Cory Arcangel

Definition

Cory Arcangel is an American artist known for his innovative works that often blend technology, humor, and cultural commentary. His art frequently explores the intersections of new media and glitch aesthetics, creating pieces that challenge traditional notions of art through digital manipulation and coding. His practice has contributed significantly to discussions around new media art and glitch art, reflecting on how technology influences contemporary society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cory Arcangel gained fame with his work 'Super Mario Clouds,' where he manipulated a classic video game to create a tranquil landscape by removing all gameplay elements except for the clouds.
2. He often uses programming languages and tools like Photoshop to create art that reflects on internet culture and the absurdities of digital life.
3. Arcangel's work has been exhibited in prestigious institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Whitney Museum of American Art.
4. He frequently collaborates with other artists and has engaged in projects that explore the implications of digital culture on creativity and ownership.
5. His approach often includes a sense of humor, using playful tactics to critique contemporary issues related to technology and media.

Review Questions

• How does Cory Arcangel's work challenge traditional definitions of art through his use of technology?
  • Cory Arcangel challenges traditional definitions of art by utilizing technology as a primary medium in his creations. His works often employ digital manipulation and coding to transform familiar cultural icons, such as video games, into commentaries on contemporary society. By doing so, he blurs the lines between artist, programmer, and viewer, pushing the boundaries of what can be considered art in the digital age.
• Discuss the role of humor in Cory Arcangel's work and how it contributes to the messages he conveys about digital culture.
  • Humor plays a significant role in Cory Arcangel's work as it allows him to approach serious themes related to digital culture in an accessible and engaging way. By incorporating playful elements into his art, he critiques the absurdities of technology and internet culture while inviting viewers to reflect on their own interactions with these mediums. This blend of humor and critique creates a unique dialogue about contemporary issues surrounding media consumption and artistic expression.
• Evaluate how Cory Arcangel's contributions to new media art and glitch art reflect broader cultural shifts in society's relationship with technology.
  • Cory Arcangel's contributions to new media art and glitch art reflect significant cultural shifts regarding our relationship with technology. His works highlight how digital platforms shape our experiences, interactions, and perceptions of reality. By embracing glitches and errors as artistic expressions, he challenges notions of perfection in digital environments, prompting discussions about authenticity, authorship, and the impact of technological advancements on human creativity. This evaluation underscores how his artistry serves as a commentary on the evolving dynamics between art, technology, and society.

Related terms

New Media Art: An artistic genre that utilizes digital technology as a medium, often incorporating elements like video, audio, and interactive installations.

Glitch Art: A genre of visual art that embraces errors in digital processes, creating aesthetic value from technological malfunctions and distortions.

Digital Aesthetics: The study of the visual properties and experiences produced by digital technologies, influencing how art is created and perceived in the digital age.