When it comes to art and artists, there are a number of different types. In some cases, an artist focuses on painting, in others photography. Whereas, there are also artists whom create amazing art with a number of online tools. When this is the case it is often referred to as
cyber art.
The term, while relatively new and still somewhat vague has no other solid definition. In some cases, multiple pieces of art could be created in minutes through the use of a single art application tool. Whereas, other projects could be related to photographs which have been stored on a computer then enhanced through the use of various programs such as Photoshop and other photo editing software.
The Boston CyberArts Festival which began in the early 1990s helped promote this type of art. For, at the time everything from digital visual performance art and video to paintings and portraits were all the rage. In fact, the festival was the largest of its kind for almost three decades. One reason the event was so popular is because organizers allowed artists working in different areas, including mixed media to show and sell work on a regular basis.
As recently as 2007, 22,000 people were in attendance at the festival. A festival which was held once every other year in Boston, Massachusetts. During that time, artists from all over the world held galas and openings and shared work with those whom enjoyed digital art and video. It is most likely thanks to MIT and an award winning art school that the festivals were so successful.
While the non-profit organization still exist, it now focuses on promoting arts and technology on a year round basis. The last effects of the festival can be found at the CyberArts Gallery which is located at what used to be the Axiom Center for New and Experimental Media. Located in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood and close to the MBTA Orange line, the gallery holds events and accepts visitors on a regular basis.
For those whom can not make it to the gallery, there is also a website on which the non-profit posts a number of past and present artwork and shows. The gallery hosts online exhibits, archived work and is free to browse. While the festival is no longer in operation, artists are still invited to submit work on an ongoing basis throughout the year.
Originally located in Boston, Massachusetts, with a centralized office where artists could find information on events while attending opening night parties, the office has since moved. Whether due to MIT or the local art school, the festival ran successfully from the early 1990s to 2011. After which, the organization closed up shop and moved to Jamaica Plain, a neighborhood just south of the city which is a convenient location on the Orange line of the Boston MBTA mass transportation system.
While some events were held at the office, others were held at a number of renown locations such as public spaces, museums, galleries and universities. During this time, the organizers would also host a number of virtual events on the internet which was still a new idea at the time. As a result, the CyberArts festival become one of the most well known in the country.