INTRODUCING D#AVANTGARDE

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The D stands for digital - the # for finding 
 

In 2021 the art-collective D#AVANTGARDE was created with the attempt to explore and find ways to work with new technology.

 

D#AVANTGARDE is the attempt to connect artists in the new technological field - who want to know more and be connected to each other.

 

We build a bridge between new technology, art and creativity. 

 

The members of our community are called D#AVANTGARDISTS 


About our mission - A look into the past

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In the Realm of the New: Art's Dance with Technology

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As the realms of art and technology become increasingly entwined, the importance of the artist's role in shaping and adapting to the evolving technological landscape is undeniable. Art has long been a means to express the human experience and its many facets, but it has also been instrumental in adopting and advancing new technologies before they enter the mainstream. This article embarks on a journey through the history of art and technology, shedding light on how artists embraced AI as a partner in creation before it became a common phenomenon.

 

The Genesis: Pioneers of Computer Art

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Our tale begins in the mid-20th century when the pioneers of computer art first began to explore the digital world. The 1960s witnessed the emergence of digital art, as artists such as Frieder Nake, Vera Molnar, and Manfred Mohr dared to dream beyond the limits of traditional art forms, harnessing algorithms and computational processes to create their work. These trailblazers carved a path for future generations, setting the stage for the fusion of art and technology.

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Embracing AI: Art Leads the Way

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The introduction of AI into the artistic sphere gave birth to an entirely new form of art, transcending the boundaries of conventional mediums. The early days of AI-generated art trace back to visionaries like Harold Cohen, who, in the 1970s, created AARON, the world's first AI-based drawing program. Cohen's work opened the door to a world of possibilities, as AI's potential in art began to take shape.

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As AI technology progressed, artists eagerly embraced and experimented with its capabilities. By the early 2000s, AI-generated art had captured the public's attention, thanks to projects such as The Painting Fool by Simon Colton, which harnessed AI algorithms to create digital paintings. The art world's early adoption of AI technology ignited interest in its broader applications.

 

Art and AI: A Collaboration of Minds

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In the present day, the relationship between artist and AI has evolved into a collaborative partnership, with AI serving as both muse and creative accomplice. In recent times, generative adversarial networks (GANs) have enabled artists to co-create with AI, resulting in entirely new works of art. A prime example is the 2018 auction sale of "Portrait of Edmond de Belamy" by art collective Obvious, an AI-generated artwork that fetched $432,500.

Moreover, artists have harnessed AI to explore themes of human identity, consciousness, and the ethical dimensions of technology. By merging artistic vision with AI's capabilities, artists have contributed unique perspectives to the ongoing societal discourse surrounding the role of technology in our lives.

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Conclusion: The Dance of Art and Technology

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The art world's early embrace of AI has left an indelible mark on our perception and acceptance of the technology. Artists have not only expanded the creative possibilities of AI but have also steered the conversation around its ethical, social, and cultural implications.

As we venture further into the unknown, the role of art as a catalyst for innovation and introspection remains more crucial than ever. The intricate dance of art and technology will undoubtedly continue to propel us forward, fostering a deeper understanding of the human experience in a world that becomes ever more digital with each passing moment.

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Founding Members: Stephanie Meisl, Scharmien Zandi, Sarah Scherer 

Artists: Carola Schmidt, Martin Gasser, Rüdiger Wassibauer, David Kulenkampff, Georg Lindner-Turecka, Rina Juniku, David Fisslthaler
Community: Andreas Fraunberger, Stephanie Meisl, Christian Schratt
 

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