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INTERSTANDING 4: end repeat 1-3. 11. 2001, Rotermann Salt Storage, Tallinn, Estonia
INTERSTANDING 4 'end repeat' continues the line of international conferences and exhibitions in the field of new media, which started in Tallinn in 1995.
The term 'end repeat' marks the end of a sequence of instructions that are to be repeatedly processed as a group. Such 'loops' are terminated only when certain conditions are met. These conditions arise from the instructions within the loop, therefore introducing the potential for endless repetition. Rather than being the instruction that terminates, end repeat merely defines the boundary of a loop - the point at which the instructions to be repeated separate from those that follow.
Reoccurring cycles are an essential part of ordinary existence. It is necessary to recognise the cycle before it can be altered or influenced. Digital technology can be characterised by the cycle of convergence and divergence. With one leading to opportunities in the other. However it seems that sometimes those loops are forgotten and unseen. Evident repetitions in art practices which do not produce any new meanings exemplify loops which may require a command 'end repeat' to be executed. The area we know as new media art is no different: net.art, interactive art, video art etc. have entered the repeat loop of establishment particularly when concerned with screen based work.
The main exercise for Interstanding 4: end repeat is to examine the loop. The uptake of digital technology is pervasive across the many disciplines of both Arts and Sciences. With uniformity in the hardware, operating systems and software adopted, a common ground has emerged. This convergence presents an ideal, although possibly temporary, opportunity for varied practitioners to collaborate between disciplines. Behind this, an impetus to innovate is motivating the need to exploit this potential to further benefit the disciplines in and of themselves.
The over exploitation of visual sense (the screen) in digital art demands also an investigation into interfaces using other senses characteristic to humans. Artists are invited to exploit the 'invisible' computer and produce work which uses communication innovative ways.
End repeat aims to reveal the boundary between the current status of digital arts and the potential that awaits. The programme of events has been selected to reveal the conditions necessary for terminating the loop and progressing into new territories.
Interstanding 4: end repeat consist from traditional conference and exhibition, the last will untraditionally occupy also various types of spaces outside the gallery.
Curators: Ando Keskküla e-mail ando@artun.ee
Mare Tralla e-mail mare@easynet.co.uk
