Digital Tools: Creative Development and Developing Creativity Panel Statement 2

Symposium:

• ISEA95: Sixth International Symposium on Electronic Art

• Digital Tools: Creative Development and Developing Creativity

• Digital Tools: Creative Development and Developing Creativity Panel Statement 2

• Henry See

Venue(s):

• Hôtel Le Méridien, Montreal, Canada

• Artists in the field of media arts are caught between two powerful forces: the market pulls us forward ever faster, more powerful, more complex hardware and software, at such a speed that we have no time to master the old tools before new tools become available; the existing field of visual art pulls us backwards, promoting categories of criticism and judgement which are anchored in other traditions. The first force carries with it the notion that the limits and constraints of tools are limits and constraints on creation – hence the search for tools that will “do it all.” It rewards those who “push the envelope”, which establishes a hierarchy where those who have access to the newest and most expensive equipment are on top. The second force rewards those whose media art most closely fulfills the assumptions of traditional art.

Category:

• Panel