THE SYNTHETIC AESTHETICS OF NEW MEDIA ART (20-23 Feb, 2008)

THE SYNTHETIC AESTHETICS OF NEW MEDIA ART
Presented by The New Media Caucus in Association with the College Art
Association
February 20-23, 2008; Dallas, TX http://conference.collegeart.org/2008/

Panel Chair: Carolyn Kane, PhD Candidate Media, Culture, and
Communication, New York University clk267@nyu.edu

Contrary to traditional aesthetic theories that argue for the primacy of either the subjective and phenomenological, or formal and objective interpretations of artwork, the aesthetics of electronic media, like the logic of technical media itself, is thoroughly removed from anthropomorphic sensibility. One could say that electronic media aesthetics are marked by technical trauma.

However, much contemporary new media art criticism exemplifies a hermeneutic approach that seeks to rationalize and transform work into intelligible *art objects* for canonization and social theories. Is this approach problematic for the logic of technical media? Can certain attributes such as color, form, affect, or sound, effectively reconcile computer based artwork with the subjective and humanistic drives in art making?

The panel invites papers that address the aesthetics of New Media art in distinction to previous aesthetic models or media platforms. For instance, papers suggesting the ways in which color, sound, line, form, symbolism, affect, anti-aesthetics or ideology may be distinct to new media aesthetics are all welcomed. Essentially the panel inquires: what do theoreticians and practitioners address in New Media art, and why? Which artists and / or commercial work do you think best exemplifies these
issues? Special attention will be given to those abstracts that are concerned with the use of color in New Media work.

Presenters can propose brief lectures; media or artist presentations of their own, or other artist’s work; discussions; or other acceptable suggestions.

Timeline:
Due by October 1, 2007:
*Abstracts (max 500 words)
* Paper / Presentation Titles
*Confirmation that presenters will be able to travel to Dallas on February
20-23, 2008
* Current CV and a brief bio.
*Specification of presentation format

Send proposals and / or any question to Carolyn Kane clk267 [AT] nyu.edu
For CAA conference information visit:
http://conference.collegeart.org/2008/

PhD studentship: New Media at the Beijing Olympics

I would like to inform you of an advertisement for a PhD studentship.
A stipend is attached to the studentship. Please feel welcome to contact me directly in relation to this [preferably by email].

Please note that the deadline for applications is 27 July 2007 and applications canbe sent electronically.

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New Media at the Beijing Olympics
School of Media, Language & Music, University of Paisley, Scotland, UK.
Closing date: 27 July, 2007.

This project investigates the development of new media within China, in
association with the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. In so doing, it responds tonew agendas in media research in three areas: studies of the media in China,studies of new media, and the role of the media in the construction of theOlympic Games to an international audience. In combining these areas, the student will focus on media discourses surrounding the Beijing Olympic Games. The aim will be to consider the ‘external’ impression of the Beijing Olympics, by studying the cultural and political dimensions of the Games. This work will draw on key theoretical insights into international media events and digital culture. It will also theorize the transformation of journalism as a profession in the context of new media publishing and broadcasting.

Key concepts: citizen journalism, social software, media event, Olympics.

This research will draw on collaborative research projects undertaken by Dr Miah with the London School of Economics and the University of East London.Partner institutions also include various Beijing Universities, particularly the Communication University of China, a leading provider of broadcasting expertise in Beijing and China. Collaborations are also underway with the Annenberg School of Communication, various new media organisations and the student will be assisted to attend the Beijing Olympics in August 2008. The student will support the teaching of ‘Sport & Spectacle’, a course directed by Dr Miah focusing on the media, cultural and political aspects of the Olympic Movement. The project also benefits from an External Adviser Charlie Beckett, Director of POLIS at the London School of Economics. There will also be an opportunity to provide Editorial Assistance to the academic magazine ‘Culture at the Olympics’ http://www.culturalolympics.org.uk