0.30402944246776265
Installation. 2013-2015
n number of computers, visualization plugin, automaton plugin (both plugins require Freenet)

Concept Description Installations Instructions Thesis Software Contact


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 Studies
Goldsmiths 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.


Download upon request miga[at]o-o.lt