Is it Art, is it HCI? Exploring Tensions Between Practice and Research

Abstract

Art has the weight of our history as a people behind it, whilst in comparison, Human-Computer Interaction is relatively young. Artistic practice is a propeller of the innovations within HCI but works in this area often focus on the user study, the interaction, or the need for empirical evaluation. The plurality and tensions in art practice clash with this focus. Arts need not define the beholder as a 'user', but the addition of interaction and technology challenges its purpose. Aesthetics in isolation is not seen as impactful output, but as we investigate ways to bring art and HCI together, should we not focus on process and influence? This panel brings together a diverse group of artists, designers, practitioners, makers, and researchers, focusing on the challenges and variety of approaches in this space. The aim is to build dialogue to encourage a plurality of practices and creative responses in HCI.