Technology is altering the ways that we interact as a society; the ways that we perform our work; and the ways that we envision the future. Cultural stories are not created by only looking at how culture develops via technological advances. Artisans and artists provide a means of understanding technology from an emotional viewpoint.
Artificial intelligence, big data, virtual reality, and Robotic Process Automation is impacting society in both obvious and subtle ways every day. Artists are working to facilitate society’s understanding of these technological developments.
While many times technology receives uncritical praise, artists critically engage with technology regarding its impact on identity, work, privacy, memory, and relationships. Through this form of engagement artists provide greater context to the commonly held technological that revolve around efficiency, progress and profit.
Art creates a venue for reflection. Installations, digital artworks, and interactive projects enable individuals to engage emotionally rather than merely abstractly with the experience of technology. By creating opportunities for sensory interactions, complex systems accessible and subject to interpretation.
Humanizing Innovation Through Creative Practice
Artists frequently find themselves collaboratively creating between technology and ‘real-world’ experiences, with the use of coding, equipment, data and digital media demonstrating the place of technology in our behaviours as humans.
Culturally relevant will reveal to the artist the beneficiaries of technological development, as well as those who are excluded from its benefits. Many of the works contain elements focused on the themes of inequality, observation and biased input into various forms of digital systems.
Artists also reimagine technology as a tool for care and connection. Interactive artworks invite participation, collaboration, and play. These experiences shift technology away from efficiency-driven models toward more empathetic and inclusive possibilities.
Historical perspective is another contribution artists bring. Innovation in technology is part of the broader Human Story by linking it with older patterns of Culture. It helps to clarify that technological change is neither “inevitable” or “uncontestable” and therefore, prevents these interpretations from being attached to Technology.
The process of collaboration is crucial to this effort. The connection between Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Research and Technology has created a large amount of communication and exchange of ideas between different fields.
Artists have been able to connect with audiences across the globe. This has created greater awareness among artists about their dependency on the technology-based system, which is a double-edge sword. Art is shaped by the possibilities and limitations that digital technology brings to life.
Ultimately, it is artists who humanize technology. Artists challenge the pace of technological change, raise difficult questions, and develop new alternatives. By providing context and depth of meaning to the technology.
