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New Media Art, a genre which started to gain prominence in the mid-1960s, embraces modern technologies and digital media to reflect our increasingly interconnected lives. It encompasses any artwork created or generated using electronic media technology, including computer graphics, virtual art, digital art, and internet art. This genre also includes time-based arts such as video art, land art, social practices, and performance art. Notable artists like Nam June Paik, Vera Frenkel, Petra Cortright, and Maurice Benayoun have significantly contributed to the evolution of New Media Art.
Eduardo Kac, Telepresence Garment, 1995. Collection Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno (IVAM), Valencia, Spain.
From a collector’s perspective, New Media Art is crucial as it captures pivotal moments when art and the world began to shift in new directions. This genre represents the forefront of creativity and innovation, documenting the intersection of art and technology. Collectors are not only interested in preserving these groundbreaking works but also in creating a legacy that reflects the complexities and advancements of our contemporary world. By investing in New Media Art, they contribute to the cultural narrative and ensure that future generations can experience and understand the technological and artistic evolutions of our time.
Raqs Media Collective, Spinal, 2019. Courtesy Frith Street Gallery and the artists.
New Media Art faces several challenges that complicate its preservation and presentation. One major issue is the rapid obsolescence of technology, which can render the original media and equipment used for the artwork difficult or impossible to replace or repair. This creates significant hurdles in maintaining the integrity and functionality of the work. Additionally, for pieces created by artists who are no longer alive, it becomes challenging to interpret and present their work using newer technologies without their guidance.
Olia Lialina, My Boyfriend Came Back from the War, 1996. Photo: Franz Wamhof.
Methods to collect New Media Art may include acquiring master plates or files, authorised and authenticated copies of works, and adapting to innovations in technology. While artworks often find their way into the public domain via platforms like YouTube or UbuWeb, maintaining the artist’s original intentions is paramount. Private collectors and art institutions must consider the future of these works during the acquisition phase, often collaborating with the artists or their representatives.
Nam June Paik’s Untitled (robot), 2005, undergoing conservation. Georgina Goodlander/Courtesy Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C.
To preserve the “aliveness” and accessibility of these works as intended by the artist, it may be necessary to stockpile older technology that is gradually being phased out of production. This includes VHS players, Betamax recorders, open-reel projectors for 16mm and 35mm film, and older models of computers. Reputable museums and galleries are known for sourcing such technology from platforms like eBay to ensure the authenticity and functionality of New Media Art.
