The Art of Technology, The Technology of Art

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Jul 3, 2024

Simon Denny, a Berlin-based contemporary artist known for his exploration of art and technology, engages in a thought-provoking conversation about the evolution of artistic practices. He discusses how advancements like the iPhone and social media have transformed art, blending traditional forms with digital innovation. The dialogue dives into the world of crypto art and NFTs, reflecting on the implications of ownership and commercialization in this new landscape. Denny also emphasizes the aesthetic qualities of entrepreneurial ideas, encouraging a fresh perspective on the intersection of creativity and technology.

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ANECDOTE

Entrepreneurial Aesthetic

Simon Denny's artistic journey began with an interest in entrepreneurial culture, contrasting with the cynicism of the art world.
He found the optimism and "building" mentality of tech entrepreneurs inspiring, leading him to create art about tech conferences.

INSIGHT

The iPhone as a Canvas

Denny's interest in art and technology emerged during his time in Germany, coinciding with the rise of Web2 and the iPhone.
Artists began exploring these new platforms as mediums for creative expression, moving beyond traditional art forms.

ANECDOTE

Proto-Influencer Art

Amalia Ulman's Instagram performance art explored the emerging influencer culture.
By gradually changing her online persona and documenting cosmetic procedures, she highlighted the platform's impact on identity and perception.

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We know that technology has changed art, and that artists have evolved with every new technology — it’s a tale as old as humanity, moving from cave paintings to computers. Underlying these movements are endless debates around inventing versus remixing; between commercialism and art; between mainstream canon and fringe art; whether we’re living in an artistic monoculture now (the answer may surprise you); and much much more.

So in this new episode featuring Berlin-based contemporary artist Simon Denny -- in conversation with a16z crypto editor in chief Sonal Chokshi -- we discuss all of the above debates. We also cover how artists experimented with the emergence of new technology platforms like the web browser, the iPhone, Instagram and social media; to how generative art found its “native” medium on blockchains, why NFTs; and other art movements.

Denny also thinks of entrepreneurial ideas -- from Peter Thiel's to Chris Dixon's Read Write Own -- as an "aesthetic"; and thinks of technology artifacts (like NSA sketches!) as art -- reflecting all of these in his works across various mediums and contexts. How has technology changed art, and more importantly, how have artists changed with technology? How does art change our place in the world, or span beyond space? It's about optimism, and seeing things anew... all this and more in this episode.

Resources:

Find Denny on Twitter: https://x.com/dennnnnnnnny

Find Sonal on Twitter: https://x.com/smc90

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