The Sensual Side of Technology: Exploring Artificial Arousal in Art
Technology and art have always had a complex and ever-evolving relationship. From the invention of the camera to the rise of digital art, technology has continuously pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the world of art. And now, with the advancements in artificial intelligence and virtual reality, technology has taken on a new role in the realm of arousal and sexuality.
The concept of artificial arousal in art may seem like a futuristic and controversial topic, but it has been explored by artists for decades. In this blog post, we will delve into the history of artificial arousal in art, the role of technology in creating and experiencing it, and the current state of this emerging genre.
The History of Artificial Arousal in Art
The idea of creating arousal through artificial means is not a new one. In fact, it dates back to ancient times when sculptures and paintings depicting sexual acts were used for entertainment and arousal. However, it was not until the 20th century that technology began to play a significant role in this area of art.
One of the earliest examples of artificial arousal in art can be seen in the surrealist movement of the 1920s. Surrealist artists like Salvador Dali and Max Ernst used dream-like imagery and Freudian theories of sexuality to create provocative and often unsettling works of art. This use of technology, specifically in the form of photography and film, allowed for a more realistic and immersive experience for the viewer.
Fast forward to the 1960s, and we see the emergence of pop art, which also utilized technology to explore themes of sexuality and arousal. Pop artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein incorporated elements of mass media, such as advertisements and comic books, into their work. This blending of technology and art challenged traditional notions of beauty and sexuality, paving the way for the future of artificial arousal in art.
The Role of Technology in Creating and Experiencing Artificial Arousal

The Sensual Side of Technology: Exploring Artificial Arousal in Art
As technology continued to advance, so did the ways in which artists could create and experience artificial arousal. With the rise of digital art, artists were able to manipulate and enhance images and create immersive experiences for their viewers. This opened up a whole new world of possibilities for exploring themes of sexuality and arousal in art.
One of the most significant advancements in technology for this genre is the use of virtual reality. With VR technology, artists can create fully immersive and interactive experiences that engage all of the senses, including touch. This allows for a heightened level of arousal and intimacy that was previously impossible to achieve through traditional mediums.
The current state of Artificial Arousal in Art
As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, so does the genre of artificial arousal in art. Artists today are using a combination of AI, VR, and other advanced technologies to create mind-bending and boundary-pushing works of art.
One recent example of this is the work of artist and researcher LaTurbo Avedon. Avedon creates digital avatars and immersive experiences that explore themes of sexuality and identity in the digital age. Their work blurs the lines between the real and the virtual, challenging traditional notions of arousal and intimacy.
Another current event that is relevant to this topic is the controversy surrounding the virtual influencer Lil Miquela. Lil Miquela, a digital avatar created by the company Brud, has amassed a large following on social media and has been involved in collaborations with major brands. The controversy arises from the fact that Lil Miquela is not a real person, but a computer-generated image, yet she is often portrayed in a sexualized manner. This has sparked discussions about the ethics of creating and sexualizing virtual beings.
In summary, the intersection of technology and art has given rise to the genre of artificial arousal, which has a rich history and continues to push boundaries and challenge societal norms. From the surrealists of the past to the digital artists of today, artists have harnessed the power of technology to explore themes of sexuality and arousal in new and innovative ways. And as technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more groundbreaking and thought-provoking works of artificial arousal in the future.
Current Event Source: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/apr/23/lil-miquela-digital-humans-avatar-instagram-influencers