The role of technology in shaping the future of visual arts

Technology has always been a catalyst for artistic change, from the invention of oil paint during the Renaissance to the rise of photography in the 19th century.  Today, digital tools and artificial intelligence are opening new possibilities for how we create, collect and experience art.

Digital art as an evolution

Digital art naturally evolved alongside the computer age. Programs like Adobe Photoshop, Corel Painter and Blender expanded the artist’s palette beyond canvas and paint. These programs offer flexibility, precision and speed, making it possible to test ideas, simulate textures and share work instantly with a global audience. Digital art remains deeply connected to the hand and imagination of the artist, even when expressed through a screen or tablet.

AI art as a new paradigm

AI art introduces a new dimension to creativity. Machine learning models like MidJourney, DALL·E and Stable Diffusion allow artists and enthusiasts to generate images from text prompts in seconds. This innovation sparks important conversations about authorship, originality and the evolving role of human creativity.

Rendered art in Cinema 4D with Arnold Render by Gabriel Máximo.

The digital artist’s perspective

For digital artists with training in illustration or 3D modelling, AI tools can be a source of inspiration and exploration. Many view AI as a partner that encourages new directions or helps overcome creative blocks. Others see AI as expanding the field of artistic expression, generating more interest in what artists can achieve with traditional and digital skills.

Realism in the age of AI

The conversation grows especially meaningful for realist painters. Their craft celebrates observation, detail and mastery of traditional techniques. AI can create lifelike images, yet collectors and critics increasingly recognize the depth, emotion and intentionality within a human brushstroke. This awareness elevates realism as a form with growing cultural and financial value in a technology-rich world.

Did you know? 

When photography first appeared in the 19th century, many painters feared it would make their work unnecessary. Instead, photography freed artists from the task of perfect realism, encouraging them to explore new directions in light, color and movement. This shift gave rise to Impressionism, with artists like Claude Monet and Edgar Degas capturing fleeting moments and emotions rather than photographic detail. Photography also paved the way for modern art movements, proving that new technology can inspire creativity rather than replace it.

Shifts in the art market

In 2021, Beeple’s Everydays: The First 5000 Days sold at Christie’s for $69 million, highlighting the potential of digital art. At the same time, collectors are showing renewed enthusiasm for traditional painting, creating a balance between innovation and heritage. Painters are exploring digital tools for preparatory sketches, colour tests and projection aids. Digital artists enrich their practice by including hand-painted textures or scanned drawings. Hybrid practices are flourishing, where digital, AI and traditional media converge, giving artists and audiences new opportunities for discovery.

Looking ahead

The future of visual arts is shaped by choice and creativity. Artists can combine digital art and AI with traditional methods to define their own voices. As with past technological shifts, artists continue to adapt, reimagine and expand the field, reflecting the complexities of being human in an increasingly digital age. Digital and AI art may be guiding today’s artists toward an equally exciting transformation.

Tips for artists and collectors in the age of technology

Artists: experiment with digital programs to test palettes or sketch ideas. 3D artists can explore AI-generated backgrounds while keeping their vision at the center.

Artists: Use AI as a digital sketchbook. It can generate new shapes, colors or compositions that ignite creativity, while your skill and interpretation shape the final work.

Collectors: Provenance includes the creative journey. Ask artists about how they blend traditional skill with digital or AI tools to bring more depth and meaning to their work.

Collectors: Collect a mix of traditional, digital and AI-based works. This balance reflects both timeless artistry and the exciting innovations of the future.

Artists and Collectors: The greatest value comes from the story, emotion and intention behind a piece. Technology enhances the process, but human artistry gives each work its lasting meaning.

by Preety Komal