Digital Media by Beryl Graham
A Valuable Primer From the Directions in Art Series
Digital Media is a book in the Directions in Art series, which explores the work of artists such as Mark Napier, Paul Sermon, Roshini Kempadoo and Jenny Holzer. Beryl Graham the author, provides case studies exploring key digital media works in detail. She explains innovation within the field of digital media. She also explores and explains a range of techniques that have evolved and are developing in this ever changing range of media.
Media at the Cutting Edge of the Arts
Because the range of digital media can be said to be at the cutting edge of the arts, Graham approaches her task by looking at what the artists try to achieve. She further explores how the medium they choose inspires their work. This is a very complex topic area and one she covers well.
The series is called Directions in Art. This title describes exactly the style of the presentation. Art critics and historians cannot accurately predict what will happen within the field of digital media. This is because the technology with which the work is created is developing in response to the needs of the practitioners who use it. So in this sense the media itself is very influential with regards the message that the artists who use it portray.
British and International Examples
Graham draws on a range of British and international examples to introduce ways of looking at the innovative art that is developing in a myriad of styles and genres throughout the world. An important aspect of this analysis is a familiarization with the culture and background of the various artists. This of course leads naturally to an understanding of the influences that effect the development of their art. It will also of course, have influences on the choice of subject matter for most artists.
A discussion of the style of the artist’s work is intertwined with an analysis of method and ways of working. Graham chooses to detail this exploration by discussing a key piece or artistic statement to fully explore the style and technique for which the artist became, and perhaps is still becoming, renowned.
Finding Artist's Work Online
Because of the nature of digital media an ideal situation has evolved. The text can serve to provide an outline of the artist and his or her background. Further images and information can be sought by locating the website of the artist online. In this way, readers can experience the media firsthand.
The artist Jane Prophet provides an example of this related interactivity. Her extensive website provides images with which readers can visualise her work, whilst reading the text provided by Graham. This immediacy of access also means that the readers can keep up with latest developments of the artist’s work. This means that newer works also compliment the text.
The Structure of the Book
Graham peppers the book with quotes from various artists. Using timelines she also sets the media into a broader, wider social context. The descriptions and explanations of artist’s method and techniques are also supported by reference to further resources and places to see the work.
The field of digital media is new to some and so the author has placed a glossary at the back of the book for quick access to definitions and explanations. Digital Media provides a valuable primer for those readers who seek to gain an overview of digital media before delving more deeply into the work of a chosen few.
Resource:
Graham. B. Digital Media. Directions in Art Series. Heinemann Library. Harcourt Education.UK. 2003.
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