Art in the Age of the Digital And NFTs: A John Berger-Inspired View

Introduction

In an era where digital art is gaining prominence, understanding how we perceive and interact with art becomes essential. Drawing inspiration from John Berger's "Ways of Seeing," this article explores the nuances of viewing art in a digital context, where traditional boundaries are continuously blurred.

"Seeing comes before words," John Berger reminds us​​.

In the digital age, this principle invites us to consider how our engagement with art changes when it's presented on screens rather than in physical spaces. The way we perceive digital art is shaped by the unique characteristics of the medium itself. A painting viewed in a gallery offers a different experience than when the same piece is seen in a book or on a screen. A portion of Berger's analysis is dedicated to the portrayal of women in art, particularly in nudes. He discusses how these portrayals are often less about the women themselves and more about the male gaze and the spectator-owner's perspective​​.
Berger's insights into the art of seeing remind us that art is a dynamic interaction between the artwork, its creator, and the viewer. This interplay is what makes art a living, breathing entity that continues to evolve with time and perspective.

Contextual Shifts in Digital Art
Art does not exist in a vacuum. Its interpretation is deeply influenced by its historical, cultural, and personal context. The way we consume art today is vastly different from how we did in the past. Berger’s insights about the importance of context in interpreting art take on new relevance in the digital realm​​. The digital environment transforms our understanding of art, challenging us to consider how virtual presentations affect our perception and interpretation.

Reproduction and the Digital Experience

In digital art, reproduction isn't just a possibility; it's a norm. by reproduction here we
refers to the ability to create exact copies of a piece of art with ease and precision, something that is inherently part of the digital medium. Unlike traditional art forms, where each piece is unique and even prints or replicas involve some degree of variation, digital art can be duplicated flawlessly without any loss of quality. And seeing that the context of seeing influence the artwork as we established, Every reproduction then alters the artwork’s context and, consequently, its meaning​​. Digital art, easily replicated and shared, challenges us to rethink concepts of authenticity and originality.

Art in the Digital World

Much like traditional art, digital art can be mystified, often perceived as inaccessible or esoteric (Altho in reality it is not and can be accessed with a simple. clic) ​​. Berger encourages a demystification of art, advocating for a more inclusive approach that bridges the gap between the art and its audience, regardless of the medium.
The interaction between the viewer and the artwork remains central in digital art. The power dynamics in viewing, especially regarding the portrayal of subjects​​, urges us to consider how these dynamics play out in digital galleries and online platforms.

Embracing a New Way of Seeing

Incorporating John Berger's timeless insights, would allow us to navigate the evolving landscape of digital art with a renewed perspective. Understanding how digital contexts influence our perception of art enriches our experience, allowing us to appreciate the depth and breadth of art in this digital age.

To lean more about what Jhon Berger's interesting exploration of Seeing and consumption of art in the modern age in relationship to the old ways you can check out this very intresting TV series he made back in 1970