To investigate and demonstrate through my sculptural practice the relation between "virtual" and "real" sculpture
This thesis argues that digital technology has a significant role to play in the development of new sculptural/artistic practices that are distinct from Modernist practice in a number of ways. The key to this investigation has been my own practice, aiming to investigate in an open ended exploratory way the role digital media has to play in the development of a sculptural practice appropriate to and reflecting on Postmodern culture. An exploration of notions of the 'real' and the 'virtual' has been undertaken within a specific body of work, I describe these projects through five case studies. Through this journey from project to project I identify areas of discomfort and contradiction as well as the implications for new skills with a new rationale for implementing them. Questions arise about the position of the object, of making, the idea of the art experience in its aesthetic (form and content) and anthropological dimensions (rituals of engaging with the artwork). Working through a series of problems, approaches, bringing different values and ways of handling the role and position of author/artist and of the work. These differences are cross referenced with the experiences of five other practicing artists also involved in developing their practices within the same field of new media and who contribute different perspectives to the research aim. This research is aimed at practitioners who wish to develop their practice and use new technologies as part of their sculptural/art practice. I hope the struggles I have documented in reflection of my own practice balanced with interviews from other practitioners dealing with similar issues will act as a springboard/foundation for others to develop their own practice.
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