Lecture Notes on Variantology and Artistic Research
Introduction
The speaker prepared a concise text for this lecture, deviating from their usual free-speaking style.
Focus on the concept of "variantology" as a dynamic network connecting art, sciences, and technologies, emphasizing historical changes.
Importance of viewing history not just as a collection of past facts but as a narrative co-created by historians, relating to the research project in Istanbul.
Variantology
"Variantology" coined to explore the deep relations between arts, sciences, and technologies.
Network includes notable figures like Bruno Latour, Hans Belting, and Peter Weibel.
Positive connotation of the term variantology: to be different, alternative, and promote change.
Artistic and Media Practices
Global capitalism disguises underlying standardization and unification.
Artistic practices reflect these paradigms, influencing how art is created and perceived.
Variant as a methodological and epistemological mode characterized by lightness and ease.
Variants as it applies to music, art, and media, allowing different interpretations and sudden changes.
Historical and Geographical Reorientation
European-centric view has historically dominated arts and sciences.
Variantology seeks to highlight influences from cultures like China, India, North Africa, and the Arabic world.
Example projects focus on deep-time relations and re-orienting views from traditional European dominance to a more global perspective.
Art, Technology, and Media Art
Shift in art due to technological influences, moving away from originality to dynamic, interactive pieces.
Examples include interactive films and sound pieces by artists like Timo Collins and Lynn Hershman.
Importance of thinking about art restoration, repair, documentation in the context of media art.
Human-Machine Interaction in Art
Exploration of human becoming machine-like before machines developed human characteristics.
Historical transformations in art due to technology, from futurism to contemporary media art.
Emergence of intelligent artifacts as participants in art, blending human and machine elements.
The Frivolous Beings
Introduction of intelligent, artificial artifacts in art settings, questioning traditional roles of art as objects.
Examples of artwork exploring these themes, including Jordan Wolfson's and Ryan Gander's pieces.
Originality and Reproducibility
The original in art is challenged by the age of infinite reproducibility.
Museums' classic functions are evolving due to digital platforms.
Ethical considerations in the digital age about respect and dignity towards art as subjects.
Prospective Archaeology
Concept of prospective archaeology: Re-activating the past with precise documentation.
Plays with potentialities, allowing for exploration of past constellations for future gains.
Example: Elephant Clock by Al-Jazari as an artifact explored in prospective archaeology.
Conclusion
Advocacy for precise and beautiful variants as a goal for future dialogues and artistic interactions.
Museums evolving into spaces for open access and hospitality, transforming their traditional roles.