17: Digital Curators Series 01—Douglas Dodds on Collecting and Valuing Emerging Technologies

In this conversation, Peter Bauman (Editor-in-Chief at Le Random) interviews Douglas Dodds, a longtime Senior Digital Curator at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) and a pivotal figure in the preservation of digital art. The discussion covers the challenges of collecting digital art, including sourcing, preserving and showcasing these works in a museum context. Dodds shares insights into the process of acquiring digital art, from identifying valuable pieces to navigating relationships with artists and galleries. He also reflects on the unique historical significance of the V&A's collection, which spans early computer-generated works to contemporary digital media, emphasizing the importance of context in building a cohesive and enduring collection. The interview delves into the role of donations, the complex value of digital art beyond financial metrics, and the delicate relationship between institutions and new digital mediums like NFTs. We get a museum perspective on the concerns of our community. 📖 Chapters [00:00:03]: Introduction to Le Random Digital Curators Series [00:01:35]: Challenges in Collecting Digital Art [00:03:31]: Identifying Worthwhile Artworks and Preservation Issues [00:05:14]: Process of Identifying Digital Art to Collect [00:09:17]: V&A's Goals and Unique Collection Aspects [00:14:54]: Sourcing Digital Artworks and Building Relationships [00:20:55]: Donations vs. Purchases in Acquisitions [00:26:03]: Value of Digital Art for Museums [00:34:00]: Final Steps in the Acquisition Process [00:42:28]: Impact of Patric Prince on Digital Art Collection

In this special Le Random artist discussion—hosted by Peter Bauman (aka Monk Antony), Editor-in-Chief of Le Random—we cover the upcoming Electric Op exhibition at Buffalo AKG. Our guests include four of the most influential voices in digital expression over the past two-three decades: Cory Arcangel, Joan Heemskerk, Tali Hinkis, and Rafael Lozano-Hemmer. Joining Peter is co-host Conrad House (aka Nemocake), Le Random’s Collection Lead. Each artist reflects on their unique practices and contributions to the Electric Op show, which bridges op art and digital media. We explore how their art interacts with technology’s aesthetic, cultural and historical dimensions.

In this Le Random discussion we are so pleased to speak to a scholar of art history in Dr. Nancy Perloff from the Getty Research Institute. She joins Le Random's editor-in-chief Peter Bauman. Perloff recently curated Sensing the Future: Experiments in Art and Technology (E.A.T.), showing at the Getty Center as part of PST Art. The pair explores E.A.T.’s influential role in merging art, technology and engineering, a movement founded in 1966 by Bell Labs engineer Billy Klüver and artists like Robert Rauschenberg and John Cage. Dr. Perloff shares insights on E.A.T.’s success, including as an early digital art network, as well as its collaborations between artists and engineers (mostly from Bell Labs). This included performances like Nine Evenings: Theatre and Engineering and immersive experiences at the 1970 Osaka World Expo’s Pepsi Pavilion. They touch on curatorial challenges, EAT’s experimental nature, its role in building interdisciplinary networks, and its lasting, yet underappreciated, impact on art and technology.

In this Le Random Generative Art Timeline Artist Discussion, hosts Peter Bauman (Monk Antony), Conrad House (Nemocake) and thefunnyguys welcome four of this decade's most prominent voices and builders: Lauren Lee McCarthy, Erick Calderon, Itzel Yard and Rafael Lozano-Hemmer. The artists explore themes like the rise of AI, NFTs, and the increased institutional interest in digital art, proposing names for the decade such as the "Normalization Era" or "Digital Dramaturgy Era." McCarthy and Lozano-Hemmer discuss the dual nature of technology, highlighting both its empowering and its potentially oppressive aspects, while stressing the importance of community and critical engagement. Erick Calderon and Itzel Yard emphasize the positive communal and creative impacts of digital platforms like Art Blocks and the significance of making art accessible through modern technology. We conclude with reflections on the growing acceptance of digital art by institutions, the importance of preserving digital art, and the powerful role of art in understanding and navigating contemporary life. Chapters: [00:00:05]: Introduction to Final Chapter Release Discussion [00:02:01]: Future Timeline Discussions and Cross-Generational Plans [00:03:39]: Generative Art Timeline's Completion and Future Plans [00:05:21]: Themes of the 2020s in Digital Art [00:07:07]: Introduction of Guest Artists and Their Achievements [00:10:03]: Naming the0s Decade in Digital Art [00:17:34]: Participation’s Role in Digital Art [00:28:20]: Artists’ Perspectives on Technology and Art [00:51:51]: Positive Trends in Digital Art and Museum Engagement [01:01:42]: Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

This is Le Random's discussion following the release of Chapter 9 of our Generative Art Timeline, which covered the decade of the 2010s. Le Random's Peter Bauman (Monk Antony), editor in chief at Le Random is joined by co-founder thefunnyguys and Content Lead Conrad House. Our guests today are some of the artists and thinkers who lived art history in the 2010s. They are Tyler Hobbs, Helena Sarin, Rhea Myers, and Gene Kogan. Join us as we discuss digital expression in a decade of major trends such as AI's rise and the invention of NFTs.

