Exploring Intermedia and Multimedia Art
Intermedia and Multimedia Art
A work that integrates different art forms is called intermedia. This includes visual art, sound art and moving images. It is a genre that was born out of Fluxus and coined by Dick Higgins.
Intermedia focuses on ideas, conceptual practice and contemporary art. This area of study is self-directed and students work in a Media Arts/Intermedia studio approach.
Definition
The terms intermedia and multimedia are often used interchangeably, but the two have distinct meanings. The differences between the two terms may be subtle, but understanding them can help individuals create more effective communication projects.
Intermedia is the most encompassing of the two terms, referring to works that integrate multiple media types into one piece. While both intermedia and multimedia can be applied to different types of art, it is important to differentiate between the two in order to avoid confusion and miscommunication.
Dick Higgins coined the term “intermedia” in the 1960s to describe the fusions of mediums in works produced by the Fluxus movement, such as Alison Knowles’ book/film/performance piece afternoon, a story and Nam June Paik
The emergence of new technologies, such as the personal video camera and subsequent developments in computer culture, has provided a new arena for intermedial explorations. As the paradigm shift toward digital convergence continues, some observers have begun to refer to intermedial work as
Exceptions
Some art forms are not considered intermedia or multimedia, such as paintings, sculptures, and other forms of traditional art. The use of intermedia or multimedia can also be determined by the context in which it is used. For example, in a classroom setting where the goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of a subject, multimedia may be more effective than intermedia.
Dick Higgins, a Fluxus artist and founder of Something Else Press, coined the term “intermedia” in 1965 to describe artistic fusions that exist between mediums. He and his neo-avant-garde cohorts imagined mediums as fluidly interrelated, a concept that was later embraced by Gene Youngblood in his “Intermedia” column for the Los Angeles Free Press beginning in 1967.
Two defining features of intermedia have remained constant since its inception: the notion that media is not to be defined or contained within genres, and an eager appropriation of new technologies. Artists working in this area are typically highly technically proficient and often view each project as a chance to learn a new skill.
Examples
The advent of digital software and platforms has brought new possibilities for intermedia and multimedia art. Artists now have the option to paint in virtual reality, build sculptures with 3D printers and create interactive experiences that respond to the viewer’s actions. In addition, they can also use modern mechanical and electronic components to enhance their work.
Dick Higgins coined the term “intermedia” in the 1960s to describe strategies of interdisciplinarity that occurred between artistic genres. His articulations of intermedia were meant to convince unsympathetic critics that artists like composers and poets working like sculptors and painters could indeed speak the languages of each other.
Multimedia is a dynamic form of artistic expression that blurs the lines between different mediums to engage the audience and tell a story. Whether you’re creating an art exhibit or designing a company’s marketing strategy, multimedia can help to capture attention and convey your message in a memorable way. Here are a few examples of intermedia and multimedia in action:
Applications
While multimedia is often the go-to word for projects that involve the use of multiple media types, intermedia can also be used. The choice between the two can depend on the goals of a specific communication project and the audience.
For example, a presentation focusing on data and statistics would be better suited to intermedia rather than multimedia. This is because the content would be more concise and less visually stimulating.
Another example would be a performance art piece that incorporates dance, music and projection art. While the lines between different art forms may be blurred, this piece is unique and engaging.
Intermedia art, as defined by Fluxus artist Dick Higgins in the 1960s, focuses on the fluid dialectic between media. This differs from the additive mixture of multimedia, which focuses on the static juxtaposition of modalities. This approach to art challenges the final categorical definitions of a particular medium such as painting, sculpture and music.