The Rise of Video Art
Video art allows expression and experimentation through new media, changing the way that art can be created, displayed and received. fluoro provides an insight into the rise of the art form.
Video art first began to appear during the late 1950s and early 1960s, which saw televisions included within installations and sculptures. As the art form progressed it was largely used as an accompaniment to the Performance Art movement, allowing a recording to be made of happenings and performances
Advancements in technology have made the production of video art a more accessible and viable medium for artists. Editing is something that can be achieved from an artist’s own studio, with small hand-held cameras allowing filming to be conducted with ease. This growth represents not only a development in the way that art is produced, but also in how it is viewed and received. Unlike still works, video art asks a time commitment of viewers to absorb the message. Depending on the nature of the video, there is a risk that the narrative will not be understood video is not viewed in full.
With the growing accessibility of technology more collectors are purchasing video art, viewing the television as a blank canvas or a portal to an ever-revolving art collection. This knowledge inspired the exhibition ‘Presence/Absence’ at SGAR, Brisbane, Australia, which presents the work of five Australian video artists Athena Thebus, Chris Bennie, Clark Beaumont, Louise Bennett and Pirrin Francis.
‘Presence/Absence’ is on display at SGAR, Brisbane, Australia until Saturday 1 March 2014.
—
