New Feelings

The artwork genres listed in the entry guidelines for the Art Division are interactive art, media installations, video works, video installations, graphic art (illustrations, pho- tographs, computer graphics, etc.), internet art, media performances, etc. Video works run the gamut from documentary to animation, while media art presents expressions through new technologies and pursues their ideation. The form and technology of works are limitless. Given that the derivation of art is said to be the Latin word for technology, on reflection, the works in the Art Division presenting technology and devices are art that three-dimensionally emerge from methods of limitless expression. In fact, in this festival I was able to encounter many works possessing this power.However, this time I felt anew that such works are extremely subtle and present a technical issue to the viewer as to just how accurately one can understand them based on online video recordings and data. While advancements in media allow the collection of nearly 2,000 pieces from almost 100 countries, perhaps out- standing works contemplating the nature of media itself are not fully communicated due to their progressive- ness. Above all, pursuing the bare expression of the work and the concept of media may result in something beyond the conventional concept of the work of art.The artist creates art for him or herself and can only wonder whether it will resonate with the viewer. It is not as if the artwork is good if there are many admirers, and it is somewhat suspect to say that a piece is excellent because an expert says so. That is exactly what history has taught us. Art is not a sport, and there are no intrin- sic relative merits.Everything is a mystery, and that is why there is art. There are various time differences in the tremulousness of the empathy that is communicating something from me to another. I would like to consider the extended meaning of media art, including all the time differences and discrepancies of light, air, era, particles, gravity, magic, and divine power. Assessments in art festivals like this one are ideal opportunities to connect with oth- ers, and at the same time they suggest the limitations of contemporary media.