‘Frameless’; borderless art and boundless opportunity: How collaborative efforts between art and digitalization are transforming cultural institutions. (C2044812)

Immersive experiences have transformed the museum landscape by seamlessly merging traditional artistry with cutting-edge technology. London’s critically acclaimed Frameless exemplifies this evolving cultural relationship with digitalization, fundamentally reshaping how we engage with art and culture within the walls of its borderless gallery.

Embracing the digital renaissance

Frameless provides an immersive journey through four expansive galleries, showcasing digital renditions of masterpieces from 28 world-renowned artists. Each artwork is thoughtfully paired with curated soundtracks, enriching the immersive storytelling and captivating audiences across generations. My visit to Frameless completely transformed my perception of the museum experience. Encouraging visitors to step beyond the frame and immerse themselves in the astonishing worlds created by these artists, the gallery fosters participation and collaboration with the artwork like never before.

Source: (Frameless 2023)- content belongs to author.

Frameless is the UK’s largest permanent multi-sensory experience, earning prestigious accolades like the 2023 AV news award for its innovative use of creative technology. Its success highlights the growing public appetite for technology-driven cultural experiences. But as the museum continues to be modernized, what impact will digitalization have on artists and curators?

Navigating uncertainty: Art in the age of Artificial intelligence

Artists have frequently drawn inspiration from technology in their artwork. For instance, Sun Yuan & Peng Yu’s robotic ‘Can’t Help Myself’ installation, which gained widespread attention online in 2016 for its poignant commentary on ‘the rapidly evolving relationship between people and machines.’ Since then artificial intelligence, virtual reality and audio-visual technology has rapidly evolved, providing new kinds of creative opportunities that not only feature technology but actively collaborate with it.

While artists are embracing technology in increasingly innovative ways, there remains a sense of uncertainty among many about the future and the stability of their profession as AI expands its capabilities. Freelance artist Eva Toorenent expresses; ‘without our work this technology could not exist. It feels like we are being replaced with our own labour”.

The UK government’s 2021 research report on the impact of AI on various job sectors acknowledges these inevitable changes in employment structures but it also emphasizes the myriad of opportunities that will occur as a result of digitalization. Some scholars even suggest that by moving from ‘cooperative or competitive models to models based on simultaneous co-operation and competition’, there would be a significantly increase in value of creative work. By embracing digital tools artists can work with AI as a collaborator rather than a competitor, but could AI truly enhance the artistic process?

Art Reimagined: The Power of Collaboration in the Digital Era

Source: MoMA- ‘AI art: How artists are using and confronting machine learning’- Artist/digital collaboration with Refik Anadol.

Digital artist Refik Anadol harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to create original pieces of art. For his exhibition at MoMA titled ‘unsupervised’, Refik used AI to create artwork that ‘is trying to dream and speculate an imagination of a machine’. In the above video, he prompts us to question what happens when digital technology isn’t used for its intended purpose. The answer? An untapped potential for creativity.

The UK government’s ‘culture is digital’ project reiterates:

‘Culture and technology can work together to drive audience engagement, boost the capability of cultural organisations and unleash the creative potential of technology.’

– ‘culture is digital’ by The UK Government.

Source: Refik Anadol’s library of digital sculptures made in collaboration with AI

Refik Anadol’s art not only demonstrates the creative potential of AI but also highlights the transformative impact of collaboration between technology and artistic vision. Frameless recognise their position as innovators in the digital technology and art space, and therefore provide platforms for emerging digital artists through their ‘blank canvas’ gallery. This space is dedicated to showcasing the talents of up-and-coming creatives, providing temporary residences for artists to showcase their innovative designs to large audiences.

Balancing Act: Enhancing Museum Accessibility while Upholding Artistic Integrity

source: Interview with ‘Frameless’ CEO Richard Relton by Intelligent Enterprise Institute

Frameless is a prime example of how digitalization can enhance the museum experience while also preserving the integrity of artistic expression. While there are concerns that ‘digitalization could detract from the traditional museum experience, prioritizing entertainment over learning’, in the above interview Frameless CEO Richard Relton insists that the ‘intension is not to compete with the galleries, but to inspire a broader audience and introduce them to art’. In collaboration with ArtscapesUK Frameless offer specialist lectures about the fascinating historical context and significance of the artwork. Additionally, digital QR codes throughout the galleries, BSL and AD tours ensure that art appreciation and education is accessible to all.

Academic Sherry Arnstein highlights the importance of audience participation. She explains that public involvement in culture helps to redistribute decision-making power to include marginalized groups. In the ‘colour in motion’ gallery at Frameless, interactive technology allows visitors to ‘become the artists and paint on a digital canvas’, while aesthetically ‘instagrammable’ displays encourage public input and feedback on social media platforms.

source: frameless  

Is The Future Truly Frameless?

Frameless certainly offers a compelling template for cultural institutions amidst this era of digitalization. Harnessing new technologies to create participatory, collaborative, and culturally enriching experiences. Unlike the static confines of traditional museums or the detached virtual spaces of digital art archives, Frameless embodies a dynamic fusion of human creativity and technological innovation.

As AI algorithms assume a more prominent role in the creation and curation of art, we must remain mindful and question: are we encouraging a new era of creativity or risking the loss of authenticity that defines the essence of artistic expression?

The risk is worth the reward according to art critic Brian Droitcour, who believes:

‘The best immersive work, like any good art, draws on historical traditions and contemporary vernaculars, melding different ways of looking and making. The new art is unlike last century’s art. That’s what makes it exciting.’

-Brian Droitcour in ‘Art in America’

In the ‘frameless’ gallery, the fusion of art and technology paints a vivid picture of a future where boundaries cease to exist, and creativity knows no bounds.

Any images and media are used under fair usage for educational purposes.