[-empyre-] Process as paradigm / systems theory

[Simon Biggs]

I wouldn¹t want to restrict an analysis of processual arts to physical
systems or a narrow domain like thermodynamics. I am proposing a maximalist
and relativist approach, not a reductivist one. However, the problem for
much processual art is that it falls into a trap of not thinking outside its
box and dooms itself to such a reductivist approach. Things that are not
part of the planned system are not incorporated into the work as active
elements. Factors such as site or inter-cultural context, as revealed
through inter-subjective approaches to reading and writing, are relevant to
all artworks, even the most pure and apparently encapsulated of works.
Therefore, many processual artworks appear naïve and simplistic, concerned
with formal and abstract detail, when subjected to such analysis. Artists
are obliged to engage the range of diverse (critical) readings their work
may be subject to, once it is out there in the world being read. If they
don¹t take this on board their work will appear one dimensional and
consequently suffer. The work needs to engage on numerous levels, seeking
inter-textual connections wherever it can. The work will always exist in an
expanded system, even when made in a reduced one.

Note, I have not seen this show so these comments are not intended to
reflect upon the work within it.

Best

Simon


Simon Biggs

s.biggs at eca.ac.uk  simon at littlepig.org.uk  Skype: simonbiggsuk
http://www.littlepig.org.uk/
Research Professor  edinburgh college of art  http://www.eca.ac.uk/
Creative Interdisciplinary Research into CoLlaborative Environments
http://www.eca.ac.uk/circle/
Electronic Literature as a Model of Creativity and Innovation in Practice
http://www.elmcip.net/



From: Johannes Birringer <Johannes.Birringer at brunel.ac.uk>
Reply-To: soft_skinned_space <empyre at lists.cofa.unsw.edu.au>
Date: Sun, 16 May 2010 20:14:31 +0100
To: soft_skinned_space <empyre at lists.cofa.unsw.edu.au>
Subject: RE: [-empyre-] Process as paradigm / systems theory

I had meant to ask Simon after his first post  ---  how expansive do you
make your net, and how you want me to take your proposal, i.e. could you
please give an example we might want to grapple with (and I'll try and look
at the exhibition too, of course,  at text, photos, video, and if i could
travel there, i'd visit the show). 


Edinburgh College of Art (eca) is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC009201


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