ART IN PRESENT MEDIA TIMES: A CRITIQUE

Abstract

This is a self-reflective and critical approach to inquiry that attempts to “lay bare” the
motivations, strengths and weaknesses of the artist as well as the artwork in order to gain a better
understanding of the complex set of influences and decisions that result in a digital media
artwork. This paper examines the impact of technology on the artwork and identifies a number of
key issues related to the function of critical reflection in this environment. Rules-of-play were a
fundamental pre-requisite to the stimulation of critically reflective experience. The human
interface with software and hardware was also a primary factor in reflective experience. Those
with experience in visual art were more likely to engage the work in a critically reflective
manner than seasoned video game players who tended to be more interested in scoring and
winning. These findings and others inform our understanding of the stimulation of critical
reflection in immersive environments and show how we can sensitively integrate technology
with meaningful evaluative methods. This research enables artists to gain a better understanding
of the medium to more fully integrate technology within a meaningful practice. Conversely,
other fields will benefit from a better understanding of the stimulation of meaning in immersive
spaces and gain a comprehensive view of a work that strives to contribute to our culture on a
deeper level than as simple entertainment.