#theme:internet

Given how niche your previous themes were and how broad internet art is, why write about this theme? 

P: Internet art and our previous themes are not mutually exclusive, in fact many of the work that we have talked about in the previous themes are from the internet - what is not on the internet these days. But to answer your question, we want to explore new genres of art, if you cannot already tell from our atypical themes. Internet art here perhaps acts as an umbrella term for our themes. 

What’s your favorite type of internet art? 

J: Considering how much time I spend on the internet, what don’t I like? I love the shitty YTP videos (which is a pun); and also digital art, because it’s something I like to partake in. I also enjoy looking at things on the internet that are accidentally art, you know? Above all though… I just love videos! Movies, documentaries, vlogs, jokes.. 

M: Wow, you actually know technology, old man. 

J: There’s a lot I know, actually. I’ve a good few millennia on you, young man. But enough of that. Let’s let Peter speak!

P: My favourite type of internet art are the videos that loops infinitely on instagram, be it a jelly-like person getting squished (not gory), or a pendulum that swings back and forth through an opening in a highly satisfying manner. The automatic looping shifts how I view the video, and I thought that is an interesting aspect of internet art - your perspective is filtered by the structure of the platform that it is shared on, if that interacts with the art. 

Is internet art the future of art or simply a contemporary competitor? 

M: Loaded question. Depends on your perspective and how you define Internet art — like I said before, it’s none and all of the above — it’s the medium, the platform, the artwork itself, archive, gallery, and more. Digital art differs from internet art, but both are slippery. What do you define as internet art? 

Without a collective philosophy, can it be compared to movements such as modern art and postmodern art, which have their own sub-movements e.g. Dada-ism and neoclassicism? 

As virtual and augmented reality lead to digital spaces and artworks that don’t have to be realistic but are ultimately grounded in our imagination and senses (you can’t paint with a color you don’t know), internet art has the potential to be the future. 

However, given how extensive the internet is in our work, and personal lives now, it is timeless. It’s a massive archive, and so it’s past, present, & future. Not just for art, but for everything. 

Unless World War 3 happens and we’re back to dirt, the internet is here to stay, and likewise internet art. Contemporary art has no singular movement. Is contemporary art not just postmodern, or post-post modern, or even post-post-post-to the infinite power modern art? 

People will always go back to previous mediums and platforms like classicism, vinyl, retro, whatever. Contemporary competitors are a compelling idea, but there’s always an audience for any type of art. After all, art doesn’t have to make money or function — it simply is. But I’m just an old white man. What do you think? 

If you were an artist rather than a critic on the internet, would you take on a persona? How would it differ from your critic persona? 

J: It would be fun, wouldn’t it? The idea of playing another role in a professional sense, or maybe to adopt the personality of someone perhaps the complete opposite of me: an awkward repressed mortal little kid who is super lonely but cannot communicate that longing for social interaction with others due to their inability to trust or feel Anything anymore… that would be fun! It would also be incredibly difficult, I’d imagine, to keep up that act. 

But then again, who doesn’t wear a different persona to different events? My work personality differs greatly from my Friday night demeanour, and none of those compare to my true form. I’d show you guys, but I’m afraid you’ll be too scared to compliment me.

M: Ha. Ha. Don’t worry, you’re already scary-looking, Hans. 

Anyways, funny you ask that. I was an artist turned critic. My name, Michelangelo Merisi da Vinci, is an amalgamation of Michelangelo who painted the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio who painted The Calling of Saint Matthew, and Leonardo da Vinci the Mona Lisa. My parents were weird — amateur critics and artists themselves. 

The internet allows for anonymity and even encourages it with avatars and usernames and multiple accounts. Even now, I write under MMXX or Michelangelo Merisi da Vinci, a white male critic who still remains charming despite his receding talents. But what if I’m ancient Hans or sharp Pete or the average Joe? Am I truly white or male or straight? Am I privileged? Did you respect my critiques more, less, or the same? Am I a liar — and if so, the question is did I lie from the start or just now? 

Remember, dear, a mask only makes man honest. 

As an artist persona, I think I’d want to be closer to my true self as a matter of pride. If my work is applauded as masterpieces, I want you to remember my name. My legacy. I’d be more vulnerable inherently as my artwork would reflect me more than my critiques. However, it is tempting to adapt another persona whether for the anonymity, or the possibility of more success. But who do you think I am? I’ll be your dream. 

P: As a critic, I have been told, and I sometimes catch myself being very harsh on others. I don’t take offence in that, as I believe the point of a critique is to challenge the original, to evoke more thinking! Artists work on the project for a long time and they need a fresh pair of eyes to point out what’s missing. Nonetheless, I have been trying to contain my criticisms and get out of trouble…. But if I were an artist, I would be grateful to receive the blessing of a brutal lashing from P.P. Smithson, be humble and just listen to what I have to say. 

J: I want a brutal lashing from P.P. Smithson!

M: Weird kink but okay.. Should we sacrifice your art then, Hans? I’ve seen your scattered canvases — you should stop hogging up the kitchen. 

