Meediakunst

Meediakunst, or media art, is an umbrella term for art that uses media technologies as primary materials and means of expression. It encompasses works that engage with digital media, video, internet-based projects, interactive installations, algorithmic and generative systems, and immersive environments. The term is widely used in Danish and Norwegian contexts to describe a field that merges artistic inquiry with technological media.

Historically, Meediakunst emerged in the 1960s with video art and conceptual experimentation, expanding through the 1980s and 1990s with cable TV, computer-based art, and early net art. The 2000s saw interactive installations, networked projects, and data-driven practices, while recent developments emphasize VR, AR, AI, and immersive experiences. The field often operates at the intersection of art, science, design, and software culture.

Practices and mediums include site-specific video installations, responsive environments, online art, mobile and web-based projects, data visualization, and generative or algorithmic works. Audience participation, collaboration with engineers or researchers, and open-source tools are common. Distribution occurs through galleries, museums, festivals, and online platforms.

Institutions such as Ars Electronica, ZKM, and various Nordic and European centers have supported Meediakunst through exhibitions, residencies, and research programs. Artists known for media art include Nam June Paik, Bill Viola, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, JODI, and Casey Reas, among others.

The field continues to explore the social and ethical implications of technology, including surveillance, data economies, and the role of spectators in art experiences, while pushing experimental forms and new narrative practices.