[Reader-list] CFP: CAA New Media Caucus Panel on Autonomy & Relationality

[Marisa S. Olson]

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CALL FOR PAPERS
The New Media Caucus panel at the
College Art Association's 93rd annual conference

Panel title:
"From database and place to bio-tech and bots: 
Relationality vs autonomy in media art"

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.

Panel Description:

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.


PROPOSAL FORMAT:
Please email the following to <marisaso(at)gmail(dot)com> by Friday,
September 16, 2005:

* 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