For nearly three decades, the Austrian artist LIA has established herself as a pioneering figure in the realms of software and net art, continually pushing the boundaries of what digital expression can achieve. Her work is characterized by a unique ability to transform lines of code into captivating generative multimedia experiences that engage the viewer on multiple levels. However, even for an artist as immersed in the evolving landscape of digital creativity as LIA, the need for a break eventually became unavoidable. The outcome of this reflection and necessity was a transformative sabbatical, culminating in a new piece of work aptly titled Sabbatical.
LIA's choice to embark on a sabbatical was not merely a spontaneous decision borne from a fleeting urge; rather, it represented a long-overdue opportunity to step away from the incessant demands of technology. This time away would allow her to delve into personal projects, reconnect with her creative instincts, and fully engage with life beyond the screen. "After almost 30 years of non-stop creating, I felt like I had earned a little breathing room," she reflected. This significant departure unfolded over five months in New Zealand, where she and her husband found the ideal environment to recharge. The tranquil landscapes and cultural richness freed her from the pressures of work obligations and the complexities that arise from juggling time zones. This deliberate disconnection from her digital routine laid the groundwork for a fresh, invigorated perspective upon her eventual return to practice. While LIA's artistic methodology deeply engages with the intricate relationship between the artist and machine, her hiatus did not fundamentally alter this interaction. "My process is still the same: I start with an idea, I begin programming, then the machine inevitably does something unexpected,” she explains, illuminating the harmonious yet sometimes chaotic dance between her intentions and the unpredictable outcomes of the code. This continuous negotiation between allowing the machine to take the lead in the creative process and guiding it back toward her artistic vision remains central to her work, demonstrating that even a significant period away from her studio couldn’t disrupt her established methodology.
One of the more intricate challenges within the realm of generative art is discerning when a piece truly reaches completion. With Sabbatical, LIA took an intuitive approach to this question: "A piece is finished when I feel genuinely happy with it - when I reach a point where, in that moment, I can't think of anything more to add." Despite this guiding principle, she acknowledges the inherently fluid nature of digital work. Oftentimes, she finds herself revisiting previous projects with new perspectives, leading her to make adjustments that better reflect her evolving artistic sensibilities and viewpoints.Upon her return to artistic practice in April 2024, LIA brought back not only a renewed sense of energy but also a reinforced understanding of the historical context of digital art. Her time away reaffirmed her conviction that the affinity for digital art transcends mere technology. "Weaving, for example, is a form of algorithmic art, as are many traditions based on numerical patterns," she observed. "The tools may change, but the fundamental ideas remain the same." This insight serves to emphasize the continuity of generative principles throughout cultures and across various eras, illustrating how these concepts transcend the limitations of the digital medium itself.
While Sabbatical emerged as a significant product of her period of creative renewal, LIA remains acutely aware of the challenges associated with extended artistic hiatuses. "Taking time off was amazing, but disappearing for too long comes with its own challenges," she admits, indicating the nuanced balancing act between rest and artistic engagement. Although the prospect of navigating another sabbatical is appealing, the importance of remaining connected to the vibrant artistic community makes balancing rejuvenation with active participation essential. "If I want another sabbatical, I might need to work non-stop for another 30 years to afford it," she jokes, highlighting the complexities of a life devoted to art.
In essence, Sabbatical is far more than just a single piece of artwork; it symbolizes the profound value of taking a step back, reevaluating one’s creative trajectory, and returning with newfound insights. For LIA, this entire experience underscored the intricate interplay between rest and creativity, ultimately revealing that sometimes, the most effective way forward is to pause and take a deep breath, allowing for reflection and renewal.