Post-internet art

Definition

Post-internet art refers to a genre of contemporary art that reflects the pervasive influence of the internet and digital technology on culture and society. This type of art often explores themes related to digital identity, online communities, and the impact of the internet on everyday life, merging digital and traditional artistic practices. Artists working in this realm may utilize both physical materials and digital tools, blurring the lines between the virtual and the tangible in their work.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Post-internet art emerged as a response to the widespread integration of the internet into daily life and culture in the early 21st century.
2. Artists in this genre often use social media, websites, and other online platforms as part of their creative process or as venues for exhibition.
3. The work can take many forms, including installations, videos, sculptures, and performances that reflect on the nature of digital experiences.
4. Post-internet art challenges traditional notions of authorship and ownership, as artworks are frequently shared, remixed, or repurposed online.
5. This genre raises questions about privacy, surveillance, and the commodification of digital experiences, engaging viewers in critical conversations about our relationship with technology.

Review Questions

• How does post-internet art redefine traditional artistic boundaries between digital and physical mediums?
  • Post-internet art redefines traditional artistic boundaries by seamlessly integrating digital tools with physical materials. Artists often create works that exist both online and offline, utilizing digital platforms for distribution while employing traditional techniques in their physical pieces. This blending challenges viewers to reconsider what constitutes 'art' in a world where digital experiences are pervasive and intrinsic to our daily lives.
• Discuss the implications of post-internet art on concepts of authorship and ownership in contemporary art.
  • Post-internet art complicates concepts of authorship and ownership by emphasizing the collaborative nature of online culture. Works can be easily shared, remixed, or repurposed within digital spaces, leading to questions about who can claim ownership over a piece. This genre encourages discussions about originality in art creation when so much content is derived from collective contributions across the internet.
• Evaluate how post-internet art engages with critical issues such as privacy and surveillance in the digital age.
  • Post-internet art engages with critical issues like privacy and surveillance by addressing how our digital lives are monitored and commodified. Artists create works that reflect on the implications of living under constant surveillance through technology while questioning how personal data shapes identity. By spotlighting these concerns, post-internet art invites viewers to reflect on their own relationship with technology and raises awareness about the socio-political ramifications of digital existence.

Related terms

Internet Art: Art that uses the internet as a primary medium for its creation or distribution, often engaging with themes specific to online culture.

New Media Art: A form of contemporary art that incorporates digital technologies, including video, sound, and interactive installations, as integral components.

Digital Identity: The online representation of an individual, shaped by personal information, online interactions, and digital footprints.