Gapsevicius, Mindaugas. 2016. An Artistic Perspective on Distributed Computer Networks. Creativity in Human-Machine Systems. Other thesis, Goldsmiths, University of London [Thesis]

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Abstract or Description

This thesis is written from an artistic perspective as a reflection on currently significant
discussions in media theory, with a focus on the impact of technology on society. While
mapping boundaries of contemporary art, post-digital art is considered the best for
describing current discourses in media theory in the context of this research. Bringing
into the discussion artworks by Martin Howse & Jonathan Kemp (2001-2008), Maurizio
Bolognini (Bolognini 1988-present), and myself (mi_ga 2006), among many others, this
research defines post-digital art, which in turn defines a complexity of interactions
between elements of different natures, such as the living and non-living, human and
machine, art and science. Within the analysis of P2P networks, I highlight Milgram's
(1967) idea of six degrees of separation, which, at least from a speculative point of
view, is interesting for the implementation of human-machine concepts in future
technological developments. From this perspective, I argue that computer networks
could, in the future, have more potential for merging with society if developed similarly
to the computer routing scheme implemented in the Freenet distributed information
storage and retrieval system. The thesis then describes my own artwork,
0.30402944246776265, including two newly developed plugins for the Freenet storage
system; the first plugin is constructed to fulfill the idea of interacting elements of
different natures (in this case, the WWW and Freenet), while the other plugin attempts
to visualize data flow within the Freenet storage and retrieval system. All together, this
paper proposes that a reconsideration of distributed and self-organized information
systems, through an artistic and philosophical lens, can open up a space for the
rethinking of the current integration of society and technology.

Item Type:	Thesis (Other)
Identification Number (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.25602/GOLD.00018258
Additional Information:	MPhil
Keywords:	Distributed Computer Networks, creativity, Human-Machine systems, Post-digital, Freenet, 0.30402944246776265
Departments, Centres and Research Units:	Art
Date:	30 April 2016
Item ID:	18258
Date Deposited:	16 May 2016 10:12
Last Modified:	18 Oct 2022 12:35
URI:	https://research.gold.ac.uk/id/eprint/18258

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