As society becomes more reliant on technology, the emergence of digital art is continually evolving, much like the art movements of impressionism, expressionism, and surrealism.
However, in comparing the value of physical artworks to GIFs (Graphics Interchange Format), society has created a difficult market for digital works of art to earn or generate value. There are galleries to display paintings and sculptures, where people can physically see the hours utilized to create the artworks. However, to exhibit digital art requires the internet, which is accessible to most. Regardless, the best experience requires a means to create an immersive experience, such as a virtual world. But then this leaves auctioning off your digital artwork unattainable, as the buyer may not have the means to display it in the desired way.
Conversely, I believe that the growth and ease that coincides with technology impedes the value and time set to create digital artworks. Therefore, looking at the "Ballon Dog Deflated" GIF, which aimed to sell for $5,800, seems excessive, but looking back at the first GIF made in 1987 of "a clip art airplane soaring through a pixelated sky," it's evident that digital art has come a long way.
While aiming to auction off an easily accessible and imitable GIF for thousands of dollars might be more of a statement, as mentioned by Garber in the Article "The Most Expensive GIF of All Time' Is Being Sold For $5,800." Nevertheless, I do believe that digital art has the potential to be auctioned at the artists asking price in the future as society begins to learn and appreciate the skill and internal value of digital art; however, the practicality of the art will differ from physical paintings.
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