Internet_Art: From the Birth of the Web to the Rise of NFTs

The book explores the artists and events that defined the mass medium of our time, from 1989 to today, and how it has fostered new possibilities for artists, both analog and digital. It showcases work from legendary artists and innovators, tracing the key artists and innovators from the emergence of browser-based art to the dawn of NFTs.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 02 March 2023
Publisher: Phaidon Press Ltd

Since the advent of the World Wide Web in 1989, the art world has been grappling with the rise of networked culture, an unprecedented phenomenon that has brought about new possibilities for artists, both analog and digital. In this comprehensive survey of the artists and innovators in this field from 1989 to the present, author Omar Kholeif, whose prolific career has paralleled the growth of the internet, weaves a personal narrative alongside a comprehensive exploration of this mass medium.

The book showcases a diverse range of artwork spanning various media, featuring legendary artists such as Lawrence Abu Hamdan, Lynn Hershman Leeson, Nam June Paik, Heather Phillipson, and Wu Tsang. It traces the key figures and innovators who have shaped the evolution of browser-based art, leading up to the emergence of NFTs. This is a tale for both the present and the future, offering insights into the ever-changing landscape of networked culture and its impact on the art world.

The rise of networked culture has had a profound impact on the art world, enabling artists to reach a global audience and collaborate across boundaries. It has also challenged traditional art hierarchies and democratized the production and distribution of art. However, it has also raised concerns about the commodification of art and the loss of artistic autonomy.

One of the key themes of the book is the role of technology in shaping the art world. Kholeif explores how the internet has enabled artists to create new forms of expression and how it has facilitated the emergence of new art markets and distribution channels. He also examines the ethical implications of the digital age, such as the issue of data privacy and the potential for algorithmic bias in the art world.

Another important aspect of the book is the exploration of the cultural and social implications of networked culture. Kholeif discusses how the internet has transformed the way we communicate, consume information, and engage with each other, and how it has impacted our understanding of art and its role in society. He also explores the ways in which networked culture has been used to promote social justice and activism, such as through the use of digital art and social media.

Overall, "Networks of Art: The Emergence of Networked Culture" is a thought-provoking and comprehensive exploration of the artists and events that have defined the mass medium of our time. It offers valuable insights into the ever-changing landscape of networked culture and its impact on the art world, and is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of art, technology, and society.

Weight: 300g
ISBN-13: 9781838664077