Key Points
- The exhibition "Electric Dreams" at the Tate Modern brings together the works of more than 70 artists , spanning the period from the 1950s to the beginning of the internet era.
- It explores the evolution of digital art, highlighting pioneering works of vintage tech art, kinetic installations and nascent virtual reality experiences.
- Featured artists include Rebecca Allen , Eduardo Kac , Monika Fleischmann , Wolfgang Strauss and Carlos Cruz-Diez .
- Immersive rooms dedicated to certain artists offer an in-depth look into their visions and techniques.
The Evolution of Digital Art: From the 1950s to the Early Internet
The exhibition Electric Dreams at Tate Modern takes you on a captivating journey through the history of digital art. Beginning in the 1950s and ending on the threshold of the internet age, the journey reveals how artists have harnessed new technologies to push the boundaries of traditional art forms.
The Origins of Digital Art
The exhibition highlights the early stages of cybernetics and generative algorithms , as well as their influence on the art of light and sound. Among the iconic works, you will discover AARON by Harold Cohen, the very first computer program capable of drawing autonomously. Also be amazed by Luminoplastic 1 by Aleksandr Srnec and the Luminous Prisms by Alberto Biasi, true masterpieces of kinetic art.
Art and Accessibility: An Interaction Reinvented
The exhibition also explores how artists have used technology to make art more accessible and interactive. Yayoi Kusama’s Infinite Mirror Rooms and Martha Boto’s sculpture Chromokinetics Helical illustrate this. Archives such as Radical Software magazine and CopyArt newsletters immerse visitors in the history of technological innovation and experimental art.
Highlights: Science and Art in Unison
Carlos Cruz-Diez ’s immersive projections create a visual labyrinth of colored lines, revealing how science informs art. Julio Le Parc’s Double Mirror (1966) uses movement and light to transform static art into dynamic, interactive experiences, actively engaging the viewer.
Breaking Boundaries: Interactive Experiences
The exhibition presents a wide range of works, from François Morellet 's luminous wallpapers to Brion Gysin's fascinating Dreamachine . These pieces, at the crossroads of art and technology, illustrate the creativity of artists in exploring new media.
A Total Immersion
Featuring over 70 artists and 15 galleries , Electric Dreams at Tate Modern is a must-see retrospective of digital art. Spanning decades, this exhibition reveals how technological innovation has transformed the way we perceive and interact with art.
Practical Information
The Electric Dreams exhibition is open from November 28, 2024 to June 1, 2025. Don't miss this unique opportunity to explore a fascinating chapter in art history and immerse yourself in a world where art and technology come together to challenge traditional conventions.
Jean Dubreil