Sensing the Future: Moholy-Nagy, Media and the Arts

Life in the digital economy of information and images can be overwhelming, but Moholy-Nagy's ideas on guidance and critique of technology are still relevant to artistic practice today. His aesthetic engagement with the technology/body problematic explored notions of immersion,interactivity, and bodily participation, offering a critique of todays disembodiment. This book introduces him to younger generations and reflects on his work's relevance to artistic practice.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 04 July 2023
Publisher: Lars Muller Publishers

The digital economy of information and images offers a rich tapestry of experiences, yet it can also leave us feeling overwhelmed. In his insightful work, Sensing the Future: Moholy-Nagy, Media, and the Arts delves into the profound impact of technology, exploring how it was addressed by the visionary Hungarian polymath artist László Moholy-Nagy (1895–1946). Moholy-Nagy recognized the need for guidance in navigating the overwhelming sensory overload in a rapidly technologized, mediatized, and hyper-stimulating environment. His ideas resonated with media theorists like Walter Benjamin, John Cage, Sigfried Giedion, and Marshall McLuhan, who foresaw the emergence of digital culture.

As we contemplate Moholy-Nagy's role in the digital realm, it becomes evident that he occupies a unique position. His aesthetic exploration of the technology/body problem introduced concepts of immersion, interactivity, and bodily participation, offering a critical perspective on the current state of disembodiment. He can be seen as both a pioneer and a proto-critic of the digital, as his work continues to inspire and influence contemporary artists.

This book serves as a valuable introduction to Moholy-Nagy for younger generations, while also engaging with responses from contemporary artists to reflect on the enduring relevance of his work in the realm of artistic practice. Having received widespread acclaim from experts, this classic now receives a second and slightly revised edition, ensuring that his insights continue to resonate and inspire for years to come.

Dimension: 210 x 297 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783037787465
Edition number: Revised ed