Looking For That Overlooked, Unappreciated Artist? Check Out the Internet

by James Daly

Los Angeles' Kaleidoscope Media has launched what it calls a "digital art deli" on the Internet. Within minutes after artists, writers, and filmmakers post their works, they're available for sampling by more than 20 million networked Internet subscribers from Poughkeepsie to Pakistan.

Jeannie Novak, a partner in the venture, says the company has created an online electronic terrain called Kaleidospace where artists can display short excerpts highlighting their talents. For example, musicians might showcase 20-second cuts from their songs, and filmmakers can provide short scenes or trailers from their work. Users can also order the work of artists that intrigue them.

The electronic deli works with the Mosaic interface to the World Wide Web for users of Windows, Macintosh, and Unix computers. And it's guaranteed not to give you gas.