J: What about your bedroom ceiling? We might as well photograph that old thing and let PP decide which is better.

M: Bitch, it’s vintage. You’re just ancient but you still paint like a toddler throwing a tantrum with dollar store acrylics. 

J: What can I say, I’m a big fan of the Expressionists. But let’s be adults here: what do you think we should write about next? You being the audience, of course. 

M: Should P.P. Smithson be brutally honest about Hans’ art? Let us know in the ask box! Say yes (: 

J: All Hail the Brutal P.P. …

Disclaimer: I write this as a straight white cis male. 

I can neither confirm or deny the rumors of sordid affairs or experimentation in the past. Muses are often lovely and handsome. What can I say? I’m a romantic. 

Furthermore, while I may not qualify, I would like to be an ally. Any comments showing homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and/or other discrimination will not be tolerated. Please respect the QTBIPOC LGBTQ2S++ community. 

/// 

I write this “critique” to applaud this adaptation of the pride parade to the digital realm, and as an artwork that cannot exist as is in the physical realm. (Unlike digital art, gifs, video art, augmented reality that may be projected on physical surfaces). I fully support there being a pride parade in Toronto, and as many places as possible. 

Last year, I went to last year’s with the TSA (in person). 

This year, I went with a friend (virtually). 

In light of Covid, the TSA had a virtual parade float themed “Out” with 30 spaces lined in Church & Wesley Village, designed by architects, designers, and artists. Hosted on Microsoft Hubs, your avatar (standard or customized) could walk in and interact with these spaces. White buildings, blue sky, rainbow balloons and more. Beautiful. Elegant. 

This type of Internet Art can exist only on the internet. 

You might liken it to a game space, where your avatar can inhabit a virtual world. Only, there is no objective or points, but to explore and interact. 

On Microsoft Hubs, you can speak aloud. The closer you are to other people, the louder you will be and vice versa. Although this interaction imitates real life, perhaps, it is both comforting yet jarring. My friend and I would occasionally lose each other before finding each other and exploring the space. Snippets of other people talking. Laughter. 

You could also write or draw. Take photos or even selfies by moving the camera around. Place objects (that’ll disappear when you do). Enter each space and then return to the Church and Wesley Village. Walk or fly. 

As wonderfully architectural these spaces were, is art not limited by our senses? Can we create something we’ve never seen/experienced? Although there is nothing original, the virtual world has no gravity. No physics. No weather. No rules to bend or break. Must we impose them? 

While the digital recreation of Church and Wesley Village was familiar and simplified to white massing and form (so that the rainbow balloons and decorations stood out along with the black signs introducing each space), could or should more variation have been done? 

I won’t spoil these spaces as you can still go. Bring a friend or two. See a floating whale. Rainbow popsicles. Water. Hear music. Explore to your heart’s content. 

While I don’t know enough or anything to comment, I will say this. Quarantine has meant that domestic violence has increased. That many closeted people live in dangerous situations with homophobic people. That perhaps the only safe space is on the Internet (which too is full of danger and homophobes and more). How can internet art adapt and support the QTBIPOC LGBTQ2S++ community especially now? 

As blatant as corporations’ rainbow marketing is in June, as tiring as walking several hours in the Pride Parade is on a summer’s day, as far as there is left to go for LGBTQ rights… we have to keep going. As allies. As members of the community. As people. 

As with all art, internet art also struggles with accessibility. Digital art can have text captions to describe for the visually impaired. Read-aloud software can also aid the visually impaired. People with weak internet connection and/or old technology may struggle. Why is English the default language? Why is it still so Eurocentric? Why is American news so mainstream? For countries that have censored websites, artists, and more, how does the Internet exist as a gallery? 

For these Virtual Pride Floats, the TSA has considered people with motion sickness or other limitations — they feature all floats on their website with stills and descriptions. In June, they also had a big reveal on Zoom for people. You also don’t have to commute or take off your rainbow gear on the way home. 

However, there is also the question of security. In person, the parade and police blocked off streets. You could see crowds of people. You could cheer and hear more cheers. How does that work with public internet art? Especially with no password? Who monitors the space? What if there’s harassment? However, the avatars provide a sense of anonymity as well. 

Internet art is a broad category — there is no true definition. The internet is neither and all of the above — the medium, the platform, the artwork itself, archive, gallery, and more. Digital art differs from internet art, but both are slippery. What do you define as internet art? 

Regardless, the TSA Virtual Pride Floats were an enjoyable experience, full of fun surprises and gorgeous architecture, and immersive. Highly recommended.

If you have the choice next year, would you prefer an in-person or virtual parade? Or both? 

Please stay safe. You are loved. You matter. 💖

MMXX at your service

By Johann von Kimaris

bgm: candlelight - sunset rollercoaster, ohhyuk

You know the feeling when you go to a new place, or maybe a place you know well through a different route, and you feel as if you shouldn’t be there? Or that maybe you’ve trespassed into forbidden territory, or that you’ve crossed the border to an alternate dimension, or perhaps even gone through time to a post-apocalyptic world where you’re the only person left on Earth? It’s the feeling of alienation and liminality, and above all, the loneliness.

