The Future of Art According to Simon Denny

In his heavily research-based practice, artist Simon Denny examines the impact of technological advancements on global economics, society, and politics. Born in New Zealand and based out of Berlin, Denny first rose to prominence at the Venice Biennale in 2015, where his sculptural installations in the Marco Polo airport and a Renaissance-era library utilized the graphic designs used within the NSA to explore issues around mass surveillance and national identity. For recent exhibitions, he has reconfigured board games like Settlers of Catan and The Game of Life to reflect the mythologies and values that underpin the culture of Big Tech.

In Artsy’s latest “Future of Art” episode, Denny discusses how the rise of the internet has transformed the media industry, shifting the balance of power between journalists and their audience. What if museums and other cultural institutions also began programming on the basis of audience data? As Denny sees it, this kind of change could radically alter the curatorial networks that sustain the art world—for better or for worse.

Director: William Silva Reddington

Executive Producers: Matt McLaughlin and Andrew Simkiss

Head of Production: Devin Tusa

Director of Photography: Baldur Eythorsson

Line Producer: Zein Zubi

Editor: William Silva Reddington

Assistant Editor: Lucas Lobe

Music: “Tuur Mang Welten” by Niklas Paschbur. Composed by Niklas Paschburg. Copyright Control. Courtesy of Unperceived in association with !K7 Music

Colorist: Carlos Flores

Sound Design and Mix: Bobb Barito

Production Team for Artsy:

Marina Cashdan, VP, Editorial & Creative

Demie Kim, Associate Project Manager

Molly Gottschalk, Lead Visuals Editor

Casey Lesser, Lead Editor, Contemporary Art & Creativity

Daniel Calderwood, Designer