The famous maxim of the French philosopher Lavoisier seems increasingly true these days, as every aspect of our lives is gradually changing, whether it’s the way we work, entertain ourselves, or learn new things. In the same way, art, like any other practice, evolves and continues to develop as artists and technology push the boundaries of what is known and what is possible. Digital technology is disrupting our artistic habits and the way we think about creativity . We are all familiar with the seven traditional art forms, and we all know what defines and differentiates them. But digital art and the forms it can take are a whole different story. From there, let’s try to establish what the types of digital art are and discover how you can easily master one .
What is digital art?
First, let’s clarify how we define digital art. Digital art is any artistic work or practice that uses digital technology as part of the creation or presentation process. Digital art, therefore, differs from traditional art only in the tools used to produce or disseminate the creative content. Art, in a general sense, is not defined by the means used to create a work, but rather by the emotion, vision, and message that the artist can convey. For example, a painting canvas is a medium through which an artist can create art and convey ideas and inspiration. In the same way, the computer is a tool through which the artist can express their sense of line, form, color, composition, and rhythm.
The creator chooses the media to tell the artistic stories he wants, whether oils, watercolors or pixels, and the notion of technology intervenes in the practice to enhance the media as well as to embellish, characterize and concretize the message.
Digital art is a vast field where creative methods and techniques are as varied as they are numerous. It revolves around a central concept: the involvement of computer technologies. Furthermore, it is divided into three main categories: computer-generated visual media, digital photography, and digital installations using video mapping. There are several subcategories, and of course, the artist can combine them all to create their vision.
Types of digital art
Digital photography
The term is used when the artist uses a digital camera to produce a perfect image that traditional cameras would not otherwise achieve. The photos are then scanned and transposed into a computer environment. Then, the digital photographer uses special effects and image editing software to perform darkroom-like operations. Digital photographers generally consider that once the shot is taken, only half the job is done . One of the most used applications for this particularly meticulous editing work is Lightroom from the Aobe Suite.
Integrated digital art
This is what is known as “mixed media” or “interdisciplinary art” in the digital art world. In fact, the original meaning of this term is intended to design the combination of more than one art form to achieve unique results . The digital environment is much less restricted than traditional media. Therefore, the artist has complete and total control over how he wants his creation to be rendered.
Digital table
Digital paintings can be considered the essence of what digital art is today. It is, in fact, one of the most practiced forms of digital art in our technological age . Thanks to computers, digital painting can be done professionally, utilizing the myriad and ever-increasing number of functions it requires, the most well-known forms being 2D and 3D digital paintings. 2D images are fully rendered in the computer’s virtual environment using painting tools that reflect natural media styles . D creations can serve as the basis for 3D modeling and rendering software, which is essentially used for sculpting in virtual space.
Photo-painting
The term “photo painting” was coined during the rise of computer editing and with the term “photoshopper.” Photo painting is a practice associated with digital photography. This practice is not a manual process. In fact, after taking the optimal photo and displaying it on the computer, the artist paints over the digital image with editing tools and software applications.
Computer-aided graphics
Digital art consists of 2D and 3D computer graphics. 2D computer graphics are developed from two-dimensional standards such as text and digital images . They are used to transform conventional art forms into digital art, which can then be used for projects and animations in the television and film industry. 2D graphics, such as typography, cartography, scientific illustration, and advertisements, are generally inspired by conventional graphics.
3D graphics, on the other hand, are used to create animated three-dimensional volumes, such as video game characters or talking objects in an animated film. Their use is increasingly widespread and extends beyond artistic practice, as they are now seen in television commercials and communication deployments in general.
Vector drawing
The artist uses vector drawing software to create the images in a completely virtual environment. Vector paintings include shapes and straight lines that can be represented according to geometric formulas and filled with various colors and patterns. It is then easy for the artist to control and modify shadows, transparency, groups, and more.
Algorithm and fractals
This art is entirely generated by mathematical calculations . Art here is defined by the invention of mathematical formulas as well as the development of computer programs that will take advantage of the hardware’s display capabilities. In addition, digital shaders regularly use algorithmic codes and can be created in Unity for example. Finally, creativity can be highlighted in this practice by the creative intentions and successive choices of the artist.
Video mapping
Video projection, similar to projection mapping and spatial augmented reality, is a computer projection technique used to transform objects, often irregularly shaped, into a display surface for video projection
It can be seen in many different scenarios. Indeed, it can be monumental or small-scale, it is used in fashion shows as well as in corporate workshops, and it is installed in many temporary exhibitions in addition to countless permanent installations. But its most well-known form is undoubtedly building mapping, ;ost people have witnessed its application in their daily lives without even being aware of it or knowing the term.
Video mapping the digital art you can master
The unique nature of projection mapping makes its characteristics unique and central to the field of digital art. Indeed, this practice can serve as a medium for all digital artworks and as the main element of a creation.
All of the above types of digital art can be included in the visual arts and therefore must be seen to be appreciated. Video mapping has the inherent ability to enhance and magnify anything that can be seen This is because each digital project can be translated or executed by a computer, which in turn can provide the necessary technological signals and information to a projector.
