NETWORKOUT

Abstract

As technology continues to advance, the boundary between virtual and physical living becomes less clear. This thesis aims to explore this boundary by examining it through the lenses of online social networking culture and gym culture. These two trends, one virtual and one physical, have several correlations. Both are user focused and provide the opportunity to create a representation of oneself. Each also has elements of voyeurism and surveillance, isolation and connection, and a sense of the collective. Through a series of interventions that address both cultures, I question our interaction with each, and the mediation of the two. The art work I have produced over the course of the semester is comprised of a series of projects that blend elements of online and gym culture, and question the motivations, behaviors, effects, and structures within each. The development of this work occurs from two directions - some are based in the gym and bring in ideas of online culture, while others are web-based and incorporate elements of gym culture. The series of projects is based on an experimental production process based on specific research. This process is comprised of my participation and observations within each culture, research investigating the various discourses relating to each, study of related artists and work, and iterative design, testing and critique of my own work. This series of short experiments culminate in two large scale public installations, which take place May 12, 2008 and May 15, 2008.