The art world has always evolved alongside technology, from oil paint and sculpture to include photography, video and mixed media installations. Today, digital artworks represent the latest frontier, offering an experimental field for creativity with innovation and continuing to challenge our assumptions about what art can be.
For collectors, this shift offers new opportunities, but also new questions: Where do you start? What makes a digital piece valuable? And how do you display and enjoy it? From screen-based works to digitally enhanced and interactive installations, the world of digital art is richer and more accessible than ever. Here’s a guide for entering this dynamic space well-informed and with confidence.
Leo & Steph, "Kidcup Beverly Hills", 2021
What Is a Digital Artwork?
At its core, a digital artwork is any piece created or presented using digital technology. This includes art made with software, generative code, animation, video, or augmented reality. Increasingly, traditional mediums are also being enhanced digitally or combined with digital works; for example, an artist might pair a physical sculpture with a projection or embedded screen. These works often speak directly to the cultural landscape of today, with perception constantly being shaped by the digital world.
What to Look for as a Collector
As with any artwork acquisition, start with what resonates. Look for works that bring you joy, inspire, or challenge you, just as you would with painting or sculpture. That said, there are a few specific considerations when collecting digital works:
- Format & Medium: Is the piece video, generative code, animation, or an AR experience? Understand what you're acquiring and how it will be delivered (USB, hard drive, online access, NFT, etc.).
- Editioning: Many digital works are limited-edition. Confirm the number of editions, whether it's a single or series, and what documentation comes with it. Authenticity matters just as much in the digital space.
- Display Options: Some works are meant to be projected or shown on screens, while others might involve immersive or interactive elements. Ask how the artist intends the piece to be experienced. The right frame, screen, or display technology can make or break the work’s expression.
- Preservation: Digital artworks require updates and maintenance. Ask about file formats, compatibility, and long-term storage. A reputable gallery will help guide you through these questions or connect you with the artist directly.
How to Display Digital Art
Thinking beyond the traditional frame, collectors today are integrating digital works into their homes in thoughtful, elegant ways:
- Screens as Canvases: High-resolution displays, particularly those designed for art (like Samsung’s The Frame or digital art players like Infinite Objects), can showcase work in museum-quality formats.
- Projection: For larger-scale pieces, projectors offer a powerful way to animate your space – ideal for immersive video art or motion-based installations.
- Physical + Digital Pairings: Some collectors choose to pair a digital piece with a related physical object such as a print, sculpture, or even a certificate of authenticity. This creates a tangible link to the work while honoring its digital nature.
- Dedicated Digital Spaces: Increasingly, collectors are creating spaces in their homes or offices specifically designed to house and rotate digital pieces.
No matter the method, it is important is to honor the artist’s vision while aligning the work’s display with the specificities of the space.
the Artist’s Perspective
Many artists are continuously reimagining how to create digital artwork that is both innovative and collectible. The result is a broad spectrum of practices that push creative boundaries. Equally, artists are exploring how to sell digital artwork effectively, using platforms that allow for direct distribution, NFT minting, or gallery representation. As a collector, this means you might be buying directly from an artist or through a curated platform. Either way, it’s important to ensure legitimacy and provenance.
Arno Elias, "Majibu", 2019
A New Way of Seeing
Digital art has the capacity to broaden our understanding of what art is, how it is created, what defines its ‘aura,’ and how it engages us. For collectors, it offers fresh perspectives and the chance to support forward-thinking artists working at the edge of artistic creation.
At Markowicz Fine Art, we believe in embracing innovation while honoring craft. Whether you're just beginning your digital art journey or looking to expand your collection, we’re here to help you navigate this exciting new terrain. After all, art has always been about how we see the world. Digital just offers new ways to look.