The world wide web’s potential as an information superhighway for the masses in generating discussion, debate and participation challenges the singular authoritarian status held by the powers of the state and corporate economy. In the art world, the rhizomic nature of the web has enabled any artist with a decent sized modem access to an audience without the need for a middle man. Is this trend revolutionizing the art world? How is virtual space transforming the production and distribution of art?
For artists the possibility of reaching a global audience, unrestricted by art galleries or a middle-man is liberating. According to Jon Ippolito, an artist and curator at the Guggenheim Museum, the online art community (which has developed largely outside the reach of established galleries and dealers) has surprised sellers and curators with its popularity and global following. In many cases, more people are surfing respected Internet art sites than physically visiting galleries. Where previously the authorities of art were the domain of dealers and art galleries, the Internet has enabled artists to empower themselves and reap the financial rewards.
