"What makes multimedia relevant to contemporary artists?"

The stereotype that often comes to mind about artists is that they are poor, tortured souls, who live in garrets in Paris, France and create provocative pieces that really make us think about the world we live in. The first part may or may not be true, but the second part seems to be the reason why throughout all extreme situations of human suffering and prosperity art has continually found a purpose. People today are constantly bombarded with technology. No longer is it the norm to let media to waft over you, it has become in your face, demanding interaction. With traditional media (canvass, paint, and marble) it would be hard for the contemporary artist to remain completely relevant. Technology has changed the way we live; it has changed the way we interact. Artists need to use electronic media not only to stay current, but also to help shape how technology becomes integrated in our lives. Artists provide an important service to society. They are the George Orwell's for lack of a better comparison. With new growth, new systems and traditions constantly being assimilated into everyday life, technology has the power to become something incredibly useful as well as destructive. It is imperative that artists continually use media not only to provoke questions about the art world (the proverbial what is art?) but also the more fundamental and important question of what is life?