Interdisciplinary artists combine one or more visual or performing arts, liberal arts, technology, and/or social or political activism in their work. Musical theater is a multidisciplinary art form in which performers are expected to sing, dance, and act. Interdisciplinary artists interpret the liberal arts, such as history, literature, or psychology, through the visual or performing arts. Digital art, which is a combination of art and technology, is also classified as interdisciplinary art. When art and social activism are combined, it usually addresses political or social issues.
Interdisciplinary artists include musical theater performers, for example. Artists in this genre typically receive theater, vocal, and dance training to learn how to effectively convey a story or image using drama, music, and movement. In the world of musical theater, an interdisciplinary artist might play a leading role or be part of an ensemble. In musical theater, set designers assist directors in bringing theatrical images to life.
An interdisciplinary artist who combines art and liberal arts might concentrate on important historical facts, psychology topics, or literary works. One example is telling the story of a famous war through interpretive movement or a theater piece. Another example is a sung poem or a dramatic presentation of a literary short story. Another interdisciplinary artistic approach is to investigate a psychological theory through visual art. Another example is a professor who uses dramatic storytelling to teach a philosophical principle.
Interdisciplinary art that combines art and technology is very popular. In movies, special effects rely on technology to change and develop visuals and multidimensional images. Computers and artistic talent are combined in animation. The use of software programs by graphic designers to create computerized images can also be considered a multidisciplinary art form. Technology is also used by interdisciplinary artists to improve recorded sounds in poetry recitations, comedic routines, songs, and storytelling.
Some interdisciplinary artists use the arts to express their social activism. Typically, this multidisciplinary art aims to raise public awareness and inspire social or political change. Dancers could use an interpretive dance that depicts conflict between two racial groups to address the negative consequences of racism. Theater companies could raise awareness of the poor’s plight by demonstrating hunger, illness, and extreme stress. In a highly visible public space, an interdisciplinary artist might paint a mural expressing a viewpoint on specific political positions or initiatives.