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August 16, 2005

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Relationality vs Autonomy in Media Art

Two predominant theories have emerged in the discourse surrounding new media: autonomy and relationality. On the outset, these notions seem to contradict each other. The theory of autonomy focuses attention on the discrete elements involved: individual pieces of information, individual artists or viewers, and separate components/artworks. Relationality puts the emphasis on interconnectedness: data, artwork, artists, and viewers are inextricably intertwined, without a single predominant object or viewpoint and no fixed, absolute form.

While these theories may seem to be contradictory, contemporary media art relies on a notion of autonomy and, yet, suggests that no information is autonomous—while discrete variables exist, nothing can be separate and complete in itself. The same is true of the relationships between viewers, artists, and their work constructed in the context of media art. While the topics of autonomy and relationality have long lineages in art history, this panel will discuss their contemporary status from the perspective of media art practice and theory.

Papers can address a range of topics including but not limited to: hacktivism and parasitic media, appropriation/sampling/remixing, open source theory and culture, locational media, biotechnology, video games, narrative, net art, software art, networked performance, video, sound art, and VJ/DJ practice. Consideration will be given to more "traditional" academic papers as well as artist talks that introduce artistic work and practices that contribute to the discussion of autonomy and relationality in media art.

CALL FOR PAPERS: The New Media Caucus panel at the College Art Association's 93rd annual conference.
DATES: February 22-25, 2006, Boston, Massachusetts
DEADLINE: Proposals must be e-mailed to
marisaso(at)gmail(dot)com by Friday, September 16, 2005.

NOTE: Panelists are NOT REQUIRED to be members of CAA.

Panel Chair: Marisa S. Olson, Artist; Editor and Curator at Large, Rhizome.org; UC Berkeley, Rhetoric/Film Studies.

PROPOSAL FORMAT:
* Proposed paper title
* An abstract of 300-500 words
* A note on presentational format: will you present a "traditional" paper, will you emphasize visual materials, and what—if any—audio/visual equipment will you need? (Please minimize.)
* Confirmation of ability to attend the CAA conference, Feb 22-25, 2006, in Boston
* A current CV with full contact information

Posted by jo at August 16, 2005 09:45 AM

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