Naveed Miraj & Shahid Qureshi
ISLAMABAD: The Italian Embassy in Pakistan hosted an immersive digital art exhibition on Monday, introducing this innovative art form to the Pakistani audience.
Italian Ambassador Andreas Ferrarese, speaking at the event, expressed his pride in presenting this unique showcase of digital art to the public, highlighting its versatility and a wide range of possibilities.
Andreas Ferrarese also acknowledged the artwork of Stefano Fake, one of Italy’s celebrated digital artists. He praised Italy’s ability to blend historical heritage with new and creative arts, dispelling the notion that the country was solely associated with its past.
Stefano Fake, in his address, delved into the journey of digital art, which he began nearly 30 years ago. He described his transition from traditional art to digital tools in 1997, eventually establishing his studio in 2001, dedicated to creating immersive art experiences.
Stefano Fake an Italian Digital Art Pioneer
Fake emphasized that every era had its unique artistic tools, and digital art represented the current period’s creative expression. He stated, “The purpose of art is, after all, to create original and imaginative forms of aesthetic expression shared with a community through experiences and events.”
Stefano Fake’s early work in this field was initially met with skepticism, often being associated with music or youth-centric events. However, over time, digital art gained recognition and acceptance. His exhibitions now span the globe, from Germany to Colombia, and even recent showcases in Berlin and Shanghai.
One of Kake’s groundbreaking approaches was to immerse audiences in a digital environment, using video projection to transform spaces and even people.
He dispelled early concerns about safety and emphasized the combination of physical reality with digital art, creating immersive experiences that evolve and transcend traditional static forms of art.
The term “immersive art experiences” emerged, capturing the essence of their work, as it blends physical spaces, bodies, and digital artworks, making it a unique and ephemeral experience.
