4 Key Changes in Art, Law, and Technology Over the Past Few Months -fall 2024 edition-

Summer is officially over. Back to the gloomy weather and rainy jackets, but never to the old us. Here are four changes in this passionate intersection: art, law and tech (and my journey in it).

1. The Slowdown of NFTs: End of a Bubble or Market Reconfiguration?

In recent months, the NFT market has experienced a noticeable slowdown, particularly in terms of sales and commercial interest. Factors such as oversupply, uncertainty around return on investment (ROI), post-pandemic inflation, ongoing copyright issues, and the drop in Ethereum prices have contributed to this decline.

But does this signify the end of the NFTs? I believe it’s too early to declare it over. NFTs are still an emerging field, and there’s much left to discover. Beyond just the art market, NFTs will likely find their place in other industries and use cases. Once trust is built—especially from a legal and security standpoint—there’s potential for NFTs to rise again, perhaps in a more stable and sustainable way than we saw during the pandemic frenzy.

2. Galleries and Museums Continue to Bet on Technology

Despite the NFT slowdown, technology remains a key player in the art world, particularly within galleries and museums. Many have embraced tech to create immersive experiences and improve accessibility to art. From augmented reality exhibitions to virtual museum tours, institutions are rethinking how we engage with art.

In my experience living in London, I’ve had the opportunity to converse with several galleries over the past few years. Many navigated the intersection of tech and art with uncertainty, experimenting daily. Some impressed me with their passion and willingness to take risks. Others, however, were less prepared—somewhat passive, and their failure to address legal issues led to their closure. Their struggles are a reminder that the legal groundwork is crucial as galleries move into this new digital age.

I believe these past experiences, though challenging, are valuable stepping stones. They offer a chance for galleries to reimagine their role and impact as we move towards 2025. I plan to explore more from a business perspective how NFT galleries could approach this tech wave with greater foresight.

3. Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges for Art

AI is revolutionising the art world, both in the creation of new works and in legal considerations. While AI-generated art is gaining attention, the ethical dilemmas surrounding authorship and originality continue to stir debate. Additionally, the European Union recently introduced a framework addressing AI in creative industries, attempting to balance innovation with necessary regulation.

"I’ve mentioned in previous blog posts, education is key—understanding the basics of legal frameworks (not just for artists, but also for app developers and tech innovators) is critical".

For artists and industry professionals, this presents both opportunities and challenges. As I’ve mentioned in previous blog posts, education is key—understanding the basics of legal frameworks (not just for artists, but also for app developers and tech innovators) is critical. AI art isn’t about making easy money; it’s about navigating the complexities of authorship and value. At the end of the day, artworks that maintain a clear sense of authorship will continue to stand out.

The EU’s recent framework is a promising start—it’s practical without being overly intrusive, but there’s still work to be done. Those of us in the art world need to educate ourselves and play an active role in shaping these emerging channels of artistic expression.

4. Personal Reflection: Law as a Mirror of Society in Art

Beyond intellectual property law, I see law and art as reflections of society. Both fields serve as frameworks through which we explore, question, and understand human behaviour and culture. They evolve alongside us, shaping and being shaped by our collective experience.

Over the past months, I’ve reflected on how deeply art has transformed my life. Each question I ask myself leads me to execute projects with greater clarity. Juliana Boom, my ongoing project, isn’t just about creating art to sell. It’s about living through art—finding peace in knowing that my journey in this world is one of joy, learning, and connection. Ultimately, I believe art brings us together, and that’s why I remain committed to it. It excites me to think about helping others experience their own stories through art, if that’s what moves them.

Wrapping up:

The intersections of art, law, and technology are evolving rapidly, but they’re not disconnected. Whether we’re exploring the future of NFTs, AI’s role in creativity, or the legal frameworks that support the art world, one thing is clear: these fields are all reflections of our society and its constant state of change.

As we navigate this new season of innovation and reflection, my goal is to continue exploring how these areas interact—and to encourage others to think deeply about how art, law, and technology shape our world. Whether through personal experiences or the broader industry trends, I believe we’re all connected by the art we create, the laws we follow, and the technology we embrace. Here’s to the journey ahead.

Thank you.

