London’s Tate Modern has unveiled “Electric Dreams: Art and Technology Before the Internet,” an ambitious exhibition that examines the fusion of art and technology in the pre-digital age. Running from November 28, 2024, to June 1, 2025, the exhibition brings together various artworks that reflect the dynamic interplay between artistic expression and technological innovation during the mid-20th century.
The exhibition spans from the post-war boom of the 1950s to the cusp of the internet era in the early 1990s, a period marked by rapid technological advancements and a burgeoning interest among artists in exploring new mediums. It features over 150 works from more than 70 artists worldwide, showcasing how machines and algorithms were employed to create mesmerizing and mind-bending art. Visitors can experience immersive sensory installations and automatically generated works that challenge traditional perceptions of art.
Highlights include Atsuko Tanaka’s “Electric Dress” (1956), a garment constructed from illuminated tubes and bulbs, reflecting the electrification of Osaka’s cityscape post-World War II. Harold Cohen’s pioneering AI art program, AARON, developed in the 1960s, is also featured, exemplifying early explorations into machine-generated art.
The exhibition is organized chronologically, guiding visitors through the evolution of electronic art. It begins with kinetic and optical artworks from the 1950s and 60s, progresses through cybernetic art from the late 1960s, and culminates with digital experiments from the 1970s and 80s. This structure illuminates the progression from room-sized computers to desktop devices, reflecting the rapid technological changes of the time.
“Electric Dreams” also emphasizes the collaborative spirit of the era, highlighting groups like New Tendencies, Zero, and Arte Programmata, who collectively explored the artistic potential of emerging technologies. The exhibition underscores how these artists reclaimed technological tools from industrial and military applications, steering them toward creative and social purposes.
Gucci supports the exhibition, marking the brand’s continued engagement with the art world. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to exploring the intersections of art, technology, and culture. “Electric Dreams” offers a comprehensive exploration of how artists anticipated the digital age, providing historical context to contemporary discussions about technology’s role in art. As technology continues to shape artistic practices, the exhibition serves as a reminder of the enduring dialogue between art and innovation.
