Where Art Meets Technology

Imagine a complex mathematical formula translated into an intricate metal object. Or a female athlete’s hormones transformed into an iridescent frozen slab. Welcome to the brave new world of art.

With recent advances in technology, visual artists are able to create works that once lived only in their imaginations. Some advances allow greater precision. Others enable artists to complete a project in hours rather than days. And some have led to entirely new art forms. Here’s a look at several media that have embraced new technology.

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Smarter Looms, More Ambitious Textiles
When most people think of weaving, they envision a simple wooden loom. But in the UW Fibers Program, the newest looms are computerized and can weave stunningly complex designs.

Photography Transformed—by Pixels
“Even if you start using digital technology just to make better prints,” says Paul Berger, director of the UW Photography Program, “it soon leads off into new directions.”

New Methods for Metals
High-tech equipment in the UW Metals Program makes possible "such fine detail, such precision, that you can do things that would be almost impossible by hand.”

Beyond Traditional Media
Most faculty teach both traditional and new methods in the arts. Then there’s Shawn Brixey. “Traditional” is not even in Brixey’s vocabulary.

Related Article : Defying Categorization: DXARTS

[Autumn 2003 - Table of Contents]