In the Forecast — Art, Research, and Rainstorms

We have seen “Flash Mobs”, and other forms of ad-hoc gatherings based on spontaneous communications, but how could networks begin to look as they become even more integrated into the feedback loop of daily life? Well, artists Jonah Brucker-Cohen and Katherine Moriwaki have envisioned a project that asks such a question, using - you guessed it - umbrellas.

Their plan is to use wireless computing to create spontaneous and temporary networks among people based on shared contexts and experiences - in this case, proximity and weather. And, of course, possession of special, network-enabled, rain-deflection devices. This February, the Spanish Ministry of Science and Technology, along with the ARCO Foundation, awarded the artists’ proposal, Umbrella.net, with the first ARANEUM award for ‘internet-related artwork,’ a prize for projects connecting art, science and technology worth 20,000 *. Media theorist Geert Lovink was also awarded a prize of 10,000 * for his research proposal, ‘Open Source, Open Borders.’

Thanks Midori Yasuda !

Art net news by Ryan Griffis from RHIZOME.ORG -> THE NEW MEDIA ART RESOURCE of the New Museum in New York.