Photography by Thalia RaftopoulouPhotography / LightboxWhatever happened to the desktop background?The art of a solid background has faded into Web 1.0 oblivion. Forget Windows’ raindrops – meet the artist revamping your desktopShareLink copied ✔️April 21, 2015PhotographyLightboxText Dazed Digital Thalia Raftopoulou Whatever happened to the art of a good desktop background? Since the tech revolution, where everyone and anyone is able to snap their own imagery with the flash of an iPhone, desktop art has disappeared into a pre-web 2.0 void, replaced with low quality selfies and cat pictures. But, according to artist Thalia Raftopoulou desktop art is still very much alive and kicking – and she’s spearheading the revival. “I think the user’s relation to the machine has changed. They can now more easily decide to take over and personalise the digital element,” the Athens-born and based artist and DJ tells us. “Even though a desktop is a very private surface – that functions as the hallway to so many hours of working, connecting, and sharing at the same time – it can host different kinds of things, as the proper exhibition light box that it is.” Inspired by how things appear and move underwater, Raftopoulou has combined her love for the still life and technology, with the project taking on an abstract dream quality with deeper roots, literally. “Things underwater and the way they gain a certain glow on their surfaces were the trigger. I focused on actual roots in water in different vessels, and I had been thinking through the ideas of family, detachment – belonging, growing and feeling at home.” So, what’s on her desktop right now? “My wallpaper, 'Lentils in Purple'!” Get right clicking. Escape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy Expand your creative community and connect with 15,000 creatives from around the world.Trending9 great films you can watch on YouTube for freeFrom a lesbian cult classic to a ‘femcel thriller’, here’s our eclectic round-up of the best films you can stream in full on YouTube right nowFilm & TV Nike FashionNike celebrates the culture of U.S. soccerHEYDUDEFashionHEYDUDE wants you to be outside this summerArt & PhotographyWild photos of Melbourne’s multiplying ‘dyke’ dancefloorsBeauty10 of the hottest Instagram accounts fusing art, sex and eroticaFashionWorld Cup 2026: Unpacking the 13 most stylish football kits on the pitchArt & PhotographyJoyful street portraits of queer Puerto RicansLife & CultureHaving a landline is now the ultimate post-digital flexArt & PhotographyHow a cult artist from Japan predicted today’s bleak timesEscape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy