The Blanton Museum of Art in Austin has launched 'Run the Code: Data-Driven Art Decoded,' a major exhibition featuring over 20 digital artworks produced between 2004 and 2022. On loan from the Thoma Foundation, the collection includes pieces by prominent figures such as teamLab, Leo Villareal, and Marina Zurkow that utilize coding, real-time data, and generative AI. The show highlights the evolution of digital practice in the "post-social media era," ranging from interactive installations to algorithmic critiques of environmental and social issues.
This exhibition is significant for its exploration of how algorithms and data sets serve as contemporary artistic mediums, challenging traditional definitions of creativity. By timing the opening to coincide with the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, the Blanton Museum positions itself at the center of Austin's thriving tech and culture intersection. It underscores the growing institutional recognition of digital art and the importance of private foundations, like the Thoma Foundation, in preserving and promoting technology-based art history.