On the occasion of Nathaniel Stern’s recent thoughtful review of Act/React for Rhizome, I’d like to open the discussion of how – and sometimes if – our medium gets reviewed. Nathaniel’s review is an exception to most journalism I’ve seen on the medium of interactive art, and, more specifically, physically interactive art. A majority of reviews simply describe the work without criticality or insight; or focus on the novelty and technical aspects of the work. Sometimes the reviews are delegated to technology writers, rather than arts or culture writers (of course some writers gracefully cross these boundaries, such as Matthew Mirapaul, formerly of the New York Times Arts@Large column).

I’m explicitly excluding the writing of great curators of new media art here, such as Christiane Paul, to focus on professional writers and journalists. To point out another notable exception that many in the U.S. may not be aware of, I’d like to note Lucy Bullivant, author of 4DSocial and Responsive Environments. Do any of our readers here have comments on writing about digital art and physically interactive art?

Do you have any pointers to other good writers working today? And for art writers out there reading this, good sources for them to be able to write more critically informed commentary? Or please prove me wrong with links to other great writing and writers.

Scott Snibbe

The opening of Act/React was a great success.  I’d like to thank all who participated; it is, after all, the participatory efforts of visitors which shape and mold these motion-driven installations.

This trend towards interactivity has steadily grown given artists increased access to new technology, and is the driving force behind Act/React.  Interactive art encourages a dialogue between the art work and the participant.  Visitors have the ability to act upon the work and are invited to elicit a unique response within the context of the piece, becoming more than just a passive viewer.  It was exhilarating to watch people experiencing the work themselves.

Friday’s panel discussion allowed the artists to further explain their role, fielding questions about the installations from our members. It was great to have everyone in Milwaukee. I would like to thank all of the artists and artist assistants for their time and energy on the exhibition. The lectures and presentations by guest curator, George Fifield, were truly inspiring.

It is exciting to be a part of this revolutionary exhibition here at the Milwaukee Art Museum.  I hope for its continued success, and invite you to come activate the art!

-John McKinnon, Coordinating Curator