The reinterpretation of classical art in digital format

Marija Jevtić,Helena Gabrijelčič Tomc

doi:10.24867/jged-2018-2-005

Abstract

The reinterpretation of classical arts in digital art is the basic framework in which the world is moving with the help of two concepts classically and digitally. It is important to know how much digital art has helped and ease the consumption of art among the broad masses on the one hand, while on the other hand it is the classic basis for everything. The phenomena of “From pigment to pixel” is the focus of this research, or how the aesthetics of classical use are in the epoch of digital. The instrument for transferring elements from one to the other meaning system or art dis-course, or as an act of creation that strategically applies to existing artistic or non-artistic creations as a building for the construction of a new artistic creation, is called appropriation. The aim of the paper is to analytically review the most important works that are the state-of-the-art in the transfer of meanings “From pigment to pixel” and to interpretively present new assumptions, synthesis and analogies that are raised from a new paradigm of observing this phenomena in the art and the technology. After a review of history in pixel-pigment implementations the paper addresses and critically discusses the works of Oliver Laric, as a representative artist that creatively interlaces the physical and digital giving new meaning to the reinterpretations of classical arts in digital forms. In the final part of the analytical review the manifestation of avatars and digital body (body and identity) are presented and discussed. In the conclusions the authors’ study is summed up with three interpretative observations that give the initiative also for further researches in the field.

Highlights

The subject of the research is the framework of the reinterpretation that addresses two key terms – classical and digital
We are especially interested in the aesthetics of classical art and the possibility of its transfer into digital form
The idea of drawing a parallel between pigment and pixel or, respectively, discovery of linseed oil, which ushered in the triumphant development of canvas aesthetics, and Amiga 1000, which brought us the endless possibilities that come with the pixel, will vividly illustrate the complexity of the appropriation process, the reinterpretation process, and the politics of using the aesthetic material of “old” art in today’s post-consumerist world

Summary

Introduction

The subject of the research is the framework of the reinterpretation that addresses two key terms – classical and digital. The idea of drawing a parallel between pigment and pixel or, respectively, discovery of linseed oil, which ushered in the triumphant development of canvas aesthetics, and Amiga 1000, which brought us the endless possibilities that come with the pixel, will vividly illustrate the complexity of the appropriation process, the reinterpretation process, and the politics of using the aesthetic material of “old” art in today’s post-consumerist world. In this “brave new” age, the art becomes emancipated through on-screen, digitized images.

From Pigment to Pixel

Digital Art

The Social Networks and the Transition to Digital

Conclusion