Week 9: Reading Responses

Physical Computing’s Greatest hits and misses

Here the article describes the various projects seen from interactive media design ranging from instruments design with gloves or pads to reactive art with various sensors or computer vision. Although the author describes these project as common themes amongst physical computing courses, they do not disregard or look down upon the repetitive theme because to them each project brings with a unique idea and innovated process. For me, reading his opinion on this issue brings me comfort because I have been trying to brainstorm ideas for the final project for IM and with each idea, I fear it isn’t original or creative enough. Of course, I would not copy another’s work, however I feel the art I have seen and interacted with has shaped my ideas and influenced my creative thinking process. I believe everyone is shaped by the world around them, so I think it is cool to see how people can reimagine a concept and build upon past works.

Making Interactive Art: Set the Stage, Then Shut Up and Listen

The following articles writes about how interactive artist should design their works a degree of intention that allows the users to explore their art, but also leaving room for the user to decide on the art’s interpretation. The author mentions how interactive artist should avoid bluntly telling the user what to do and how to interpret their art. Although I do see the point the author is trying to make, I think there are exceptions where the artist should have the freedom to express themselves the way they want the user to appreciate and experience their art. For example, in activist artworks, oftentimes they shed light to forgotten/ overlooked history, and I believe in these cases, it is critical for the user to understand the concept behind the art to fully be immersed with the artwork. I don’t think the idea of simply setting up the stage and observing user is enough and there needs to be balance of artist intervenes and user appreciation. As such, I feel it okay if an artist feels the need to describe their works. I rather much learn the passion behind the work, than be completely open to interpretation.

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