[-empyre-] Nancy Nisbet: Resolution for Digital Futures

[Renate Ferro]

Speed and reflection,  Impact on a future?

The incredibly short interval between the initial 
developments in computing to its current 
ubiquitous implementation may be one of the most 
relevant factors for artistic consideration. It 
is not the speed per se that is interesting, but 
the consequences of that speed that piques 
interest and response. It might be argued that 
the rapid adoption of such powerful technologies 
often leaves critical analysis to a future time 
of retrospective reflection. Radio Frequency 
Identification [RFID] is a digitally reliant 
technology that is rocketing into prominence now, 
and has the good fortune to have a strong and 
vocal group of cultural critics. Over the last 
decade it has been my interest to consider the 
risks and implications  of RFID as it transitions 
into widespread use.

The last few years have seen a tremendous 
increase in surveillance and identity 
authentication technologies in the name of 
national security. Predictably, this has created 
a booming ’ "economy of fear’" and RFID is one of 
the forerunners in this multi-billion dollar 
industry. I recently attended a "Ubiquitous ID’" 
technology fair in Tokyo. The aim  of this 
ubiquitous ID is "to establish basic technology 
that permits the automatic identification of 
"objects," "locations," and "contexts" in order 
to realize ubiquitous computing environments’". 
It is not a far stretch to enabling the automatic 
and continuous identification of people;  not at 
all a comforting thought.

While the recent economic collapse has likely 
stunted some research and development funding, I 
have little doubt that the economic and political 
"benefits" promised by RFID  will ensure that any 
developmental or implementational slowdown will 
be short lived. As "digitality’" becomes 
ubiquitous, it fades to invisibility, and 
invisible, it is not easily questioned or 
altered. Now is a perfect time for artists, 
writers and curators to continue building public 
awareness and mobilize informed critique of  RFID 
[and related] technologies. Let critique and 
reflection be concurrent with technological 
development. It is still possible that the 
soft-skinned voice can be heard over the din of 
falling coins.


----
Nancy Nisbet (Japan/Canada)  is a 
multidisciplinary artist who uses her practice to 
weave connections between the political, the 
technological and the personal. At the foundation 
of her artwork is the desire to facilitate 
dialogue within and between diverse communities 
and to generate a critical exchange that extends 
beyond the gallery walls.

-- 
Renate Ferro and Tim Murray
Co-Moderators, -empyre- a soft-skinned-space
Department of Art/ Rose Goldsen Archive of New Media Art
Cornell University