Jean-Paul Fourmentraux's 'Art et Internet' Examines Net Art
The book 'Art et Internet' by sociologist Jean-Paul Fourmentraux brings together various net art projects while examining the functions of the artist, machine, and audience. This work stems from a report he prepared in 1999 for the French Ministry of Culture regarding net art. Fourmentraux categorizes action regimes for artworks—exploration, contribution, alteration, and alteraction—while also evaluating audience attendance data. He characterizes the interface as an 'instrument that makes the program act' (Bruno Latour) and perceives artwork as layered on the computer display. Nonetheless, he points out the lack of certain artistic theories and art from net artists. 'Art et Internet' is an essential reference for comprehending action protocols, new museum environments, and audience engagement in 1990s net art. Review by Louis-José Lestocart.
Key facts
- Jean-Paul Fourmentraux is a sociologist and CNRS researcher.
- The book 'Art et Internet' originates from a 1999 report for the French Ministry of Culture on net art.
- The report was titled 'Culture visuelle et art collectif sur le Web'.
- Fourmentraux defines action regimes: exploration, contribution, alteration, alteraction.
- The book discusses interface as an 'instrument that makes the program act' (Bruno Latour).
- Artists mentioned: Mouchette (using Austin and Searle's performative act), Abrahams (using operational closure and Varelian self-organization).
- Other references: Gortais's 'Jardin des Hasards', Auber's 'Générateur poïétique' from Conway's 'Game of Life'.
- The review is written by Louis-José Lestocart.
Entities
Artists
- Jean-Paul Fourmentraux
- Bruno Latour
- Mouchette
- Abrahams
- Gortais
- Auber
- John Horton Conway
- Louis-José Lestocart
Institutions
- CNRS
- French Ministry of Culture
Sources
- artpress —