From immaterial to tangible, the digital photograph as a hybrid piece of art

Abstract

This text describes some possibilities of expanding the materiality of a digital photograph,using digital fabrication tools.

The goal of such expansion would be to widen the perception of photographs as art pieces.

The post-digital is being reviewed as the current context for any artistic work, which would be interested in integrating the digital domain into the physical.

The main proposition is that embracing the manipulability of digital photography, and adding physicality to it, could enable the development of novel types of hybrid interdisciplinary artworks. These pieces could dissolve further the traditional divisions between artistic mediums.

The topic is examined in practice through three personal works of art, created in the period 2015-2017. Experimentation with 3d printing, CNC-millng and mixing digital photography with basic electronics lead to the realisation of the pieces.

Additionally, describing and analysing the process of their creation could help outline the role of technology in shaping the final appearance of such a hybrid artwork.