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Design+ Digital art illustration and design in Zimbabwe

implications for society, culture, and the environment, Emerging technologies are significantly transforming
and to reflect on the ethical dimensions of their practice. the landscape of digital art, introducing innovative
Purnell reported that digital art’s impact extends well methods for creation, interaction, and distribution. Key
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beyond the art world. As digital technologies become advancements include virtual reality (VR), augmented
increasingly integral to modern life, digital artists play a key reality (AR), AI, and blockchain technology, each
role in shaping our perceptions of the world. From movie contributing uniquely to the evolution of digital art. 39,40
special effects to mobile application design, digital art is According to Nocheseda et al., the integration of 3D
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ubiquitous, and its influence is only set to grow. The ability printing and AI is becoming increasingly important as
to create and communicate visually in the digital realm more contemporary art pieces are being produced using
is now vital for human expression and communication these techniques. Ozdemir noted that non-fungible
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in the 21 century, a reality further underscored by the tokens have gained significance in the development of
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introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) into the art digital art, enabling artists to sell, buy, and distribute their
production process. work, thereby adding complexity to the discussion on the
According to Fang and Jiang, AI has revolutionized commodification of digital art.
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the digital art field in recent years, offering artists new The visual and creative arts industry in Zimbabwe
opportunities to explore and produce novel pieces. has faced several challenges, as evidenced by the closure
By inputting a dataset or prompt into an AI platform, of prominent and well-established galleries such as
artists can generate new, original images based on those Delta Gallery and Chapungu Sculpture Park. These
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inputs. This process has allowed artists to experiment closures and reduced activity in the arts sector have been
with new visual styles and create artworks that push attributed to the political and socio-economic challenges
the boundaries of traditional art forms. However, the confronting the nation. While there are still art buyers or
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use of generative AI in art and design raises questions collectors, the economic difficulties, along with the digital
regarding authenticity and intellectual property. On shift in art and design, have created a gap in the sector.
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the other hand, AI technology enriches art education by According to Moyo, digital art exhibitions, such as the
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providing access to digital collections and personalized one curated by Dananayi Muwangiwa, have introduced
guidance, enabling students to explore diverse artworks the concept of digital art to the Zimbabwean scene.
and cultures. 32-34 Like generative algorithms, AI is Muwangiwa’s exhibition, which focused on AR as a digital
transforming digital art by enhancing teaching methods, technology, was recognized as a success in its own right.
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esthetic understanding, and student engagement With the advent of COVID-19, which restricted physical
through tools such as simulated annealing, CAD, and exhibitions to control the spread of the virus, the demand
computer vision for artwork analysis and production. for digital art illustrations grew significantly worldwide.
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The evolution of digital art is increasingly intertwined Artists and creatives in all design spheres sought ways
with AI, and its continued integration demonstrates to remain active in their industry. Despite the positive
how AI interacts with all forms of art. Sophisticated developments in digital art, it should be noted that the
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generative models and Internet of Things technologies general consumption of art in developing countries is still
are expanding the tools and resources available to the in its infancy.
digital arts sector. These advancements have accelerated
innovation in art education while providing students Art and design education plays a pivotal role in
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with broader platforms for artistic expression. However, shaping digital art illustration as a subsector of this
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other scholars 2,26,36,37 have raised concerns about the area. Mushohwe advocated for the introduction and
use of AI in digital art. Some argue that AI diminishes full support of art as a formal subject in early childhood
the artist’s role in the creative process, as algorithms education, rather than treating it as a mere hobby. In
are responsible for generating the artwork rather than terms of training artists in digital art illustration, one
individual human artists. Despite these concerns, the prominent institution is the Zimbabwe Institute of Vigital
incorporation of AI into digital art has opened up new Arts (ZIVA), which focuses on developing the visual
avenues for experimentation and innovation. Artists and digital arts. According to Makoni, ZIVA has been
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now collaborate with AI as a tool and explore new forms instrumental in nurturing young talents in animation
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of expression that were previously unimaginable. As and digital art illustration. Moyo further emphasized
AI continues to evolve and advance, the possibilities the need for curricula at institutions of higher learning
for digital art illustration are limitless. Artists are just to fully support the teaching and learning of digital art,
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beginning to scratch the surface of what AI can offer to arguing that this approach helps to foster early interest
the world of art and innovation. among students.

Volume 2 Issue 1 (2025) 4 doi: 10.36922/dp.4342