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juliaz*at*myuw.net
Dec 17, 2003 11:59 PST
Hello list,
I'm responding to the invitation to introduce myself and declare my interests in this discussion...
As a recent MFA graduate, I find myself constantly preoccupied with the accessibility of art. The work I make definitely falls into the category of "instrumental" rather than "art for art's sake", meaning that I see a distinct social role for art to function as an alternate pathway to knowledge. More specifically, I am interested in work that acts as a proposition for dialogue, a debate opener. I am fascinated by the way that electronic networks distribute images and ideas, and in the way that they broaden the basis of provocation by building shifting collaborative bodies.
I have questions, however, that keep me engaged in cross-fertilisations such as this list.
First, there is the problem of physicality. I experience a persistent attachment to my body as a fruitful entry to my intellect, and I can't decide whether this is related to the fact that I am of a generation that is still being torn from connections to the land. Will this no longer be true for truly urban socieies, or will media that do not access the body's pathways be disconnected from a deep, authentic kind of intelligence? Perhaps there are ways that collaborations via this medium will lead to more physical manifestations of thought? Perhaps for those like me, the networking aspect will always be more meaningful than distribution?
Secondly, the question of accessibility. Although the internet undoubtedly reaches a much broader community than a typical art gallery, and although there are university/government groups and activists studying how to broaden access right now, net surfing is till an activity for those with electrical connections, spare time, command of English and some disposable income. Can there ever be an "outsider" internet art? Is the medium slipping into the MTV mode of fast-paced entertainment for anyone other than those with academic interests, so does the audience for intellectual dialogue become a larger version of the choir that art has most often preached to?
So, that's enough to start with. Shoot me down in flames, but gently!
Julia
I'm responding to the invitation to introduce myself and declare my interests in this discussion...
As a recent MFA graduate, I find myself constantly preoccupied with the accessibility of art. The work I make definitely falls into the category of "instrumental" rather than "art for art's sake", meaning that I see a distinct social role for art to function as an alternate pathway to knowledge. More specifically, I am interested in work that acts as a proposition for dialogue, a debate opener. I am fascinated by the way that electronic networks distribute images and ideas, and in the way that they broaden the basis of provocation by building shifting collaborative bodies.
I have questions, however, that keep me engaged in cross-fertilisations such as this list.
First, there is the problem of physicality. I experience a persistent attachment to my body as a fruitful entry to my intellect, and I can't decide whether this is related to the fact that I am of a generation that is still being torn from connections to the land. Will this no longer be true for truly urban socieies, or will media that do not access the body's pathways be disconnected from a deep, authentic kind of intelligence? Perhaps there are ways that collaborations via this medium will lead to more physical manifestations of thought? Perhaps for those like me, the networking aspect will always be more meaningful than distribution?
Secondly, the question of accessibility. Although the internet undoubtedly reaches a much broader community than a typical art gallery, and although there are university/government groups and activists studying how to broaden access right now, net surfing is till an activity for those with electrical connections, spare time, command of English and some disposable income. Can there ever be an "outsider" internet art? Is the medium slipping into the MTV mode of fast-paced entertainment for anyone other than those with academic interests, so does the audience for intellectual dialogue become a larger version of the choir that art has most often preached to?
So, that's enough to start with. Shoot me down in flames, but gently!
Julia
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