Reals illusions virtuality artifice

Abstract

In this article, representations of "real" are investigated in selected technological contexts. It is maintained that, at present, the prevalent technological sophistication in art-making processes creates diffused boundaries between notions of the real and the non-real due to the naturalism inherent in digital artmaking processes in which photographs or video often forms the 'raw' or foundation material. It is demonstrated that the development of photography as well as Surrealism as a stylistic movement have been key forces in the shaping of the current dominant mode of naturalism in visual expressions of virtuality and artifice.