In the heart of London’s art scene, Frieze London 2024 spotlights the intersection of data, digital technology, and artistic expression, mirroring CVAN London’s timely “Data Matters” initiative.

As we navigate this digital renaissance, it becomes increasingly clear that data is not merely a tool but a fundamental medium reshaping the visual arts.

By Sanaz Amidi, October 2024

The Blend of Art and Data

The fusion of art and data has emerged as a powerful force in contemporary creativity. Artists are harnessing vast datasets to explore pressing issues such as surveillance, privacy, and algorithmic biases. This trend is particularly significant for CVAN London’s audience of artists, policymakers, and cultural institutions, as data-driven art has the potential to influence public discourse and shape policy decisions.

Frieze London 2024 offers a glimpse into the future of artistic practice. The fair’s Focus section, dedicated to emerging talents, showcases a new generation of artists fluent in the language of data and digital media.

Highlights from Frieze London 2024

This year’s standout works demonstrate the diverse applications of digital technology in art. 

Lawrence Lek, winner of the Frieze London 2024 Artist Award, presents an immersive installation that blends virtual reality and speculative fiction, exploring themes of artificial intelligence and future cityscapes.

Nina Davies, featured by Seventeen Gallery, offers a thought-provoking examination of digital interfaces and their impact on human perception. Her work challenges viewers to consider how our daily interactions with screens shape our understanding of the world.

Jacolby Satterwhite‘s “New World Order” at Kadel Willborn’s booth is a testament to the power of 3D animation in addressing social issues. This holographic installation, part of his “A Metta Prayer” series, uses video game aesthetics to create a space of love and resilience for marginalised communities.

Paul Pfeiffer, presented by Thomas Dane Gallery, continues his exploration of media culture through digitally manipulated video works, offering a critical perspective on our image-saturated society.

A highlight of the fair is the inclusion of John Akomfrah‘s work. The British-Ghanaian artist, known for his multi-screen video installations, presents a powerful piece that weaves together archival footage, original film, and soundscapes. Akomfrah’s work exemplifies how digital technologies can be harnessed to explore complex historical narratives and contemporary issues, particularly those related to race, migration, and climate change.

Perhaps the most data-centric work at the fair is Ryoji Ikeda‘s “data.gram” series, showcased by TARO NASU.  This audio-visual symphony transforms scientific data from sources like CERN and NASA into a mesmerising sensory experience, bridging the gap between the visible and invisible dimensions of our world.

Connecting with Diverse Audiences through Digital Art

The interactive nature of many digital artworks at Frieze London 2024 shows the medium’s unique ability to engage diverse audiences. Visitors find themselves not just viewing art but participating in immersive experiences that challenge perceptions and provoke thought.

Ikeda’s “data.gram”, for instance, offers a compelling example of how data visualisation can make complex scientific concepts accessible and aesthetically captivating. By translating vast datasets into visual and auditory experiences, Ikeda’s work invites viewers to contemplate the hidden structures that underpin our existence.

Looking Ahead

For artists, the integration of digital technology opens new avenues for creative expression and audience engagement. Collaborations with tech experts and data scientists are becoming increasingly valuable, offering opportunities to push the boundaries of artistic practice.

Policymakers should take note of this digital shift in the art world. Supporting digital art initiatives and fostering partnerships between cultural and tech sectors could drive innovation and position the UK as a leader in this emerging field.

Visual arts organisations and museums must continue to adapt to these technological advancements to remain relevant and engaging. Incorporating digital elements into exhibitions and programmes can attract new audiences and offer fresh perspectives on traditional art forms.