Digitalisation of Visual Arts

The thesis deals with the topic of digitalization as a key element of the future of visual arts. As a result of the constantly advancing digital revolution, the field of visual arts is undergoing a transformation. Contemporary art is no longer limited to physical media or traditional galleries, but is increasingly appearing in and being shaped by the digital environment. The integration of AI and digital tools into artistic practices has not only expanded the formal possibilities of visual expression, but has also prompted a rethinking of current paradigms and theoretical frameworks of authorship. This thesis was written to explore the transformation of visual art in the context of digital technologies. The digitization of art goes beyond the common conception of digitization as a transfer of analogue works. It concerns the dematerialization of the artistic experience and the development of new models of the viewer’s encounter with art. Models that are hybrid, interactive, immersive and decentralised. These developments raise fundamental questions about authorship in the era of virtual and augmented reality, and artificial intelligence. Based on expert interviews, the thesis analyses the origins of motivation, insights into the role of artificial intelligence in the creative process, and the question of authorship of selected professionals and artists who use digital technologies and artificial intelligence in their practice. The result is a proposal for an exhibition concept reflecting the findings of the thesis.