The Limits of Algorithmic Perception: technological Umwelt

Abstract

The algorithmic processes underlying digital media entail that elements of the unseen are integrated into processes of visualization. What is visible in a digital image, for instance, is merely the tangible output of procedures which are obscured from view. Borrowing from ecological theory, using Jacob von Uexkuell’s concept, the Umwelt, this paper explores synergies between notions of biological perception, cybernetic sensing and Harun Farocki’s concept of the operative image. Working from this conceptual framework, a technological notion of Umwelt is developed and applied in analysis of related computer science research and relevant artistic projects. The transdisciplinary approach applied in this investigation aims to frame artistic experimentation with algorithmic mediation of perception in reference to the technoscientific context these practices emerge from.

Contributors

Rosemary Lee

Conference

Publication date: May 2018

Publication date (Print): May 2018

Pages: 1-6

Affiliations

[1 ] IT-University of Copenhagen

Rued Langgaards Vej 7

Copenhagen, Denmark

Article

DOI: 10.14236/ewic/EVAC18.44

Copyright statement: © Lee. Published by BCS Learning and Development Ltd. Proceedings of EVA Copenhagen 2018, Denmark

License:

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Conference name: Politics of the Machines - Art and After

Conference acronym: EVA Copenhagen

Conference number: 7

Conference location: Aalborg University, Copenhagen, Denmark

Conference date: 15 - 17 May 2018

Conference sponsor: Electronic Workshops in Computing (eWiC)

Conference theme: Digital arts and culture

Product

Product Information: 1477-9358BCS Learning & Development

Self URI (article page): https://www.scienceopen.com/hosted-document?doi=10.14236/ewic/EVAC18.44

Self URI (journal page): https://ewic.bcs.org/

Categories

Series title: Electronic Workshops in Computing