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The term “art” covers such a large spectrum of ideas, things, and concepts. As an Art History major, with an emphasis in modern art, I am very interested in the standards of art and the requirements of art, or often the lack thereof. I hope to explore how technology relates to these ideas particularly in modern and contemporary art, specifically from 1940 through the present. However, I do not want to limit myself to just the relationship between modern and contemporary art and new technologies.

Although my main concentration in Art History has been in modern and contemporary art, I continue to be fascinated with any and all art up to the present. Though new technologies obviously cannot be related to the production of this past art, it absolutely relates to it in other ways. New technologies continue to become increasingly important in understanding older art. With new technologies, art historians can discover more and more about how art was produced, with what it was produced, etc. Art historians have even been able to use new technology to discover the original compositions underneath some of the greatest old masterpieces celebrated today. For instance, Giorgione’s The Tempest features a mysterious scene of a nursing mother in the wildness with a soldier standing guard, among other strange aspects of the painting. However, modern technology revealed that Giorgione had originally painted a second woman, in the nude, in the place where the soldier now stands. This discovery has opened the doors for much more study and interpretation of this famous work of art. In my blog, I would like to discuss and continue to explore instances like that of The Tempest to illustrate the important role new technologies has played in the study of art both old and new.

Giorgione, The Tempest, c. 1508, Venice, Italy.

Lastly, I would also like to discuss how technology has affected the art world in terms of accessibility of information about art. One-hundred years ago, the Mona Lisa may have been a familiar masterpiece in terms of hearing its name. However, fewer people would have been able to see an actual picture of the artwork, let alone be able to see it in person. New technologies of all kinds including, but not limited to, the internet, efficient travel, and mass production, have made it possible for millions of people to study and experience art that they would not have been able to study and experience in the past. I, for one, am eternally grateful for the advantages technology provides in relation to my study of Art History.

Without modern technology, the study of Art and Art History would not be what it is today. So, as someone in love with Art History, I have come to the conclusion that art loves technology.