Rebekah Tolley-Georgiou on collecting digital art.

Digital Video–Infinivid, Video, H.264, PAL, 4K 3840px 2160px, mp4, colour. Duration: 4.37‘ loop
Dimension: variable. Edition of 10, £600. Eames has one limited-edition video available directly from her Sussex studio.
Academic and interdisciplinary artist Rebekah Tolley-Georgiou is curating and producing PIVOTAL: Digitalism at British Art Fair this autumn. She takes Jessica Wood through the ins and outs of the art world’s latest ‘ism’.
Can you define contemporary digital art and ‘Digitalism’?
Digital art refers to artworks that are created using digital technology, such as computers, software, and digital devices. It encompasses a wide range of artistic practices, including digital painting, digital photography, digital sculpture, interactive installations, and generative art. Digital artists use these tools to explore new forms of expression, experiment with different techniques, and engage with contemporary themes and issues.
Digitalism is a term we’ve embraced for the PIVOTAL show to describe artists who use digital technology as a central element of their artistic practice. These artists often push the boundaries of traditional art forms by incorporating digital tools and techniques into their work. They explore the possibilities offered by digital media, such as interactivity, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI), to create immersive and innovative art experiences.
Can you give us a potted history of digital art?
The origins of Digitalism can be found in the post-war, postmodern electronic revolution, globalisation of mass media and the birth of the internet. In the same way that early photography evolved from traditional art practices such as drawing and painting, digital art is seen by many to have emerged from developments in photography, film and video. Early examples are to be found in the 1960s, with Nam June Paik’s use of the first portable video camera as an artist’s medium, and computer-generated ‘digital’ artworks created by artists like Frieder Nake and Georg Nees. In the decades to follow, the development of personal computers and design software made digital art more accessible to a wider range of artists. These included the UK collective Anti-Rom (1994), with co-founders including such digital luminaries as Tomas Roope and the late Andy Cameron, whose artworks are now regarded as significant milestones in the history of digital creativity. With the advent of the internet, artists began to create and share artworks online, leading to the growth of online art communities and platforms. Into the 2000s artists continued to explore the potential of digital technologies, leading to the emergence of various art movements and styles, such as computer art, digital painting, and net art.
What’s new in the field?
I think a rise in the use of AI and generative AI will ultimately revolutionise the way artists create and manipulate digital art. AR is set to play an even more significant role in the art world, with artists being able to overlay digital elements onto the physical world, blurring the boundaries between reality and imagination. This kind of technology opens up new possibilities for storytelling, visual experimentation, and audience engagement. I think we can also expect to see a surge in AR-powered art installations, exhibitions, and performances. As environmental consciousness continues to grow, more artists are exploring ways to create art that is both visually appealing and environmentally friendly. What’s exciting is that technology continues to democratise the art world, making it more accessible to a wider audience. Moving forward, digital art will become even more inclusive, allowing individuals from various backgrounds to experiment with new forms of artistic expression.
Please remind us what an NFT is!
NFTs, or Non-Fungible Tokens, are digital assets that represent ownership or proof of authenticity of a unique item or piece of content, such as digital art, music, videos, or virtual real estate. NFTs are built on blockchain technology, which ensures the security and immutability of the ownership records. NFTs have gained significant attention as they provide a way for artists to sell and authenticate digital artworks. Each NFT is unique and can be bought, sold, and traded on various online platforms. NFTs have opened up new possibilities for artists to monetise their digital creations and establish a direct relationship with collectors.
Who are the big players in Digitalism?
The history of digital art, or Digitalism, is rich and encompasses countless figures who have made significant contributions to the field. To name a few: John Whitney Sr. created the world’s first computer-generated art in the 1960s, using analogue military computing equipment to produce abstract animations and visual effects. Harold Cohen developed AARON, a complex software capable of autonomously creating art. Lillian Schwartz explored the possibilities of computer-based graphics and filmmaking, helping establish the intersection of technology and art. Ray Caesar is known for his Pop-Surrealist works. He utilises 3D modelling software to create figures and virtual realms, blurring the boundaries between reality and imagination. Mike Winkelmann, aka Beeple, gained widespread recognition for his Everydays project, where he created a piece of digital art every day, making socio-political commentary. One of his pieces sold for a record-breaking $69 million at auction.
Who are today’s rising stars?
PIVOTAL: Digitalism at British Art Fair is showcasing some of the best talent today. They include Jack Kaido, cited by Christie’s as one of the artists who is influencing the future of the medium. His work has been collected by Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia, plus many of the world’s leading collectors of crypto art. Cecilie Waagner Falkenstrøm is a two-time winner of the high-profile Lumen Prize (the biggest prize in art and technology), and creator of the first-ever AI and blockchain artwork in space aboard NASA’s part of the International Space Station.
How much should we expect to pay?
Much like traditional art, the price of digital art can vary widely depending on factors such as the artist’s reputation, the edition size, and the complexity of the artwork. Some have sold for millions of dollars, while others are more affordable. When buying digital art, it’s important to consider authenticity and provenance. Look for reputable online platforms and galleries that specialise in digital art. Some popular platforms include Fellowship, SuperRare, Nifty Gateway, and Foundation.