Altering Nature: Exploring Life in Computational Art – A New Era of ArtTech and Curation

ArtTech is revolutionizing the art world by integrating technology with traditional artistic practices. This fusion is reshaping how art is created, experienced, and curated, offering new possibilities for artists and audiences alike.

The Rise of ArtTech

ArtTech encompasses a wide range of technologies, including machine creativity, computational art, data art, installation art, and immersive experiences through Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Extended Reality (XR). These technologies enable artists to explore new forms of expression and engage audiences in innovative ways. HKUST is supporting the new type of creative expression (see below).

Key Developments in ArtTech

• AI-Generated Art: Artists are using artificial intelligence to create unique works that challenge traditional notions of authorship and creativity. Algorithms can generate paintings, music, and even poetry, expanding the boundaries of artistic expression.
• Immersive Experiences: VR and AR are transforming how we experience art. These technologies allow for interactive installations that engage viewers in dynamic environments.
• Data-Driven Art: Artists use data as a medium to create visualizations and installations that reveal patterns and insights, often addressing social or environmental issues. This approach combines aesthetics with information, creating thought-provoking pieces.

New Forms of Museum Exhibitions – in Hong Kong with En Voyage with Claude Monet

ArtTech is also influencing how exhibitions are curated. Museums and galleries are increasingly incorporating digital elements to create interactive and immersive experiences. The “En Voyage with Claude Monet” exhibition was a groundbreaking digital art experience held at the West Kowloon Cultural District’s Cultural Plaza, next to Xiqu Centre in Hong Kong. Running from October 27, 2022, to January 15, 2023, this immersive exhibition brought Claude Monet’s masterpieces to life through a spectacular 36-minute light and sound show.

Highlights of the Exhibition

• Immersive Experience: Approximately 200 of Monet’s paintings were animated and enhanced with cutting-edge light and sound designs by the Belgian creative studio Dirty Monitor. This allowed visitors to experience Monet’s art in a new, dynamic way.
• 360-Degree Journey: The exhibition offered a continuous journey through Monet’s artistic landscapes, taking audiences across Europe—from Paris to London, The Netherlands to Norway—through the eyes of the Impressionist master.
• Virtual Reality Tour: Visitors could also participate in a VR tour of Monet’s house in Giverny, providing an intimate glimpse into his personal and creative space.

This exhibition exemplified how ArtTech can transform traditional art into engaging, interactive experiences that captivate modern audiences. By merging technology with classical art, “En Voyage with Claude Monet” set a new standard for immersive exhibitions in Hong Kong and beyond.

HKUST will have a new ArtTech Exhibition

The exhibition “Altering Nature: Exploring Life in Computational Art” at HKUST Library showcases these advancements. Running from October 30 to December 24, 2024, it features works by artists like Ziwei Wu and Dalun Fei. Their contributions highlight the intersection of technology and art, offering visitors an opportunity to explore life through computational creativity

Artists Spotlight

• Ziwei Wu: A media artist known for her innovative use of computational media. Her work often explores the boundaries between digital and physical realms56.
• Dalun Fei: Known for integrating machine creativity into her installations, Fei’s work at HKUST exemplifies the potential of ArtTech to transform artistic narratives1.

ArtTech is not just a trend but a transformative movement that continues to redefine the possibilities within the art world. As artists and curators embrace these technologies, they open new dialogues between art, technology, and society.

Ziwei Wu is a talented artist who is also a PhD student at HKUST in Arts and Machine Creativity. I got to know her as she is currently my teaching assistant for a Design Thinking class for UG students at HKUST Emerging Interdisciplinary Areas (EMIA) division.