Creative Technologies and Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Janina Hoth · 10th International Conference on Digital and Interactive Arts · 2021
Many narratives have been established around Aspen Movie Map: about the interdisciplinary research lab where it was created, its pioneering interactive interface, or the concept of user empowerment and virtual travel. A predecessor of Google Street view and other navigation technology, it was one of the first tools where users could navigate freely through a virtual map. The creativity and innovation of this project resulted from artists and engineers working collaboratively. The question of the work practices and co-creative exchange between artists and technologists has not been analyzed in depth. ‘Collaboration’ and ‘innovation’ are often not clearly defined but presumed as positive attributes in themselves. However, this project along with other early art and technology collaborations has been critically reviewed in its emphasis on novel interfaces and disregard of a potential socio-political or cultural impact.