About the Programme

As a cover term, new media joins practices of experimental electronic art that analyse critically and in a contextually sensitive way contemporary and historical technological culture via various interdisciplinary approaches. It is a creative practice in the field of fine arts and it incorporates the study of speciality theory and technological skills. Music and body art interconnect here with audiovisual and site-specific installation art, and sound art intertwines with interactive multimedia art. The development trajectory of new media technologies can be historically traced from kinetic, algorithmic and sound art to digital technologies that can encompass science art or media interventions, for example. As the interaction between the art work and viewer plays a crucial role in new media, it is often referred to as interactive art. This type of art makes viewers analyse both the physical and cultural dimensions of the art experience, and it gives them the opportunity to intervene in the art process in one way or another.

Nature, mentality and philosophy of the Chair of New Media

One of the most important work methods in new media is experimentation and the courage to take risks, and this often leads artists to invent new technologies for their original art techniques. It is important to point out that our culture has always been technological; some technologies that once were revolutionary have become so transparent and natural that we don’t even notice them. New media analyses the history of technological culture from the so-called media archaeological point of view. This approach helps to contextualise culture technologically – many cultural artefacts are in direct contact with their means of production. In addition, this approach makes it possible to transcend the apparent discord between the technological and so-called natural world. According to our understanding, humans are technological creatures who use technology for hearing, seeing, creating and communicating.

The Chair of New Media:

• is founded on the practice and interpretation of culture, technology, creative experimentation and cultural intervention;

• values the rhizomatic and non-hierarchic model of culture in which the experience of every individual is respected;

• respects individuality and a singular artistic vision, and abstains from the mainstream and obvious solutions;

• supports academic freedom in interpreting the world from a critical point of view without nurturing cultural models that hinder the natural and ready-for-risks development of arts.