Thesis Title: An Artistic Perspective on Distributed Computer Networks. Creativity in Human-Machine Systems
Thesis Supervisor: Dr. Matthew Fuller, Dr. Mark Bishop
August 2015
Centre for Cultural StudiesGoldsmiths University of London
Submitted for MPhil degree
163 pages
Abstract
This thesis is written from an artistic perspective as a reflection on currently significant discussions in media theory, with a focus on the impact of technology on society. While mapping boundaries of contemporary art, post-digital art is considered the best for describing current discourses in media theory in the context of this research. Bringing into the discussion artworks by Martin Howse & Jonathan Kemp (2001-2008), Maurizio Bolognini (Bolognini 1988-present), and myself (mi_ga 2006), among many others, this research defines post-digital art, which in turn defines a complexity of interactions between elements of different natures, such as the living and non-living, human and machine, art and science. Within the analysis of P2P networks, I highlight Milgram’s (1967) idea of six degrees of separation, which, at least from a speculative point of view, is interesting for the implementation of human-machine concepts in future technological developments. From this perspective, I argue that computer networks could, in the future, have more potential for merging with society if developed similarly to the computer routing scheme implemented in the Freenet distributed information storage and retrieval system. The thesis then describes my own artwork, 0.30402944246776265, including two newly developed plugins for the Freenet storage system; the first plugin is constructed to fulfill the idea of interacting elements of different natures (in this case, the WWW and Freenet), while the other plugin attempts to visualize data flow within the Freenet storage and retrieval system. All together, this paper proposes that a reconsideration of distributed and self-organized information systems, through an artistic and philosophical lens, can open up a space for the rethinking of the current integration of society and technology.
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