The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City has long been at the forefront of contemporary art, embracing emerging forms of expression and fostering dialogues about the intersection of art and technology.

From interactive software to AI-generated art, MoMA’s commitment to innovation has established the museum as a significant champion of digital art.

This article celebrates the museum’s groundbreaking collection, its visionary exhibitions, and its enduring influence on the art world.

Digital Art Programming at MoMA

MoMA’s programming doesn’t just keep up with the times — it redefines them. Their permanent collection spotlights many talented new media artists and digital artworks that highlight the cultural significance of creative technology.

Unsupervised by Refik Anadol

Refik Anadol’s Unsupervised has been one of the most popular showcases of last year that proved MoMA’s dedication to promoting and supporting digital art. Anadol is an internationally acclaimed media artist who uses artificial intelligence to reimagine data as immersive visual experiences. For Unsupervised, he trained a sophisticated machine-learning model on the museum’s publicly available collection data, asking AI to interpret over 200 years of art. The result? A mesmerizing, fluid representation of the collection, continuously generating new forms in real time.

The project not only highlights the potential of AI as an artistic collaborator but also speaks to the evolving relationship between art, data, and technology. This groundbreaking piece aligns with MoMA’s role as a thought leader, exploring how AI can be both a creative tool and a commentary on the human-machine dynamic.

Refik Anadol. Sample data visualization of Unsupervised — Machine Hallucinations — MoMA. 2022. Data sculpture: custom software, generative algorithm with artificial intelligence (AI), real-time digital animation on LED screen, sound, dimensions variable. © Refik Anadol Studio

Everything Is Going to Be OK by Nathalie Lawhead

Nathalie Lawhead’s Everything Is Going to Be OK is a video game software that’s among MoMA’s digital storytelling archives. This interactive zine draws from Lawhead’s personal experiences with trauma, creating a chaotic yet meaningful narrative that explores resilience and coping mechanisms. Animated in an intentionally garish, early-internet style, the piece engages audiences on an intimately emotional level.

Everything Is Going to Be OK is only one of the interactive media works in MoMA’s collection. The museum demonstrates its commitment to showcasing art that not only embraces digital tools but also bringing works that use these tools to tackle complex social and psychological themes to mainstream attention.

*Everything Is Going to Be OK by Nathalie Lawhead*

Snake by Taneli Armanto

Yes, the iconic cellphone game is part of MoMA’s collection! A nostalgic nod to the origins of mobile gaming, Taneli Armanto’s Snake launched in 1997 on Nokia phones and was featured in MoMA’s Never Alone: Video Games and Other Interactive Design exhibition. This iconic game, a precursor to today’s mobile gaming industry, encapsulates the joy and ingenuity of early digital design.

Through exhibitions like this, MoMA explores how interactive media shapes our culture and technological expectations. Armanto’s creation serves as a cultural artifact, reminding us of how a simple black-and-white game transformed our relationship with technology and paved the way for mobile entertainment’s evolution.

Paola Antonelli

Paola Antonelli, Senior Curator of the Department of Architecture and Design and Director of Research and Development joined MoMA in 1994 and has been involved with the museum’s innovative programming ever since. Antonelli has expanded the definition of design to include everything from architecture to video games.

Antonelli’s vision is rooted in the belief that design and technology shape how we experience and understand the world. Under her guidance, MoMA has embraced projects that challenge traditional art forms, explore new technologies, and reflect on design’s impact on society. From acquiring video games like Pac-Man to championing digital art as a key aspect of contemporary culture, Antonelli ensures that MoMA stays at the forefront of the ever-evolving art landscape.

Her exhibitions often highlight the intersection of design with technology, biology, and popular culture. By championing these connections, Antonelli fosters a broader appreciation for digital art’s role in addressing the complexities of modern life.

The Importance of MoMA

As digital technology becomes increasingly central to contemporary life, MoMA’s embrace of digital art reflects its relevance in today’s cultural narrative. The museum not only celebrates innovation but also invites audiences to reflect on how technology shapes our perceptions, emotions, and realities.

Through visionary programming and new media acquisition, MoMA ensures that digital art holds a prominent place in the story of modern creativity. In the decades to come, digital art will undoubtedly play a central role in shaping the art world, and MoMA will remain at the forefront of this evolution — bridging the past, present, and future in its exploration of art and design.