Digital art is defined as an artistic creation produced using digital technology. Traditionally, art was considered to be painting, drawing or sculpture physically produced by the hand of the artist. The traditional definition of art has expanded beyond paintings and drawings to encompass different forms of artistic production that include digital and computer generated designs.
Media art is the modern term for works of art that are produced using non-traditional methods such as technology, which were not available in the past. Today, media art describes the output of works that are being produced because of the discovery of digital technology. Computer graphics, animation, virtual art and interactive art are all considered to be in the class of art now referred to as new media art. Digital technology is defining and expanding the traditional definitions of art.
The 1960s saw the birth of much new technological advancement. The advances in technology began to spill into the art community, giving way to many unique styles of art. Once the Internet took off, this new digital media allowed the opportunity for artists to design unique creations using traditional and contemporary combinations that are now classified as digital art.
Websites may showcase forms of digital art such as animations and drawings or paintings posted to the site. Synthesized music is also considered a digital form of art because technically it is only possible through digital technology. Drawings, interactive installations, screenshots, digital prints on canvas and installation views of photographs are all considered forms of digital art.
Colleges and universities have adopted new majors in various forms of art, including new media and contemporary art. Digital art is fast becoming considered a reputable form of art that is a growing part of society. It is derived from the concept of traditional art forms, but with the components of new technology. There are even museums that are solely dedicated to showcasing different forms of digital art.
Art has crossed all boundaries because it is one of the few things where the meaning can be solely defined by the viewer. The advancements in digital technology allow the artist to create a piece that can now be seen and appreciated all over the world. Digital art has not only expanded the defining of art but has increased the accessibility of art to the world.