Thoughts on Views from Above

I have a couple of thoughts about the article Views from Above. While the idea of locative media is interesting it seems like this type of “Art” has been going on for years. I went to Alcatraz many years ago and even then you could take an audio tour with commentary from actual guards and prisoners. The advances in technology have now allowed us to add the visual elements. Also, like so many supposed interactive media projects the participant is still only able to experience what the creator puts in the program. You may be able to go in a different order than someone else, but in the end you will still receive the same information. I admit I can’t think of a way around this problem but until someone does I don’t feel you can call these interactive projects they are just tours of places. The one idea I thought was interesting was the Carrizo Parkfield, the idea that you could remix the natural functions of the earth such as the tectonic data, erosion patterns, and water movements opens up some interesting possibilities.


Chris Gladitz