2003 02 00 Leonardo - Vol 36 No 1 - Michael Punt

Magazine Overview

This issue of Leonardo Reviews, Volume 36, Number 1, published in 2003, features a collection of in-depth reviews of recent books and multimedia works relevant to art, science, and technology. The issue introduces a new category of 'Review Articles' designed to synthesize and analyze material within the field.

Review Articles

World Spectators by Kaja Silverman

Reviewed by Sean Cubitt, this book is presented as a "Review Article" that falls into a new category for Leonardo Digital Reviews. Silverman's work addresses fundamental questions about human existence and our place in the world. Her central argument is to elevate the visual against the dominance of linguistic studies in understanding human meaning. She attempts to reconcile the philosophies of Heidegger and Lacan, proposing that the philosopher needs the psychoanalyst to grasp subjectivity and the duty of care inherent in Heidegger's concept of 'Dasein' (being there). Conversely, 'Dasein' makes visible what psychoanalysis aims to make invisible: the world's significance in our existence. Silverman analyzes Plato's myth of the cave, suggesting that human essence is "strangely inessential" and that our true selves are only reckoned in death. Using metaphors from Heidegger and Lacan, she posits that the relationship between the world and the subject is one of mutual incompletion, a void created by the repression of the initial object of desire. The book concludes with an optimistic argument, drawing on the biology of Caillois and Portmann, that many natural forms exist to display themselves for perception, a meeting of absence and presence that is ontological rather than semiotic. The reviewer notes Silverman's focus on natural beauty over the arts and her emphasis on collective action for equality.

Consciousness, Color and Content by Michael Tye

Reviewed by George Shortess, this book defends Tye's theory of phenomenal consciousness, known as representationalism. Tye argues that phenomenal consciousness is concerned with the subjective experience of a sensation. The review highlights Tye's discussion of color, where he argues that color is a property of an object and not solely a mental state, reconciling the common-sense view with the mental state view. The reviewer, a perceptual psychologist and visual artist, finds the book intellectually stimulating but suggests a clearer distinction between the perception of color and color as a property of an object.

A Landscape of Events by Paul Virilio

Reviewed by Mike Leggett, this collection of essays by Virilio explores the "landscape of events" as they pass through the electromagnetic spectrum of telepresence. Virilio, a professor of architecture, discusses the overtaking of space by time in the human environment, both built and natural, and the role of the military-industrial complex in the globalized information industries. The essays are described as "vivid statements" commenting on contemporary turmoil, war, terrorism, and public disorder. Virilio's concept of the "anorthoscopic slit" is used as a metaphor for the falling of the Berlin Wall. The reviewer notes that the essays, while insightful, might have been better delivered in a more immediate format like a listserv rather than as a collection published years later.

The Lure of the Edge: Scientific Passions, Religious Beliefs, and the Pursuit of UFOs by Brenda Denzler

Reviewed by David Topper, this book examines the UFO community and challenges the perception of believers as solely socially marginalized individuals with pseudoscientific beliefs. Denzler, with a Ph.D. in religious studies, explores the relationship between UFOlogy and traditional religious belief. The review notes that UFO reports began in 1947 and have occurred in waves, with a significant wave in the mid-1960s. Denzler's work is praised for its exhaustive treatment of the theme, though the reviewer, a skeptic, hopes never to be an abductee.

Approaches to Understanding Visual Culture by Malcolm Barnard

Reviewed by Mike Mosher, this book is described as a useful and clearly written examination of competing strategies for interpreting human-made objects and imagery beyond the confines of "art history." It covers techniques from history, social sciences, phenomenology, hermeneutics, communication theory, semiology, structuralism, feminist and Marxist social histories, and formalist art history. The reviewer suggests it deserves a place on the theory shelf alongside Terry Eagleton's 'Literary Theory'.

A History of Russian Music by Francis Maes

Reviewed by Stefaan Van Ryssen, this book aims to rewrite the history of Russian music, moving beyond the nationalistic discourse of earlier historians. Maes reappraises the work of composers like Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, and Shostakovich, building on recent research. The review highlights Maes' discussion of the "nature" of Russian music and the conflicting ideologies that influenced composers. Limitations noted include a focus on a small number of composers after 1930 and an extensive treatment of Stravinsky, who is argued to be more of a Western figure.

