Tate Modern celebrates art and technology before the internet
- Electric Dreams is an exhibition at Tate Modern, focusing on the interplay between art and technology from the 1950s to the pre-internet era.
- The exhibition features over 150 works by more than 70 artists, including pioneering figures like Atsuko Tanaka and Harold Cohen.
- The shows seek to redefine the role of technology in art, emphasizing it as a creative tool, and runs from November 28, 2024, to June 1, 2025.
In the United Kingdom, the Tate Modern is showcasing an exhibition titled Electric Dreams: Art and Technology Before the Internet. This exhibition explores the historical relationship between art and technology, starting from the 1950s and covering the pre-internet era. It features over 150 works from more than 70 artists who pioneered electronic art using algorithms and various technological advancements from the mid-20th century. The exhibition highlights notable figures such as Atsuko Tanaka, who created the Electric Dress using LED bulbs, and Harold Cohen, the developer of the first AI art-making program. The exhibition aims to reposition technology as an artistic tool rather than a threat to artistic expression. It includes a mix of immersive installations and delicate kinetic art, promoting engagement and sensory experiences for visitors. Attendees can expect a dazzled experience and are warned that the vibrant displays may feel overwhelming. Electric Dreams is scheduled to run from November 28 to June 1, 2025, inviting the public to reflect on how far art and technology have come and the ways they can coexist creatively today.