Algorithmic and digital art founder Frieder Nake joined Peter Bauman (Monk Antony) to continue their chat after the release of "Frieder Nake on 'Machinic' Miracles" at Le Random Editorials. Chapters: [00:00:29]: Introduction to Frieder Nake and his contributions to digital art [00:02:32]: Computers and the concept of quality vs quantity [00:03:26]: Quantity turning into quality [00:05:31]: Pattern recognition and discovery of new quality [00:07:07]: Connection to Max Bense's Generative Aesthetics [00:09:13]: Intuition versus machine randomness [00:12:15]: Creativity, emotion and the role of intuition [00:24:53]: AI and human choices in art [00:38:23]: Alienation and creativity in artistic expression

In our chat, "Art & Code in the 2000s," from May 14, 2024, a panel of the decade's leading figures joins ⁠Peter Bauman⁠, ⁠Conrad House⁠ and thefunnyguys from Le Random. They share their diverse perspectives on the 2000s in coded and generative art, reflecting on what made the decade unique as well as what we may have lost and are searching for today. Speakers include: ⁠Christiane Paul, Casey Reas, Christa Sommerer & Golan Levin

In our chat, "Pioneering Digital Expression in the '90s," from April 10, 2024, a panel of legends joins Le Random's ⁠Peter Bauman⁠, ⁠Conrad House and thefunnyguys⁠. They share their diverse perspectives on the 1990s as pioneers of an often overlooked decade. It's only overlooked because of its recency, as the impact the decade had can still be seen all around today, including AI and Internet-related art. The parallels between artists getting started on the Internet in the '90s and artists beginning with blockchain and AI today are stark. Enjoy one of Le Random's most enriching conversations yet. Speakers include: Auriea Harvey, Joshua Davis, LIA, Scott Draves, Vuk Ćosić Chapters 📖 [00:00:04]: Introduction to the Le Random discussion [00:05:05]: Early experiences with net art in the 90s [00:17:16]: Early programming experiences and Flash art [00:27:27]: Creation of the Electric Sheep algorithm [00:31:58]: Evolutionary art and machine learning influence [00:44:02]: Personal connections and significance of local scenes [00:49:21]: Impact of global audience on creative freedom [00:56:56]: Use of Flash and freedom in artistic expression [00:58:41]: Influence of avant-garde and personal creative journey [00:59:45]: Reflections on early internet experiences and creativity [01:01:12]: Introduction to Flash vs. Director [01:02:42]: Transition to Flash for Design Intention [01:04:06]: Benefits of Vector-Based Design in Flash [01:06:38]: Evolution to Processing and Coding [01:08:55]: Transition from Director to P5JS [01:09:56]: Learning Different Programming Languages [01:10:42]: Challenges of Shader Programming [01:11:13]: Node-Based Programming Tools [01:12:46]: Impact of Tools and Languages in Work [01:15:16]: Reflections on the '90s Tech Community

The Le Random team met up to celebrate a year since our public launch. thefunnyguys, Zack Taylor, Peter Bauman and Conrad House discuss: -One year of LR: Our favorite collected pieces 36 Points by Sage Jensen & seeds of seeds by Entangled Others Polygona Nervosa by Golan Levin RGB Elementary Cellular Automaton #1 by ciphrd Mondrian by Herbert W. Franke -One year of LR: Our favorite editorial pieces Demystifying Generative Aesthetics by Peter Demystifying Generative Art by Peter AGH on Glorifying the Computer by Peter Il(Lumina)ting Marfa by Nathaniel Stern Zach Lieberman on the Resonance of Generative Art by Peter -One year of LR: Our favorite moments -Our current thoughts on the market -Questions from the audience

In our chat, "Pioneers of '80s Art & Innovation," from February 7, 2024, a panel of icons joins Peter Bauman and Conrad House. They share their diverse perspectives on the 1980s in digital and generative art, reflecting the decade's richness and complexity. Speakers include: Mark Wilson, Copper Giloth, Dan Sandin, David Em, William Latham, Stephen Todd, Darcy Gerbarg + Geoff Davis Chapters 📖 [00:00:00]: Introduction [00:01:55]: The Decade of the 80s [00:02:30]: Darcy Gerbarg's Experience [00:06:36]: Copper Giloth's Pioneering Work [00:09:04]: Mark Wilson's Journey [00:14:53]: David Em's Early Encounters [00:20:50]: William Latham's IBM Fellowship [00:24:50]: Stephen Todd's Collaboration with William [01:00:02]: Early experiences with personal computers [01:01:13]: Transition to personal computers for artists [01:03:01]: Evolution of personal computers in the 80s [01:04:22]: Giloth on gender bias in the '80s art world [01:06:21]: Giloth on computer graphics & the portrayal of women's bodies [01:08:38]: Expansion of artist community in the '80s [01:10:19]: Generative art and its evolution [01:13:47]: Creativity & the Chicago video game industry [01:17:05]: Influence of Silicon Graphics on commercial graphics