How Emerging Female Artists Leverage Technology to Build Visibility and Challenge Traditional Art Spaces

This research examines how emerging female artists leverage digital technology to gain visibility, create art, and challenge traditional art spaces. While institutional barriers have historically limited opportunities for female artists, digital technologies-such as social media, virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain marketplaces-offer alternative pathways for exposure, financial independence, and artistic experimentation. Through a literature review and case study analysis, this study explores the role of digital tools in reshaping contemporary artistic careers. It identifies three primary ways in which emerging artists utilize technology: (1) establishing a digital presence through social media, (2) incorporating digital tools to expand creativity, and (3) using online marketplaces to monetize their work. Five case studies-Lethabo Huma, Ellie Pritts, Xinyi Zhang, Sungsil Ryu, and Green Recipe Lab-illustrate diverse strategies emerging female artists utilize to navigate the art world. Their experiences highlight the growing influence of decentralized platforms in providing artists with autonomy over their careers, bypassing traditional institutional gatekeepers. Findings suggest that while digital platforms create unprecedented opportunities for female artists, challenges still remain. Issues such as algorithmic bias, content oversaturation, and financial instability in the NFT market present ongoing barriers to sustainability. Nonetheless, the study demonstrates that digital technology is transforming how female artists engage with audiences, redefine artistic expression, and secure financial independence. This research contributes to discussions on the decentralization of the art world and highlights the diverse ways in which digital tools foster inclusivity and accessibility for emerging female artists.