False Colors: Art, Design, and Modern Camouflage by Roy R. Behrens

Reviewed by Wilfred Niels Arnold, this book provides a historical perspective on camouflage techniques, from World War One warships to current artists. The reviewer shares a personal anecdote from his Australian Army training to illustrate the practical challenges of camouflage. The book is praised for its production quality, illustrations, and historical value, though it lacks an index.

Janet Ashbee: Love, Marriage, and the Arts and Crafts Movement by Felicity Ashbee

Reviewed by Roy R. Behrens, this biography of Janet Ashbee, wife of designer Charles Robert Ashbee (C.R. Ashbee), offers a candid look at her life and their "Jolly Art 'practical' marriage." The book draws on collaborative journals, letters, and Janet's own autobiographical novel to detail her experiences, including C.R. Ashbee's homosexuality and Janet's eventual breakdown and recovery.

The Activist Drawing: Retracing Situationist Architectures from Constant's New Babylon to Beyond

Edited by Catherine de Zegher and Mark Wigley, and reviewed by Mike Mosher, this book explores the work of Constant Nieuwenhuys, influenced by Situationist theorists. Constant's architectural proposals, such as "New Babylon," are described as utopian and labyrinthine, aiming to create reconfigurable interior spaces driven by public desire. The reviewer notes comparisons to the Web and other contemporary concepts, suggesting some allusions may be unnecessary marketing devices.

La Planète des Esprits-Pour une Politique du Cyberespace by Philippe Quéau

Reviewed by Julien Knebusch, this book offers a political and philosophical reflection on globalization and the virtual. Quéau posits that a "World Renaissance" has begun, characterized by digital writing and virtual reality, and invites readers to define the virtual not only as a tool for understanding the real but also as a civilizing agent. The review notes that the book is useful in the debate on globalization but criticizes its close tie to the virtual, potentially marginalizing the role of geography.

Design by Numbers by John Maeda

Reviewed by Stephen Wilson, this book is an introduction to Maeda's approach to thinking about code and visuality through a streamlined programming language called dbn. The book explores concepts like commands, lines, variables, and networks, using visual examples. The reviewer recommends the book for its elegant introduction to programming and design, though notes it could benefit from more philosophical discussion and a broader historical context of algorithmic computer art.

Of Shifting Shadows by Gita Hashemi

Reviewed by Mike Leggett, this multimedia CD-ROM explores the trauma of the Iranian Revolution and its aftermath, focusing on the experiences of exiled women. The narrative is constructed in 48 segments, layering video, audio, animated text, and graphics. The work is described as a testament to appalling events and a meditation on the dualities of presence and absence, singularity and plurality. The reviewer notes the work's evocative nature, presenting realities as they pass before the viewer.

For a Better World by Mathilde ter Heijne

Reviewed by Mike Leggett, this CD-ROM presents the suicides of five men and women who used self-immolation to draw attention to injustice. Shocking images are countered by a cool analysis of the case studies and descriptions of the acculturization of such practices. The reviewer notes the emotionally unattached, documentary-style narration.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue showcases a strong focus on the intersection of art, technology, philosophy, and social commentary. The reviews cover a diverse range of topics, from the philosophical underpinnings of visual perception and consciousness to the cultural impact of music, camouflage, and digital environments. There is a recurring interest in how individuals and societies grapple with complex issues, whether through theoretical frameworks, artistic expression, or responses to historical events and technological advancements. The editorial stance, as reflected in the selection of reviews, appears to be one that values interdisciplinary inquiry and critical engagement with contemporary cultural and intellectual trends.

This issue of Leonardo, Volume 36, Issue 1, dated January 24, 2003, is published by MIT Press and focuses on the intersection of art, science, and technology. The issue features reviews of various media, including an interactive CD-ROM artwork, a film, and academic conferences.

