In Medias Res (Sep 2018)
The Body as Media in Digital Art
Abstract
In the era of new media and simulated reality, Buadrillard states, the body still causes and suffers great consequences. As if the bodies no longer belong to us, but rather become independent machines. They become other bodies that no longer need us for survival. In this way, the bodies become duplicated, and so does the identity which is not only less fixed than ever, but also belongs to everybody and everyone. In the late 20th century, there have been significant scientific outbreaks in the fields of genetics and technology. The human body takes on a completely new meaning and form. As complicated as it is, the genetic code can be tested in the standard, structurally stable form which is not subject to disorders and mutations (Houellebecq 2004:366). Art as language event within body language becomes more important than the materialised pieces of art such as paintings, sculptures, text and written music. In its appearance as a lifestyle, the body is already visually constructed. It has a need for clothing, changing styles, intervention and redesign.
