliferation of the internet and digital technologies, particularly in the early 21st century.
2. Artists involved in post-internet art often utilize both online and offline formats, blurring the boundaries between digital and physical spaces.
3. The movement emphasizes the importance of audience interaction, where viewers may engage with the artwork through social media or other digital platforms.
4. Post-internet art frequently critiques or reflects on issues such as surveillance, consumerism, and identity formation in a digitally saturated world.
5. Key figures in post-internet art include artists like Rafael Rozendaal and Jon Rafman, who explore various aspects of internet culture through their work.

Review Questions

• How does post-internet art reflect the relationship between digital technology and contemporary culture?
  • Post-internet art encapsulates the ways in which digital technology reshapes our cultural landscape by addressing how we consume information, interact with one another, and form identities in an internet-driven society. Artists working within this movement utilize both online and offline mediums to examine these dynamics, creating works that often invite viewer participation and reflect on themes like connectivity and alienation. This exploration highlights the profound impact of the internet on our daily lives and creative expressions.
• What role does audience interaction play in post-internet art, and why is it significant?
  • Audience interaction is a central element of post-internet art, as it transforms passive viewers into active participants. This engagement can occur through social media platforms or immersive installations that encourage viewers to share their experiences and interpretations. The significance of this interaction lies in its ability to democratize the artistic process, allowing diverse perspectives to emerge while fostering a communal experience that reflects contemporary culture’s reliance on digital communication.
• Evaluate how post-internet art critiques societal issues such as surveillance and consumerism in relation to digital culture.
  • Post-internet art serves as a critical lens through which artists address pressing societal issues like surveillance and consumerism that have been amplified by digital culture. By using various media forms to expose the pervasive nature of data collection and advertising tactics, these artists provoke discussions about privacy, identity, and agency in a hyper-connected world. This evaluation of societal norms challenges audiences to reflect on their own roles within this digital landscape while questioning the implications of living in an age where technology shapes not just our interactions but our very sense of self.

Related terms

New Media Art: Art created with the use of new media technologies, often including digital, interactive, and networked practices.

Installation Art: A three-dimensional work designed to transform a space, often incorporating various materials and media to create an immersive experience.

Net Art: Art specifically created for the internet, utilizing web technologies as a primary medium, often exploring themes related to digital culture.