Interactive Art, Autonomy and Evaluation

Abstract

This chapter looks at interactivity and interactive art systems in relation to traditional aesthetic categories and artistic practice. Central to the chapter is an analysis of the tension between the autonomous artist and the interactive artist. Interactive art is theorized as belonging to a kind of practice which seeks to transcend, or at least refine, traditional categories such as autonomy. The author posits that the evaluation of interactive artworks must recognize the complex manner in which these artworks relate to the traditional social categories of art practice.