I although I find that the subject of “Making Interactive Art: Set the Stage, Then Shut Up and Listen” is well meaning, it think that to an extent, it misses the reason why some artists interpret their own interactive works.
Coming from a mainly computer science background, its hard for me to see my programs being misused in a way that I did not intend. To me, this feels like failure, which in a way it is, as I have failed to design a program which accurately and correctly executes what it is supposed to. This is why I emphasize with artist who offer interpretation notes beside their work, as they too are hoping that it will be used or viewed in the “right” way, the way that they intended, as a way to prevent their “failure”.
However, the big difference here is that what they are doing is art, and not computer science. In computer science, the focus is often on precision, functionality, and predictability. A program that doesn’t work as intended is considered flawed and needs debugging or refinement.
Art, on the other hand, often thrives on ambiguity, interpretation, and the emotional response it elicits from its audience. Interactive art, especially, invites the audience to engage with it, to become part of the artwork’s evolution and meaning. This inherently means that the artist relinquishes some control over the final outcome.
When an artist provides interpretation notes or guidelines alongside their interactive art, it can be seen as a way to guide the audience’s experience or to share their perspective. However, it’s essential to remember that art is subjective. Each viewer brings their own background, experiences, and emotions to their interpretation of the artwork. This diversity of interpretation can enrich the artwork’s meaning and create a more profound connection between the viewer and the art.
Rather than viewing unintended interactions or interpretations as failures, artists can see them as opportunities for growth, learning, and further exploration of their art’s potential. It can lead to unexpected outcomes that even the artist hadn’t considered, expanding the artwork’s scope and impact.