Class 5

In this class, we were informed about and discussed about the various networks that link us together, the value of those networks, and who controls them. One of the controversial topics we came across was the the principle known as the "end to end" principle. This principle essentially explained the idea that it is the end user that keeps control over what is possible on the network. This principle affects the network and its user in a substantial way because it can potentially limit the user from using the net to its full potential. To some extent this may be justified, such as for setting boundaries to keep certain information. Say, however, end users abuse their power and limit users' freedom on the network for personal reasons, this raises the issue of denying the users of their freedom. In my opinion the network should be an open space in which people can express and indulge in their own interests and beliefs without having these things hindered by a biased end user. 

This brings us to the topic of network neutrality. Network neutrality is the freedom to do what you please on the internet without being restricted by institutions. I believe this is an important issue in many different ways. At the core of all these reasons, however, I think the most important reason is that the network should not be able to be defined in one certain way. Everyone has different uses and reasons for using the internet, to learn about current events, to keep in touch with people, to entertain themselves, etc. If network neutrality is demolished and the network becomes a place where all that is shown to us are the things people want us to see and not what we want, I think that defeats the purpose of the network. The network should reflect individuality and we should all be free as individuals to use the internet how we wish to use it (so long as it is not harming others). 

Class 4

Class 4 Blog Post:

In this class, we explored several new branches of interactive art mainly revolving around the concept of networked arts. This means, art that exists as a network, a system of communication that involves constant interaction among artists, artworks, and viewers. Examples of these arts are mail art and fluxus.

Mail Art is a concept that branched out from the fluxus movement in the 1950s. The system involved using the mailing system to distribute small works of art from artist to artist. Mail art involved a community of artists sending each other texts, stamps, collages, or materials. The main concept of mail art was essentially that art could be exchanged in a global network. It was a network in which art can be explored and shared. The fluxus movement encouraged this type of unconventional artwork.

The fluxus movement could abe considered an "anti-art" movement. It criticized modern art because of the strict set of rules and standards that define art. Fluxus art challenges this mindset, often displaying art that lacks proper technique, the kind of art produced would most likely not even be considered art according to the modern art standard. Fluxus art often included brief performances that were anti-commercial. The fluxus movement created a network of artists that want to prove that their art is what they make of it, and that the established standards of art should be broken down. The movement was about making art and having the freedom to define what art is for oneself.

Fluxus did not solely involve artists that wished to contribute to the movement, but also the audience that viewed these works. In many projects, such as Wolfgang Staehle's "The Thing", anybody could be a contributer to the art. This was extremely interesting because suddenly the community became a part of the art and the artwork itself was constantly changing.

As technology continues to advance, projects such as "Face to Facebook" arose which deeply involved audience participation. It was extremely interesting to see how so many people could suddenly become part of a project like this, it showed how connected we all are, especially at the present time. It is also frightening in another way because it goes to show how everything you put on the internet can be somehow be accessed by another person. Privacy is questionable on the internet especially so that was one frightening yet revealing aspect of "Face to Facebook".