The impact of ray tracing technology on digital art as an interdisciplinary practice

Digital art has emerged as a prominent and rapidly evolving field in recent years. While computers were initially perceived merely as spatial tools for shaping the visual world, the rise of autonomous systems, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) applications, and artificial intelligence has fundamentally shifted this perception. These technologies have transformed human visual perception and perspective, enabling individuals to create diverse imaginary universes within their minds and gain new experiences. Thanks to virtual platforms like the internet, art's integrative effect has grown; artists have transcended cultural boundaries to reach a global audience. The ability for users to construct their own worlds within their minds through autonomous systems, using our three-dimensionally perceived universe, is one of this transformation's most striking aspects. This thesis focuses on ray tracing technology as a tool endowed with mathematical precision and physical realism, highlighting its provision of new forms of expression for artists. The study aims to redefine the concept of "reality" through an interdisciplinary approach, bringing together art and science in light of contemporary art data. Findings from research, literature review, and practical application indicate that ray tracing technology marks an exciting era, inspiring future artistic creations. Beyond the core subjects of art, this approach is a significant development within innovative art, allowing different disciplines to reconcile art and aesthetics with science. This is achieved by bringing together the simulation of the external world and mental phenomena in a digital environment, thus simulating the real world. A key insight from this thesis is the imperative to question the relationship between the visible and the simulated in ray tracing technology, necessitating the comparison and experience of real and artificial universes. Furthermore, acknowledging the limitations of digital simulation, the study explores the benefits of creating such simulations in a digital environment and investigates whether new phenomena can be generated. Within this thesis, a descriptive analysis method was employed, conducting a literature review, examining concepts that integrate art and science, and proposing new ideas in this context.