“The Living End: Painting and Other Technologies, 1970-2020,” a new exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, delves into the intersection of art and technology. Curated by Jamillah James and Jack Schneider, the show explores how artists have responded to new technologies throughout history, particularly focusing on the impact of the Internet on artistic practices.
James, who has been contemplating the relationship between painting and technology for over a decade, highlights the ways in which artists have incorporated computers, cameras, television, social media, and automation into their work. The exhibition features a range of artists, including legends like John Baldessari, Carolee Schneemann, and Shigeko Kubota, as well as contemporary artists like Petra Cortright and Wade Guyton.
One of the key themes of the exhibition is the exploration of how artists have used technology to challenge traditional forms of art and to redefine the boundaries of painting. For example, Schneemann’s video piece, “Up to and Including Her Limits,” reimagines the process of mark-making by incorporating the female body as a creative force in painting.
The exhibition is organized thematically and chronologically, tracing the evolution of art in response to technological advancements. It moves from early computing technologies to work influenced by television, performance, and video. James hopes that audiences will be surprised by the connections between performance and video art and more traditional forms of painting.
While many of the themes explored in the exhibition are not new to the art world, James brings them together in a way that invites viewers to rethink the history of painting and its relationship to technology. By cutting off the exhibition at 2020, James emphasizes the importance of understanding the precedent and trajectory of artists exploring painting in the context of new technology.
“The Living End” challenges the notion of the death of painting and instead expands our understanding of the medium beyond its traditional boundaries. By showcasing how artists have embraced technology as a source of inspiration, the exhibition encourages viewers to consider the ways in which art continues to evolve in response to the world around us.
In a time when technology is ever-present in our lives, “The Living End” offers a glimpse into how artists have harnessed new technologies to push the boundaries of painting and create innovative and thought-provoking work. The exhibition invites viewers to consider the ways in which art and technology intersect, shaping our understanding of the world and our place within it.
