Andrea Foenander

The now extinct term 'Computer Art' is perhaps an 'elephant in the room' within art history. Today, computers are ubiquitous within many art practices, and, in fact, artists have been using computers for more than sixty years. This long and rich history, that moved from controversy to banality, has inspired my research. I have focused upon a specific era, anchored to a particular technological development: the release of the first graphical user interface, during the late 1980s. Technological developments have greatly restricted the possibilities for artworks made using computers, giving a rather particular aesthetic to many such works.

Throughout the past year, I have conducted research in this area in order to present my final major project, a Computer Art Anthology. The book is divided in to three sections, introducing influential theoretical texts, exemplifying artists statements and presenting some more critical texts. The anthology introduces the history of computer art and attests to the importance of this movement, as well as calling for further critical engagement with Computer Art history.

Since assembling my anthology, I have presented my work at the 18th Street Arts Center in Santa Monica, California in a talk titled 'Computer Art: Developing a Critical Perspective'. This talk, as well as artist interviews and a selection of texts, will also be showcased upon a website that will remain accessible after the show.