Browse Theses

Artists using computer technology enables the transition of art and photography to the digital format resulting in the artistic creation of digital art objects. This dissertation critically analyzes the digital art object to determine its status and the impact of this phenomenon on society. Critics of art question two theoretical issues, determining if digital art objects are fine art and the repercussions of sharing this form of art on a networked environment. A technical issue is that digital art objects, in theory, are infinitely reproducible. This dissertation presents the Digital Art Object Six Layer Model, which addresses this issue and provides a method to evaluate the aesthetics and status of the digital art object. This model has six major areas of criteria viewed in an order of importance, which is applicable to any digital art object. Dominant aesthetic and new media theory explain how to view this form of art and the relationship to mass-produced media products. The interactivity between the artist and computer is important because it defines the methods of creation and final aesthetic of the digital art object. Once the digital art object is part of a networked environment, it is subject to criticism and the impact on society ensues. The art critic's opinion is crucial to the validity of the computer as a means of creative expression and viewing the digital art object as a form of fine art.