Join us for an enlightening journey on Phantom Astronaut as we unravel the ties between art and technology with our guest Emily Lawhead, a respected curator at the Utah Museum of Fine Art and one of the editors of the International Journal for Digital Art History. Delve into the power of technology as an influence and tool in modern and contemporary art practices, its role in social justice movements, politics, and its impact on our perception and definition of art in the digital age.

Explore the intriguing subtleties between modern and contemporary art in a visually evocative journey. Gain insight into the transition markers between art periods, the massive shift in art perspectives, and the influential roles of various artists like Marcel Duchamp. Discover how contemporary art reflects societal changes from technological advancements to economic shifts. We also discuss the unique challenge of art preservation in the ephemerality of digital medium.

This podcast episode opens a detailed conversation around the intricacies of art, including an exploration of the Gates installation in Central Park by Christo and Jean-Claude. Our hosts ponder over the true artist behind such an installation, the importance of documentation for the preservation of art, and the concept of art’s 'lifespan' using examples like Sol LeWitt's eternally redrawn drawings and the infamous banana taped to a wall.

We also navigate the art ecosystem from the perspective of budding artists. Gain insights from curators on how to discover talented artists and the importance of establishing relationships within art communities. The episode concludes with an exploration of art as a critique and reflection of the present world, emphasizing art's role in framing social consciousness and its intrinsic value as a record of our times. Join us for this enriching conversation.