::fibreculture:: ICONography exhibition

[Patrick Lichty]

Call for works/essays

ICONography

Critiquing the Icon

Curated by Patrick Lichty

Hosted by Turbulence.org

Deadline: September 15th, 2003

Opening October 1st, 2003



The lowly icon is one of the fundamental building blocks of any
graphically-oriented computer operating system. They act as signifiers for
the most basic operating functions and structures as well as mnemonics for
programs on the metaphorical 'desktop'.  However, one can only begin to
consider how symbolic grammars such as those used in computer systems reveal
the inner workings of the digital environment, its biases, or its historical
referents, both technological and cultural.  ICONOGRAPHY calls to artists to
consider the icon as a fundamental element of visual grammar on the screen,
and almost as essential to the cultural syntax of the computer as the
alphanumeric character.  Can icons be part of the ongoing dialogue on
technological art forms, or are they merely visual devices?  It is hoped
through seeking a critical engagement with the icon, new questions can be
asked about its form, function, and location within the culture of
computers.



CALL FOR WORKS

ICONography will focus on the subject of the 32x32 icon, although others
such as smaller formats like file folder markers, etc. will be considered.
Any icon-based work that meets the format constraints is eligible.
Interactive and time-based artworks are encouraged as well, but may be used
in single-frame format if physical exhibitions are realized (under
discussion).  If you have any questions regarding the nature of your work,
please note the Submission Guidelines, then contact the curator.



CALL FOR ESSAYS/CRITICAL WORKS

The ICONography exhibition is calling to the arts and academic community for
critical works that address issues related to the use of icons in the
computer environment.  What are the parallels with historical or even
paleolithic forms, religious iconography, pictographic languages, hidden
agendas in iconic subjects, or ontologies of graphic systems such as the
paradigms presented by the Macintosh and Windows operating systems by their
use of icons?  ICONography seeks to ponder these questions as the artists
push the boundaries of the genre.  Over 1000 words preferred; images are
also encouraged, and text format in plain text, MS Word, or Word Perfect 9
or less.  Experimental formats are also acceptable, but representation is by
curator's discretion.



SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

All images will be limited to a size of 32x32 pixels, any bit depth is
acceptable.    Preference will be given to bitmap-oriented work (GIF/JPG,
ICO), although other formats will be considered.  Interactivity, etc is also
encouraged, as long as the curator can relocate and embed the works into
pop-up windows that will open in the exhibition layout.

There is no maximum for number of icons submitted, but it is asked that
artists view their submissions discriminately. A brief description of the
image(s) of up to 75 words and a short biography of up to 50 words maximum
is also requested. Please email all submissions to voyd at voyd.com by no later
than Sept. 15th , 2003, Midnight US CST.  No entry fees are required.



Terms:

Artists agree to allow exhibition of images on exhibition website,
promotional materials, and on print media (prints/catalogues) for possible
gallery venues (under negotiation).  ICONography is a non-profit exhibition
for the heightening of the awareness of new media genres, sponsored by
Patrick Lichty and hosted by Turbulence.org.  No transfer of ownership or
rights except solely for those related to the purposes of promoting the
exhibition is implied.



A catalogue of the exhibition is planned for December 2003.  Artists will be
able to buy the publication at production cost.



Contact Information:

Patrick Lichty

Voyd.com/Intelligent Agent

355 Seyburn Drive

Baton Rouge, LA 70808

USA

(Phone number upon request)

voyd at voyd.com