Juliana

Week 12:

In recent months, I've found myself immersed in a period of exploration, where my artistic journey has led me down uncharted paths. This phase, though disconcerting at times, has become a canvas for transformation. Doubts about my abilities occasionally creep in, and there are moments when I look back at my work and no longer recognise the artist I once was. It's not a crisis, nor is it a motivational tale. These are just musings, fragments of thoughts that haven't yet found their place.

I've come to embrace this messy, undefined space. There's no rush to find all the answers now; instead, I'm allowing myself the freedom to experiment, to indulge in this chaos. What do I want to share with you in this moment? Is it the evolution of my skills in oils, or perhaps, it's the mundane beauty of my everyday life - cooking, simply being human? Everything we do creates something, leaves an imprint, even in moments of apparent stillness.

This message carries no definitive solutions, only dreams, actions, and sometimes, whimsical choices. My thoughts spill out, often too numerous to process in one sitting. I sense their presence, like whispers near my ear, but decoding them all remains a challenge. Through this blog, I want to convey that while tangible creations might be sparse right now, my mind is always at work, continuously evolving, perpetually aware - or at least, striving to be. I'm constructing a life where my art can open doors that words cannot, where my existence isn't that of an outsider, not in Britain, nor in the intricate tapestry of this life. And in this process, I cherish the memories of my furry companion, finding solace in the delicate balance between exploration and rootedness.

In the messiness of uncertainty, where ideas collide and doubts surface, there's a peculiar beauty. It's the raw, unscripted essence of life and creation. We all go through phases of not knowing, of feeling adrift in our thoughts. These moments don't make us lost; instead, they remind us that being unsure is a part of the process. We're here not just to have it all figured out but to wrestle with the unknown, to question, and to explore. So, here's to embracing the confusion, to the uncharted waters that lead us to unexpected discoveries. Let's navigate this together, finding solace in our shared journey of unraveling life's mysteries.

The Significance of Documenting Artistic Work in the Age of New Technologies

The views expressed in this blog are personal opinions and not a legal concept.

As artists, the process of documenting our work holds great importance, offering numerous benefits such as gaining insights into our creative journey, sharing our progress with the community, and understanding how the process contributes to the final masterpiece. In this blog, we will explore the value of documenting our artistic endeavours, with a particular focus on the cautious approach required when integrating new technologies into our artistic process.

The Importance of Documentation:

Documenting our artistic process provides us with invaluable insights. It allows us to revisit our journey, learning from our successes and challenges along the way. Moreover, sharing this documentation with our community enhances transparency and fosters a deeper connection with our audience. Often, the documentation itself becomes a form of art, complementing the final piece and giving it greater context and meaning.

Navigating Copyright Challenges with New Technologies:

As technology continues to revolutionise the artistic landscape, copyright issues have become more complex and nuanced. Many new technologies challenge traditional notions of authorship, leading to uncertainties surrounding copyright ownership. In the absence of clear-cut rules, it is imperative that artists take precautionary measures to protect their work.

Given that copyright laws typically grant protection to creations made by human beings, it becomes vital for artists experimenting with new technologies to have well-documented evidence of their creative process. By diligently recording each step and iteration, artists provide crucial evidence that can support their claims of authorship and originality. This documentation becomes a key asset should any legal disputes arise, providing a solid foundation for institutions and courts to make informed rulings.

Documenting our artistic journey is not only a means of understanding our creative process but also a form of safeguarding our work in the ever-evolving world of new technologies. By carefully preserving evidence of our artistic contributions, we strengthen our position as artists and creators. As the boundaries of copyright law continue to be tested, having well-documented proof of our creative journey becomes an essential shield in protecting our rights and asserting our artistic identity.

In conclusion, let us embrace the practice of documenting our work with diligence and dedication. Not only does it offer personal and artistic growth, but it also ensures that our creative legacy remains protected and respected in the face of technological advancements. As we navigate the uncharted waters of the digital age, the act of documentation becomes a powerful tool, strengthening the foundation of our artistic vision and leaving a lasting impact on the world of art.

How do you approach the documentation of your artistic process in this digital age? Are there any unique challenges you've encountered when using new technologies, and how do you protect your creative work in light of evolving copyright issues? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below!