The Internet as a platform is kind of like that, too. It’s an entire ever-expanding universe where new galaxies (websites) are born every day, and the different ones are all of vastly varying ages and constitutions. It’s almost impossible to please everyone, or in the case of this extended metaphor, to sustain life. Internet art, therefore, is a stupidly broad theme, but we wanted to show that we are indeed in touch with modern society, and also to celebrate the technological innovations that exist today. 

One example of modern technology in art is the usage of computer graphics. In the above image, a figure stands with their back to the viewer while they look out the monumental windows. Centred in the image, through the window, stands a lighthouse (a monolith against the elements). At first glance, it is difficult to tell whether it’s a photo, a photo manipulation, or a painting, which is part of the fun when it comes to digital media. Does it really matter? The feelings evoked by the image seem much more important. The faceless figure could be any one of us, and the bleakness of the environment is conveyed through the muted yet starkly contrasting colour palette. The overarching feeling of desolate loneliness prevails. 

Jie Ma, the creator of this picture, is a concept designer based in Shanghai, China. Many of his works have a similar sense of a post-traumatic world, rife with sci-fi elements and surrealist imagery, and even seems to be taken straight out of a movie. The lack of a visible face/expression on the singular figure is also a recurring theme, which creates a sense of mystery and provides a doorway for us, as the viewer, to place ourselves into the scene.

The internet is a cold and unfeeling place. There’s freedom in that, of course: you can post whatever you want! You can be as self-centred as you want. But the hopeful dreams people had about the internet in the past as a force that unites people are dashed now. Ultimately, the internet reflects the values of the offline world, often amplifying and magnifying certain issues that have always existed. 

Again, I am certainly grateful for its existence, since I am able to post my thoughts and share my writing with the void. Hopefully these words will resonate with someone out there, or at least shine some light onto their path. Kind of like a lighthouse. I’ll be here, till the end of time.

...

sources: https://www.visualatelier8.com/art/jie-ma

By Peter P. Smithson

The internet can be a dangerous place, full of societal expectations and hate speech. It is an unregulated arena, as Andy Warhol once says, "In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes” - though he did not specify good or bad. There is a region in this dangerous landscape that welcomes all, but only if you know how to get to it. Since I am feeling extra generous today, allow me to share with you someee wholesome content!

Upon stumbling onto a lone pigeon walking down the sidewalk in New York City, musician Emmit Fenn reached out to director Patrick Jean to create the most wholesome music video. When I first hear Who Dat on my phone as I walk down the street in my mask, avoiding the oncoming traffic (one other person), it reminded me of nights before the pandemic - it is currently 3 am and you’ve had too many shots, and the club music doesn’t sound too bad anymore. Feeling nostalgic, I looked up the song when I got home, and it did not fail me. 

Following every shift in rhythm, meeting every single beat, the pigeon struts down the street in the most fashionable manner. Confidently twisting its head to show off the shiny green coat around its neck, the pigeon dances to the music. Is it being personified? Or somehow that is how all pigeons walk? I don’t remember the last time I paid close attention to a pigeon, they are just pigeons after all. 

I never really liked birds, but this pigeon put a smile on my face. Being the critic that I am, I attempt to pick on the smallest detail to challenge the artist. I played the video again and again, yet I could only find myself bobbing my head to the beat, slowly befriending the pigeon. 

Perhaps there is art that is not meant to be overthought. This is a pigeon dancing to music, inspired by a pigeon strutting down the street. It makes me happy therefore I am happy about it.

...

See more: 

Emmit Fenn: https://www.instagram.com/emmitfenn/?hl=en

Hey! Yes I can indeed help you with this list, I love this trope!

Game Play || peachchild

Social Networking Encourages Stalkerish Tendencies || SecretForKeeps

Best Intention Aside || derryere

It’s the Merlin and Arthur Format || anon

Pairing Pendragon/Merlin || anon

this turned into something about christmas || derekstilinski

Entertain me || andiwould

Hope these start you off okay! 

Rating: Mature Word Count: 58 000 Type: modern!au 

Summary: Merlin is a lonely cat-loving bicycle messenger who is obsessed with Gwen—an adorable feline who stars in YouTube videos and whose owner has never been seen on camera. One day, Merlin makes a delivery to an apartment that seems strangely familiar. Destiny ensues.

Comment: 

This fic is full of pure fluffiness (an I don't just mean the cat!) and I adore it! Merlin and Arthur are both beautiful and characterised brilliantly! 

Rating: Teen and Up Word Count: 23 000 Type: modern!au 

Summary: Arthur doesn't care much about the popular radio program Dragon's Lonely Hearts until his ex-girlfriend calls in to slag him off and get advice. When he calls in and has an on-air argument with the host, it starts off more than he expected, including meddling friends, overinvolved fans, and maybe love.