[ISEA2024] Paper: Varvara Guljajeva & Mar Canet Sola — We Are The Clouds: Blending Interaction and Participation in Urban Media Art

Abstract

Keywords:
Interaction, participation, urban media art, media facade, media architecture, interactive art, participatory art, relational aesthetics, relational art, clouds

Since the early 2000s, cultural institutions have been instrumental in reshaping public spaces, fostering community engagement, and nurturing artistic innovation. Central to these initiatives are audience interaction and participation concepts, yet their definitions and applications in urban media art remain nebulous. This article endeavours to demystify these terms, examining the distinct characteristics and intersections of interactive and participatory art within urban contexts. A particular emphasis is placed on artworks that harmonise both elements, exploring the motivations and outcomes of this synthesis. The case study of We Are The Clouds serves as a focal point, exemplifying how strategic integration of interaction and participation can enhance community connection and reinvigorate public spaces. Through this analysis, the paper underscores the transformative power of urban media artworks in redefining neighbourhood experiences, empowering local voices, and revitalising the essence of public realms.

  • Dr Varvara Guljajeva is an Assistant Professor in Computational Media and Arts at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou). Previously, she held positions at the Estonian Academy of Arts, Elisava Design School in Barcelona, and and the University of Art and Design Linz. Her PhD thesis “From Interaction to Post-Participation: The Disappearing Role of the Active Participant,” was selected as the highest-ranking abstracts by Leonardo Labs in 2020. Prof Guljajeva has published her research in numerous academic venues, such as Siggraph, ISEA, IEEE VISAP and more. In 2021, she co-edited the book ‘Meaning of Creativity in the AI-Age’. Varvara works with Mar Canet as an artist, forming an artist duo, Varvara & Mar.
  • Mar Canet Sola is a PhD candidate and research fellow at Cudan research group in BFM Tallinn University. He has a master’s degree from Interface Cultures at the University of Art and Design Linz and two degrees in art and design from ESDI in Barcelona and in computer game development from University Central Lancashire in the UK. Mar has presented his research in prominent academic conferences, like Siggraph, ISEA, TEI, and more. As an artist, he works together with Varvara Guljajeva, forming an artist duo Varvara & Mar.