Final answer:
Digital art is an art form that utilizes digital technology as a fundamental part of the creative and production process, encompassing a variety of types like digital paintings, 3D computer graphics, and virtual reality. It has transformed traditional artistic practices and is extensively used in mainstream media.
Step-by-step explanation:
The art form created with the aid of computer technology is referred to as digital art. Digital art employs digital technology as an essential component in the artistic creation process. It can manifest in various forms, such as digital installations, virtual reality, net art, and computer-generated animations. 3D computer graphics and digital paintings are common examples of digital art. This art form can be entirely generated by a computer or derived from other sources, like scanned images, that are further manipulated using graphics software.
Since the 1970s, digital art has evolved and is now known by several names, including computer art and multimedia art, all encompassed under the new media art category. The impact of digital technology on traditional artistic practices like painting, sculpture, and drawing is profound — enabling new art forms such as digital installation art and virtual reality to gain recognition as legitimate art forms. The software used to create digital art enables both two-dimensional and three-dimensional design capabilities, sometimes even allowing viewers to interact with or contribute to the final artwork.
Additionally, techniques of digital art are increasingly utilized within mainstream media, including advertisements and filmmaking, where terms like computer-generated imagery (CGI) describe the special effects created for movies and television. Real-time generative art, fractal art, and algorithmic art also fall under the digital art category, showcasing how complex codes and mathematical algorithms translate into visually striking artworks.