CyberArts X

Celebrate the 10 year anniversary of CyberArts International in San Francisco and in Cyberspace September 15-16, 2001.

 

 

What's Up Here?

An introduction by
Robert B. Gelman

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"CyberArts is the new frontier in creativity, where the worlds of science and art meet. Where computer technologies, visual design, music and sound, education and entertainment merge to form a new artistic territory called "interactive multimedia."

So began the text from the back cover of the book, "CyberArts: Exploring Art & Technology" (Miller Freeman, 1993).  The book, compiled by staff member, Linda Jacobson, encapsulated a wide range of presentations from the three CyberArts International events, was itself the closing chapter of a seminal period in the evolution of human communication: the early digital revolution.

psign.jpg (14797 bytes)These events, held in Southern California during the fall of 1990, 1991, and 1992, were especially unique in the way they facilitated the exploration of unknown territory, and in the way the participants interacted with one another, and subsequently, the world.

To describe the events as conferences would be correct. But not quite. The content of the sessions ranged from aesthetic values to legal issues. Workshops didn't only address "how-to" make new media, they asked the basic question,"why should we?" In fact it was here that the idea of "new media" as represented by the content of CDROMS, kiosks, and interactive installations was really defined.  But this falls short of explaining the way participants were inspired by the merging of media at this critical time.

To describe the events as an exposition would also be correct, but not quite. Sure, there were rows of standard exhibit booths as you'd expect to see in any tradeshow, but there was much more. There were art installations that you rode like amusement park rides. There were networked games to play (before the Web, before VR centers). There was live spontaneous collaborative art and performance, and on and on.

To describe the events as multimedia concerts would be correct too, but still not quite. After all, there were landmark performances by people such as Jaron Lanier, Stanley Jordan, Todd Rundgren, Tod Machover, D'Cuckoo, and many more. Our senses were flooded with virtuoso talent in literally every area of art and entertainment, and because they were interacting in new and exciting ways...it was very special for those who attended.

Some have called it a Techno-Woodstock, or a damn great party. One thing is certain: it was a landmark on the timeline of emerging communications techniques and technologies. It was also the place where many of the recognized leaders of today's digital media world got their early inspiration, entered the emerging field, and made connections to build their careers.

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This website is an archive of some of the highlights from those events, featuring the original documents, photos, audio, and even some video from the shows. In addition, it features new editorial content and commentary by notable participants reflecting on how far we've come since those ancient days of the early 1990s.  There's also a submission section where you are invited to be a contributor to the site, if you happened to be at one or more of the events and would like to share your thoughts and tell us where you are now.

And of course the purpose of this site is also to document some history that may just have some value in charting the future, as we prepare for the next phase of the digital revolution. 

Welcome!  Enjoy!  Remember!  Relearn!  Recharge!

--Robert B. Gelman
Producer and Co-founder of CyberArts International

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