Leonardo_Net weblog

Here are ideas that came out of one of the working groups at the first workshop in York (thanks to Ian Gibson for sending them on)

Ideas for themes:
1. How is power and sexuality replicated in technology, and how does this impact on our culture? How does it influence our values with regards to sexuality and power?
2. Positioning/re-positioning of relationships. How does technology change/re-position relationships (e.g. embodiment versus disembodiment)?

Two suggestions were made for non-conventional formats for workshops:
1. People could contribute by bringing in an object relating to a theme and speaking about it from their perspective.
2. People may wish to “job swap” for a day (or more?!!) thereby helping them to learn about design concepts across disciplines.

More news of the next workshop will be posted here soon.

Here are some thoughts on the nature of the artwork, developed by one working group at the first workshop in York (sent on after the event by Wibke Hott of FACT – thanks!):

* get artist involved
* artwork must reflect network therefore the network needs to be up and running to enable us to capture the ‘spirit’ of the network, might take some time to recognise it. However, with a first ‘draft’ of the artwork scheduled for Sept 05 this might be sufficient time.
* artwork must be flexible, able to grow, things should be added on, maybe software?
* rather than ONE artwork, we would prefer an exhibition of multiple pieces
* art work must have strong identity
* Where will it be? Online? Touring? The artwork must stay accessible through time, space and different formats
* how about software that will create life performance that can be streamed live over the web then be ‘parked’ on the Leonardo net website for visitors/users to download/watch. But software is also available for visitors/users to download and create their own version with; i.e. a version per node/location of nodes…
* How about an ‘art making machine”, a machine that ‘performs’ art (see: acting rather than being, giving the impression of art, imitating art…? A machine that develops random inventions, ideas, Leonardo ideas, an idea generator!!! Could look clever but use pre-existing blocks, could ‘learn’ and improve its products. The framework of the machine/software/game is the way, it’s about choosing the path of evolution
* The Leonardo Game!!! A virtual/online copy that can be played by multiple users in various locations and a ‘real’ version that will help Leonardo-net members make important decisions.
* Or maybe a machine that you feed with an idea and it spits out a funding application…?
* Squirrels, sort of Squirrel-bot that gives presentations to visitors to Formby Nature reserve about what it’s like to be a squirrel…? Carrying a nut for each visitor not unlike a fortune cookie…?

More information about the artwork and how it will be developed to appear here soon.