Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

The impact of digital technology on the production of art has been profound. Traditional activities such as painting and sculpture have been radically transformed by digital techniques and media, while entirely new forms, such as net art, digital installation and virtual reality have emerged as recognized artistic practices.

Digital artists themselves are often at the forefront of creative experimentation, relentlessly pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and exploring some of the most urgent social and political issues facing humankind today.

This, the first full-size illustrated survey of digital art, presents the work of over one hundred artists from around the world. Following an introduction that traces the history of digital art, the book goes on to consider all its major genres, from digital imaging, installation and animation to the more nebulous worlds of software and net art.

Each chapter illustrates key works by both established and emerging figures, while personal statements from the artists offer revealing insights into their inspirations and methods. A conclusion speculates on what the future might bring for this rapidly changing art form.

With a comprehensive reference section that includes a year-by-year timeline of breakthroughs in digital art, an extensive bibliography, a list of artists' websites' and online projects, and a glossary of digital terms, Art of the Digital Age is an essential guide for everyone interested in culture and creativity in the digital world.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Preface (p. 7)
• Chapter 1 An Overview of Digital Art (p. 8)
• Chapter 2 Digital Imaging (p. 32)
• Chapter 3 Digital Sculpture (p. 76)
• Chapter 4 Digital Installation and Virtual Reality (p. 98)
• Chapter 5 Performance, Music and Sound Art (p. 122)
• Chapter 6 Digital Animation and Video (p. 142)
• Chapter 7 Software, Database and Game Art (p. 164)
• Chapter 8 Net Art (p. 184)
• Chapter 9 The Future of Digital Art (p. 206)
• A Timeline of Digital Art and Technology (p. 210)
• Glossary (p. 212)
• Further Reading (p. 214)
• Digital Art Resources (p. 215)
• Artists' websites (p. 216)
• Image Credits (p. 218)
• Index (p. 222)

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Library Journal Review

This aptly named book provides a broad overview and sampling of digital art. Editor Wands (chair, master of fine arts computer art department, Sch. of Visual Arts; Digital Creativity) ably traces the history of digital art, then outlines in several chapters various areas of the field digital imaging; digital sculpture; digital installation and virtual reality; performance, music, and sound art; software, database, and game art; "net art"; and the future of digital art. Each chapter includes a sampling of photographs by emerging and established artists, although the field is so new that it appears to be difficult to make an honest distinction. There is a bit of a techie tone to the writing and imagery, but the insights are intriguing, and the art itself 250 illustrations in all is strikingly original. As the publisher contends, this beautifully designed and printed book is curiously the first major illustrated survey of digital art. Included are a bibliography, a time line, a glossary, suggestions for further reading, a detailed index, and web sites for digital art resources, as well as web sites of digital artists. This large-format collection is highly recommended, especially for photography and art collections in large public and academic libraries. Raymond Bial, First Light Photography, Urbana, IL (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

CHOICE Review

More than 100 artists are represented in this readable, handsome survey of digital art that updates in larger format similar titles on this subject: Digital Art, by Christiane Paul (2003), and Internet Art, by Rachel Greene (CH, Nov'04, 42-1344). Wands (School of Visual Arts, New York), author of Digital Creativity (2001), and digital artist and educator for the past two decades, begins this survey of an evolving, experimental, and elusive medium with an essay contextualizing digital art with a historical overview. Individual chapters then focus on one of the medium's many diverse forms: digital sculpture; digital installation and virtual reality; performance, music, and sound art; animation and video; software, database, and game art; and Internet art. In addition to a historical review, these chapters spotlight key artists and seminal works. The final chapter, "The Future of Digital Art," offers speculation about the impact of emerging technologies and a brief look at the important but often overlooked topic of preservation. Supplements include a useful "Timeline of Digital Art and Technology," a glossary, a list of Web sites featuring digital art resources, and a list of artist Web sites. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. All levels. E. H. Teague University of Oregon