The Art World in the Digital Age: Will Traditional Art Survive?

I’ve only really just started on my art career path, having started painting four years ago and only seriously selling over the last couple of years. Despite this short time frame, I think I’ve done rather well and have learned a great deal about what types of painting sell. That said, the art world landscape is undoubtedly changing, particularly with the advent of digital art. Now, digital art isn’t really new but it is now having a much more profound impact than it once did. This week I wanted to explore how digital art may impact the art scene and how it may impact me in the longer term.

The Benefits of Traditional Abstract Art

One of the primary advantages of traditional abstract art is its physicality. The texture, colour, and composition of my paintings are unique and cannot be replicated in a digital format, or at least I don’t think they can (suddenly reminded of 3D printing!). This, and the fact that I never recreate the same painting twice, or make prints of my paintings, creates a sense of rarity and exclusivity that digital art may struggle to match. Furthermore, many art collectors and enthusiasts still value the experience of seeing and owning a physical piece of art. Besides, real artwork is great for adding colour and interest to a room and I can’t see digital doing that (unless one uses a projector, I suppose!).

In addition, the history and cultural significance of traditional art forms cannot be denied (I may be getting a little ahead of myself with that one but, in 500 years’ time, who knows). Abstract painting has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century, and its influence can be seen in a wide range of artistic movements and styles. The emotional impact and depth of traditional abstract art are hard to replicate in a digital format.

The Rise of Digital Art

Despite the many benefits of traditional abstract art, digital art has gained significant popularity in recent years. The rise of digital technology and software has allowed artists to create stunning, intricate pieces that blur the lines between traditional and digital art. Digital art can be created using a wide range of tools and techniques, from digital painting software to 3D modelling (see, I told you so!) and animation.

Furthermore, digital art has opened up new possibilities for artists to market and sell their work. Online platforms like Artsy and Saatchi Art allow artists to sell digital prints of their work, reaching a wider audience than ever before. In addition, digital art can be used in a wide range of commercial applications, from advertising and marketing to film and video game design, and this is likely to be where you will have seen digital art before and perhaps not even realised it.

The Controversy of NFTs

One of the most significant controversies surrounding digital art is the rise of NFTs, or non-fungible tokens. NFTs are digital certificates of ownership that allow artists to sell their work as unique, one-of-a-kind assets. While NFTs have been hailed as a way to support digital artists and create a new market for digital art, they have also been criticized for the high prices that have been attached to some very mediocre artwork.

My Thoughts on Digital Art

As a predominantly abstract artist, I see the value of digital art in certain applications, such as advertising and marketing. However, I don't understand the point or purpose of NFTs and the ridiculous prices that have been attached to some pieces. For now, I think I will keep making my art with real paint and real canvas and will continue not to sell digital versions of my artwork. What do you think?