We have entered a new era in art-making and viewing, one that might be post-Internet, or of the New Aesthetic, or something else yet to be named. The one thing we know for sure is that it’s very computer-driven, and it often spreads like wildfire over the Internet. New media artists are making work that is uniquely of our time, often pinpointing a collective feeling or subverting a technology to open up new ways of viewing contemporary culture. Technology-savvy artists inhabit a unique space, creating work that is often as technically proficient as it is insightful, and, as a bonus, it can often be accessed by anyone with a computer from anywhere, at any time.
There are still many questions about the future of new media art. How will we preserve it? Is there a market for digital art? What and who are the defining forces that will carve out its historical significance? The future is bright, and the work coming out of the new media community is only getting better.
The following is a list of artists whose work is not only formally interesting (it's often stunning), but technically adept and innovative. As new media artists carve out their place in art history, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for work by the following artists and follow them as they keep pushing forward with new ways of seeing contemporary digital culture.