Articles and Reviews

Interactive Art: 'For a Better World'

The issue begins with a detailed analysis of an interactive CD-ROM artwork titled 'For a Better World.' The artwork is described as an immersive experience that uses virtual tubes, rotating circles, and abstract imagery to explore themes of self-sacrifice and the sociological implications of such acts. The reviewer notes that the artwork confronts the viewer with the flat, abstract space of television news reports, complete with station logos and time-codes, which quantify and 'own' the segment. The experience encourages a meditation on self-sacrifice as a spectacle, prompting remote analysis and comment. The reviewer critiques the artwork for not providing sufficient background information on the individuals whose sacrifices are depicted, suggesting that hyperlinking and interface design could enable viewers to delve deeper into the historical context. The artwork's reliance on abstract symbols and the absence of direct political engagement are noted, with the specter of the September 11, 2001 tragedy overshadowing the artwork's completion. The reviewer expresses a desire to be enabled to choose engagement with the politics of the events for which these sacrifices were perpetrated. The interactive CD was developed using the Quicktime-based iShell application from Tribeworks and experienced some stability issues on a Macintosh G4.

Film Review: 'Swing in Beijing'

Roy R. Behrens reviews the VHS video 'Swing in Beijing,' directed by Shui Bo Wang. The review begins by referencing a historical joke about 'Red China' from the 1950s and contrasts it with the author's more recent experiences with Chinese students. Behrens frames the film as a contemporary look at the limits of artistic freedom in China, posing questions about the tolerance of self-expression, the permissibility of political and social issues in art, and the potential for censorship through denial of funding or exhibition opportunities. The review also considers whether Western art curators might inadvertently censor Chinese art by favoring provocative works. The film is valued for its mixture of interviews with young Chinese artists, filmmakers, and musicians, as well as clips from plays and films. Behrens suggests the film is valuable for American university students to understand 'Red China' and, more importantly, the actions of their own government.

Conference Review: Seventh Annual Meeting of the International Society for the History of the Neurosciences (ISHN)

Amy Ione reviews the Seventh Annual Meeting of the ISHN, held in Los Angeles. The conference highlighted the integration of art, science, and technology in contemporary projects related to brain research. The opening reception featured an exhibit including historical neurological studies and artifacts, such as an atlas of a pianist's brain and an ancient Egyptian surgical papyrus. The review mentions Stanley Finger's paper on 'The Power of a Musical Instrument: Franklin, the Mozarts, Mesmer and the Glass Armonica,' and William Wilde Zeitler's demonstration of the glass armonica. The discussion touched upon the instrument's feel, the physics of pitch, and its historical association with madness, particularly through Franz Anton Mesmer's use of its music in séances. The session at the Getty Museum focused on 'Frames of Viewing: Perception, Experience, Judgment,' with presentations on quantification in physiological science, photography, and the concept of the 'Wunderkabinett.' Geneviève Aubert presented on 'Photography and Cinematography before 1914: The Neurosciences Discover Multimedia,' discussing the early use of film in documenting neurological disorders.

Conference Review: Toward a Science of Consciousness

Michael Punt reviews the 'Toward a Science of Consciousness' conference in Tucson. The conference brought together scientists, doctors, philosophers, artists, and others to discuss consciousness. A central conclusion was that no one definitively knew what consciousness was. The review emphasizes the need for imaginative leaps and trans-disciplinarity in understanding the topic. Presentations included research on fMRI studies of emotional anticipation and global thought affecting random-number generators. The panel on sleep behavior disorders and Charles Tart's work on hypnosis, meditation, and consensus consciousness are also mentioned. Punt notes that while the conference challenged mono-disciplinarity, the imaginative arts were not always treated with the same respect as scientific research, with some speakers showing a lack of understanding or appreciation for humanities scholarship. Amy Ione's presentation is highlighted as a model of collaboration between artists and neuroscientists.

Other Content

The issue also includes a section on 'Materials Received,' listing new audio compact discs, books, and other publications relevant to the journal's readership. These include a variety of music CDs and books on diverse topics such as sound art, architecture, bionics, avant-garde movements, surveillance, physics, photography, and cultural studies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Leonardo consistently emphasizes the value of interdisciplinary approaches, particularly the integration of art, science, and technology. There is a recurring theme of exploring the historical and contemporary dimensions of human experience, from self-sacrifice and artistic expression to the scientific study of the brain and consciousness. The editorial stance appears to advocate for open access to information and a critical examination of how knowledge is presented and disseminated, whether through art, film, or academic discourse. The importance of imaginative thinking and collaboration across different fields is a central message throughout the issue.