Walking the walk and the impact of space and place on new media art

Abstract

This paper looks at the implications of the loss of site illustrated by three diverse, site-specific new media art case studies: Taking Pictures by Janet Cardiff, Rio Videowall by Dara Birnbaum, and net.flag by Mark Napier. Focus will be placed on the challenges to permanence of new media art by exploring the impact of the expansion of the Saint Louis Art Museum and changes to geography of the surrounding park on Taking Pictures. The preservation of Taking Pictures is considered in the context of the other two case studies in terms of physical site-specificity vs. mediated site-specificity. The impact of new media technology, artist intent, and participant's interactions are considered in terms of the functionality, viability, and preservation of site-specific new media art.