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New media art

Oron Catts, Ionat Zurr and Guy Ben-Ary, The Pig Wings, 2000-2001, pig bone marrow stem cells and biodegradable/bioabsorbable polymers. Image courtesy of the Tissue Culture & Art Project.

New media art is an exciting and integral part of the contemporary art scene in Australia. It means many things to many people but all agree on one thing - it involves innovative work that uses new technologies.

Genuine innovation requires taking risks. The challenge is to keep alive the process of experimentation, of pushing the boundaries into the future. John Rimmer, Chair of New Media Arts Fund 1997-2000

What is new media art?

New media art, as defined by the Australia Council, is a process where new technologies are used by artists to create works that explore new modes of artistic expression. These new technologies include computers, information and communications technology, virtual or immersive environments, or sound engineering. They are the brushes and pens of a new generation of artists.

The Australian new media art scene

The potential of new media is limitless and Australian artists stand at the forefront of the new media art movement.

Over 300 visual artists, performance artists, musicians, dancers, choreographers, sound artists and writers make up the core of new media arts practice in Australia.

The new media art movement challenges conventional notions of 'what art is' and the role it plays in our society. Audiences are challenged - and confronted - by different art forms, disciplines and media. Examples include non linear theatre, multimedia dance and music, hybrid performances, multidimensional installations, site specific performative installations, conceptual and improvisatory performances.

Many of these collaborations involve cultural and artistic differences reflecting the cultural diversity of the Australian population.

Oron Catts, Ionat Zurr and Guy Ben-Ary, Harvest of pig mesenchymal cells (bone marrow stem cells) - part of the Pig Wings Project 2000-2001, photograph. Photograph courtesy of the Tissue Culture Art Project.

New media art works - 'tissue culture'

West Australians Oron Catts and Ionat Zurr have undertaken a research and development project into the use of tissue culture and tissue engineering as a medium for artistic expression.

They believe that biomedical technologies should be examined and used by artists. The project involves the production of semi-living objects and biological imaging techniques.

Zurr emphasises the importance of artists engaging with science:

This project is about getting artists' hands wet in biology - to actually engage in life manipulation and its ethical and philosophical implications.

The work is being undertaken at the School of Anatomy and Human Biology at the University of Western Australia. 'Symbiotica' - a dedicated artists' laboratory - brings together a wide range of interdisciplinary groups with research and other interests in biological sciences.

Australian artists

The creativity of Australian new media artists is recognised internationally and includes works by Patricia Piccinini, John Tonkin, Jon McCormack, Troy Innocent, Stelarc, Arthur Wicks and Susie Treiste.

Claudio Franzini, Portrait of Patricia Piccinini with 'Leather Landscape', photograph. Photograph courtesy of Claudio Franzini.

Patricia Piccinini - a new media artist

A resident of Melbourne, Patricia Piccinini is one of Australia's leading contemporary artists.

Piccinini's work explores the relationship between gender and technology in a humorous and confronting way. She is also interested in the way technology impacts on life. Her work confronts topical issues such as genetic engineering, the consequences of which are revealed in cute humanoids that seem uncannily synthetic.

Piccinini works with a diverse range of materials. These include still computer-generated images, interactive CD-ROMs, immersive video, sculptural installations and film.

She has had solo exhibitions in Australia, Japan, Peru and the Philippines, and has participated in group shows in Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, France, Wales, Korea and New Zealand.

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Resources

• Australia Council: new media arts links
• Australian Network for Art and Technology (ANAT)
• Australia - Japan New Media Gallery
• Experimedia

Artists

• Patricia Piccinini
• meniscus : John Tonkin
• Jon McCormack: Electronic Art Works
• Susie Triester
• Arthur Wicks
• STELARC

Search over 3,500 Australian websites for information about:

• New media art

Last updated: 3rd January 2008

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