S T E V E    D A N Z I G    

 

 

Steve Danzig is a leading Australian and International (digital) artist. He is the Director for World Digital Art.com, International Digital Art Awards, Board member for the International Association of Computer Graphics, recent exhibitor/educator at the 2001 Information Visualization Conference London, enjoys working partnerships with the likes of Laurence Gartel, US artist and early pioneer of the digital art genre - famous for his ABSOLUT GARTEL campaign for ABSOLUT VODKA, and exhibits and lectures internationally.

His work is more about a philosophical construct of image production rather than just a technical explanation of how to create a digital image via photo editing software like Photoshop (that's not to take anything away from the value of Photoshop) and perhaps in part will define the nature of digital fine art. It is important to understand that the creation of a contextual and intellectual framework for a piece happens before any work is done on it. This differs from the equally valid 'lets make a pretty picture' and 'lets experiment and see what results' approaches to digital art. In this approach to making art the process starts with a concept.

"Within the digital creative matrix is human consciousness that still must deal with the same traditional processes of understanding line, color theory and subject matter - its linear function is the same by definition as traditional means and can be judged and valued accordingly. Technology (hardware and software) provides tools for production but upholding art's noble savagery is about the artists ability to communicate effectively, visually and cognitively. Digital art goes beyond process by establishing a synergy within the creative context and technology. The new found potential to totally 'deconstruct' an image and then to recontextualize it has given digital art an ideal construct for a post-modernist age." says Danzig

Much has been written about Steve Danzig's work and perhaps JD Jarvis' (a leading US art critic) review of his latest two part series Death and Search for Self & the New Humanism eloquently sums it up: "The willingness to exploit and exhibit the digital tool's ability to create multiple versions of a composition is also refreshing and I believe adds intellectual weight to the concept of the work. This work clearly emerges from a unique person using a unique tool to create work that is both personal and at the same time universal."

There are 4 main styles represented within the digital genre: "Photo-manipulation", "Machine Art", "Natural Media", and "Digital Synthesis" with 2 sub group styles of active and interactive production (however you will need to go to Steve's web site for a comprehensive definition of digital styles - www.worlddigitalart.com). Steve Danzig's digital art crosses photo-manipulation and natural media with an interest in animation.

You will notice a painterly effect in some of the earlier works and not surprising as Steve studied traditional media in Australia and Paris. You can see influences of Francis Bacon, Max Ernst and Lucian Freud's confronting realism embedded deep within Steve's artistic psyche. In short his images play on "dark" emotional themes and accompanied by artists from the Post Post modern era, like Peter-Joel Witkin and Alessandro Bavari, they are carrying on the traditions of "art-par-excellence" in non-traditional styles - digital fine art has emerged!

"The work is a visual journey and investigation about perception, nature and human behavior by integrating areas of Jungian thought; i.e. self, wounding, narcissism, shadow, ego, truth and in part the writings of Thomas Moore, American author of 'Care Of The Soul' and other titles. It explores a psychological intellection of personal relationships that exist within the "self", family matrix and the impact of religious ideology within those relationships and society; "The Holy Father, the Blessed Virgin, and humanism".

The work invites the subconscious to explore its own perception of the Self. The digital platform, incorporating multiple layers of photography and other media to demonstrate themes of iconic value and satire, will define the fragility of Self. Each artwork constructs a play to incite an emotional response to the viewer's own journey. "Subsequently, it will encourage a dialogue for the viewers whose conclusion and outcome of the work will be valid and correct" - says Danzig

We can quickly work out that to understand a Danzig image requires a dedicated emotional and intellectual investment. Technically he likes to keep production simple, clean and using only key elements. Steve prints exclusively with Epson products and uses a 7500 ProGraphic 6 color printer on Premium semi-gloss paper. Through recent development of archival technology (producing light-fast prints 200 years+) we now see major international art institutions fully engaging digital fine art as a genuine discipline with important collectable value.

Steve Danzig's web site

email: Steve