THE INTERSECTION OF ART AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY IN NIGERIAN ART PRACTICE

Abstract

The emergence and application of digital technology have greatly revolutionized the process of design and art practice generally. Digital technologies have become an integral part of contemporary art practice to the degree that traditional techniques are on the verge of less patronage in the age of artificial Intelligence that offers the luxury of speed, precision and reproduction. This integration of technology into art-making results in varied applications locally and globally, giving rise to diverse forms of digital expression. In Nigeria for instance, artists have employed the potential of digital tools to explore and maintain the rich and diverse Nigerian cultural heritage and traditional aesthetics. This paper draws from the works of these artists to advance the creative potential of technology for fostering indigenous aesthetics. Through a literature review and interviews with artists, designers and cultural practitioners, this paper establishes the contributions of selected artists to the ongoing digital revolution. By exploring the intersections and interactions between these domains, the paper seeks to contribute to ongoing scholarly discourse on the role of technology in fostering creativity, innovation, and cultural exchange in contemporary Nigerian society.