As Digital Art continues to grow and to develop alongside other types of art in today’s constantly evolving environment, Petra Cortright, an American artist renowned for her original digital landscapes that she has enlarged to create a composite image of a digital organic universe is also exhibiting at the Intersect Art Fair in Aspen.
Cortright has created an extensive body of work that spans many years, beginning with early internet-based works and continuing through a recent series of large-scale digitally created landscapes. Unlike the traditional “static” forms of artwork typical of many artists, Cortright’s dynamic forms contain elements of color, texture, and movement, promoting an in-depth exploration of the pieces.
Digital Landscapes Redefine Nature
Cortright’s landscapes do not replicate the actualities of nature; they present a view onnature by using gestural ways, brushstrokes and bright colours to interpret nature through technology and so create a landscape which is partially made of technology as well as partially made of nature but is no longer solely a mechanical response of technology.
The digital materials that form each of the landscapes develop over time with multiple iterations of both digital media and traditional techniques (painting). These digital representations of natural materials create the feeling of depth in a way that natural representations do, while remaining distinctly computer generated.
The emotionality of these works makes them incredibly impactful. Though they are made digitally via computer coding and creative digital methods, they can evoke a strong sense of tranquillity, inquisitiveness, and engagement to their viewers.
The environment of Intersect Aspen where these artworks were displayed contributes greatly to the discussion between the traditional and digital landscapes. The surrounding mountains and the open sky create an interesting contrasting relationship between the natural and digital environments creating many opportunities for the viewer to think about how our society constantly moves between the two worlds.
Ultimately, Petra Cortright’s exhibition at Intersect Aspen demonstrates how far digital art has progressed. The landscapes shown do not defend the artist’s use of the digital medium; rather, they provide evidence of all the layers of depth and meaning that can exist in a digital environment when compared to the natural landscape that inspired them.
