analyzing space in locative media artworks

Analyzing space in locative media artworks

Gemma San Cornelio Open University of Catalonia (UOC)

“Imagined Futures” SeminarASCA - Amsterdam University

6th of June, 2008

1. General Framework:

Research project: “Art, Aesthetics and New Media” funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Technology. (2006-2009)

Theoretical framework Empirical work

Exploring Space Conceptions through Locative Media Artworks

1 Analyzing space in locative media artworks

2. Objectives:

1) Draw a theoretical framework for Locative Media artworks2) Define a possible methodology to analize these projects3) If possible, provide some conclusions or further indications to encompass

research in this field.

Theoretical sources:

• Philosophical approach to space / place• Social conceptions of space• Contemporary approaches to ITC and space perceptions• Recent articles on art and locative media

Methodological approach:

• Selection of the main features of locative media projects• Elaboration of a analytical matrix/tool


spaceTechnology

Media

artlocative

Social Sciences

AnthropologySociology

Philosophy

AestheticsPosmodernismPhenomenology

Architecture

GeographyUrbanism

Film TheoryNarrativeReception 3D

VRARGPSMP…..

3. Theoretical sources:

3. Theoretical sources

3.1. Philosophical approaches to the nature of space

Space as a positional quality of the objects (reference to the body) Space as a continent of the objects (by its own nature) Space as a field (add the time into the traditional three-dimensional space. Similar to the notion of place)

Geometrical perspective system.Non Euclidean geometries. Dalí, cubism…


Distinction: Space / Place


Situationism, Dérive and psychogeograpyPerformances and interventions in public space

Rejection of cartesian and rational approaches to space.

3.2. Contemporary and post-modern approaches

Giddens: separation of time & space. Globality and locality Certeau: voyeurs and walkers Lefebvre: abstract and absolute space Harvey: time-space compression. Deleuze and Guattari: rhizome Foucault: Heterotopia. Lyotard: The notion of place is a “nostalgic response”



From VR and cyberspace to Locative media artworks??.

3.3. ICT Influences on space

Baudrillard: hyperreality Augé: non-places Meyrowich: losing sense of place. Massey: the openness of places. Manuel Castells: the space of flows vs the space of places Scannell: being simultaneity in two places Urry: local places as multiplex

Transformation and even the disappearance of place.


4. Defining locative media


“Media of communication bound to a location” Digital media applied to real places and thus triggering real social interactions Technically related to augmented reality (reality overlaid with virtual reality) and pervasive computing.

Types: “annotative” projects consists of virtually tagging the world (for instance, Google Earth Hacks) “phenomenological” projects, that trace the action of the subject in the world (for instance, drawing the routes of people in a specific space).

5. Locative media discourses

Locative media vs net.art (Tuters and Varnelis) Augmented Reality or Mixed Reality vs Virtual Reality paradigm (Hansen, Manovich) Phenomenological approach vs Visual predominance (Hansen…) Freedom vs control: critical voices to locative media for being “controlled” (Galloway) Top-down, bottom-up (Towsend) Return to virtual/real discussion


6. Locative media projects


6. Locative media projects


Can you see me now? Blast Theory Graffiti Research Lab Audio walks, Janet Cardiff Bio Mapping. Christian Nold Shoot me if you can, 2006 Disappearing places. Matthew Belanger and Marianne R. Petit Day Of The Figurines. Blast TheoryThe Artvertiser, Julian Oliver, Diaz, Boj

7. Locative media featuresPROJECT

Type of information

historical personal contextual instructions Contemplative or immersive

Type of content

visual audio Textual Audiovisualmultimedia

Electric signals

Type of interaction

tagging Motoric(moving, walking…)

Touching Sending content (sms, images)

Talking

Narrative structure

Game-like Interactive or generative narrative

Linear narrative

Extended, evocative

Not narrative

Roots or references

Artistic interventions on public space

Land art HackerismAnd software art.Political art

Adaptation of Industrial strategies

Installations in galleries or closed spaces

Space coneption/representation

2d (maps or graphics)

3d (projections over walls or buildings)

Customized , or generative maps

Haptic

Experience individual collective


8. Final considerations on the projects

Locative Media…

Enhance our perception of the place: overlying information and adding senses experience (hearing, tactile) Relate time and space. In other words locative media can bring the past to the present in a place. Produce narratives of the space. Are close to intervention and appropriation of public space Produce social Networks Make us conscious of the “invisible” media devices around us. Provide a ludic approach to art and space Make us feel the space as subjective, rather than an objective conception. Return to the place (Karl Schlögel) (although maybe it has never disappeared).


9. Challenges and opportunities

1. For scholars:

There are few case studies, we need more. Currently are mostly artists who theorise. Broader approaches

in (new) media context and methodologies are needed.

2. For artists:

To explore new aesthetics To contest corporation and institutional initiatives (Towsend) To collaborate in interdisciplinary groups (innovation science

model) even with corporations (Tuters), or as Manovich says “Learning from Prada”.


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Thank you!

[email protected] Media Studies

UOC

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