Art and Electronic Media

Art and Electronic Media examines the intersection of art and technology from the early 20th century through contemporary practices. The book presents key artworks, artists, and movements that shaped this field through themes like motion, coded form, virtual spaces, networks, and telepresence. The volume includes over 200 images documenting important electronic and digital artworks alongside original essays and artists' statements. It covers pioneering experiments with mechanical devices, early computer art, video installations, internet-based projects, and robotic systems. Shanken organizes the material thematically rather than chronologically, drawing connections across different time periods and technological approaches. The book functions as both a historical survey and a critical examination of how artists have engaged with emerging technologies. The text reveals broader cultural questions about humanity's relationship with machines and our evolving definition of art in an increasingly mediated world. Through its scope and structure, it suggests that electronic art is not simply about new tools, but about fundamental shifts in how we create, perceive, and interact with artworks.

Readers appreciate this book as a comprehensive reference text documenting the intersection of art and technology. Multiple reviews note its value as an educational resource and research tool, with strong visuals and a thorough historical timeline. Likes: - Clear organization and structure - Quality of reproductions and images - Breadth of artists and works covered - Helpful cross-referencing system Dislikes: - Text can be dense and academic - Some readers wanted more depth on individual works - Price point considered high by students - Limited coverage of very recent works Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (12 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (6 ratings) One reviewer on Amazon noted "The book provides an excellent overview but doesn't dig deep enough into the technical aspects of the featured works." A Goodreads review praised the "extensive documentation and historical context" while criticizing the "somewhat dry academic writing style."

Digital Art by Christiane Paul A historical survey of how artists have used computers, software, and digital technologies from the 1960s through contemporary practices.

New Media in Art by Michael Rush The text traces the integration of video, digital technologies, and interactive installations into contemporary art practices through case studies and documentation.

Information Arts: Intersections of Art, Science, and Technology by Stephen Wilson A comprehensive examination of artists who incorporate scientific research and emerging technologies into their creative practice.

Media Art Histories by Oliver Grau The book connects contemporary digital and electronic art to historical artistic traditions while documenting key developments in technological art practices.

Digital Performance by Steve Dixon An analysis of how digital technologies have transformed performance art, theater, dance, and interactive installations since the 1960s.

🎨 Published in 2009, the book was one of the first comprehensive surveys to examine how artists have used electronic media from the early 20th century through the digital age ⚡ The book explores groundbreaking works that merge art with artificial intelligence, virtual reality, robotics, and biotechnology across six thematic sections 🎓 Edward A. Shanken has been a pioneer in the field of art and technology studies, serving as professor at several prestigious institutions including UC Santa Cruz and Central Saint Martins 📚 The publication includes over 200 works by artists such as Nam June Paik, Jenny Holzer, and James Turrell, accompanied by rare archival photographs and documentation 🔄 The book demonstrates how electronic art has evolved from early experiments with mechanical and kinetic art to contemporary works that address global surveillance, data collection, and artificial life