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Darren Tofts: Wrestling With Proteus
He will seek to foil you by taking the shape of every creature that moves the earth, and of water and of portentous fire .
. The Odysse� iv, 415�417
You thought the leaden winter would bring you down forever,
But you rode upon a steamer to the violence of the sun.
Cream, "Tales or brave Ulysses"
In 1967, the English rock band Cream produced their second album,
Disrae/i Gears. Along with such classics as "Strange Brew" and
"Sunshine of your Love," the album also featured a song th.at;tin·the
..• :·�:- .. idiom of psychedelic rock, revisited a very old story. That song,
J-� .
.
"Tales of Brave Ulysses," celebrated the epic journey of Ulysses on
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Darren Tofts: Wrestling With Proteus
llis n'lturn to. Greece from tile Trojan wars. Mud1 of the song, like Tile.· -/-�::),: _:-:'_ \<-�::-_:
-:: u',·; ',:,�: _,· 0 ';; _. __ ·_'
' :>- : · ' ' ' :
--.-- > : ':>:
�:<'_:·: '',,:,' ,'·,' :�: ', --:\
_ :--: : � --',_
' ',' ''
Odyssey<)f.Homer on CVI1icllit�as.b?tse(j,fee�t!liesthe o.cean as e1
turbulent .force
. �it� whid�UI�Ss�s;��std�6attl�, ; forc��qUafin
· ....
C:na��cter and strength to the Cyclops and t�: other s�pernatural
beings he encounters on. his .seven, yearjdi.JrneY horne. One of tll�.se
was.·.Proteus, .• son ·.Of�os�idon:'�h�··slippery, shape-ch.anging •sea •• god who never ass.umed a.nxe�f�rfll !on�'erMd9hto.9�o��f�l �tthe
. weary ·traveler ·in·.•seardh .�f:)��f�r�:ti��.�t�t11J�js··Cin.appropriate
figure to signal the idea .otn4�1G id�&Ji���A��I��nt t<> �xplote in this
•· ��.$a�. Al()�§·�ifhih�f���,��r·i�e�c::��,;�n···immellse, �11ifti0g
frontier .ofdiscoverVand;¢xpl9r�ti�nP�f�ip�·��fi()�.�nd·��n�e��i�n,··
Proteus is a i.Js�f�l fri�t�b�;otilr �r:�i�� •. �hisdiscussion·.of Australian ---- -- ---- - ----;-_,--- -- - -·-'-.<i':c".:-_ _-:_-: --,<-,,:·_:_ �-:;. : _,::--_<_.::-_ _-- ' -
netart and the ways In �hicflt��?e•�ftistk·ha\le e�pproached the
intern�tas arJaestl)¢ticsp�\;�{
. :_ - - - : :: :: : ' - ·- -- ---- -.•Uiys$e�in 1967, the· generation of Australia� �¢�meclia.artists
.··· < r�pre�s��te� ·in Under_scwe wasin•·itsi�f<ll1c9.,AttH�ftirn�··there was
.no·s�ch .
• thing ·CI� fhe.·•i�t1r������th� resf:f the. worlcj .. was, 'Nell) � •,: - -- -- . -- - --
. wodd a�ay; �cllieved via flight, ocean passage 6? . -: ,:.-'• -.:':-·:· :- •- - , . : . : . - .- -- :; - --- <:--:.:--- -
• telecomrnunicatiCJns/rne internet.nas dramatically reJ�Jutjoniied . --- '; : : ' .. :-. ·- - ,:-__ -- --· - > .-·:_- ,: - - -: - -
saC:i�i aria spatial . . relations•throughoutithe w6rJcl.•·l"i:om·the point. or
.• Vi��;o� li�jng inAustralia, ·�he · ir)t.ernefhas wjth6Jf��1s;idn�ade .the
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Darren Tofts: Wrestling With Proteus ..
wprlcl'as�a.ll�r.�lac�. F'�r6aps not yet a "gi()IJal••tmag�,''
n6���h�l�ss��t��d�d th��work··�f.exi:ti��·· ·���¢�o���niJafibn;·I· · •· tel���bny ,tele�ision,
. radio ·�·· .• in••
elimi�a;ihg •. th� ·vast•·�istances· ···.
. . . separating .Au&traliafrom tll(:! rest o(the world. Historically,
Australia�s geographical.ldcaEic>n illri!l��ioAto··ttie· rest· of the · world. � " �� �:::_-- _,>, �-·-"',' -: - :, - - .�<'< - ' ,• -
·represented. the.paradigrn. ofremotelless, . . a binary of presence{h�re) � - - - - ,' ' ' : - ' ' ' - -- ' . and<tbs�nc.� (thE:!r�) .
. Itis.�hisrgillC>��ne$s th�t t()nverg�nt ·
technologies, such as.the internet,· offerJhe promise to. overcome.
rh.� ;�p()siti<ln lief�e�� ���e allB t��r�tJ&���rally···e�tr�l1d�ed as ·a.· ··
'd�f���lll��;:�i������i�� ���;�dtdnt��jg�gt�V�� for ��stefityJil
)gus�:ili�#1�t�Vdri�n·d��j;;�J ��l ���y's signa�tr� ph�as:, "�hetyranny -:-:::::-··::-<_; __ :--- ::-:/\><- : ::.:-· · ·-- ::::-::- -<::.:· :;; ;::> ,_:,:,_: _:- }'-;' -- -;- -_<>-' .-:-/::
' - �
of distance," Australia .was·. the al)tipodes, the•opposite side ()f tl"le'•
¢a�th: ��e �rigins .o(���··��r� "antipbd:� .. ·cl� �et:ace�·t� th: :::'':<':<_::·>�:· ·�-
---_> __ ;�-': :::::·
�:::·:.:::.
-_- "
---
-- _
_ >-:_ _- __ , ---- - _: Renaissance age of ocean exploration and colonial.expzlnsion, to the • ti��5Qk2�,���tr�fia �as discbvered �nd identified · as aBritish
.·.�Picini�l t:rrit�ry
F�n •• th:ofher �ide of the··world·. •Austra.lia.n
.id�·ntity, .· .
. ' - - _- •' ,- - ' " , .' - ,-" -· ... . \lP to ·· at Jeast th� ·firstfirtyye�fsof t�e tv.i�l)�iefh c�nt:Grv, W�� ..
,--- _
:-··:--:
-:: '-':. ·'- ,-
'---:,:. '" -- ' ' - ' : ' -- ->:-
- ' - < (lefinedirl ter(l)s of British culture. As an oJtpost of the. British· • - -:
--
< , : ;: empil'e, .Australia reproduced thevalues of its!'hdiTie" cou�try;
Studentsof literature (orEnglishLiterature,to.be pre�is�): fjr " .
exall)ple,.ex<:l.usiv�IY•stlldii!dthewritihg �i. isritish·· · ·�uth6rs, •• 2hic� •i*J��t�d £R� �i%�re$�Wi����ofJa:tbral lif� ahd.·doll1estic ·manners . •
.
Ti�:le:s andwi�e, ��rk:�s,: bufofii�tler:l�va�ce .• tothe realities ·of ,·, . -- >� ' -- ·:' -"-,:_. ' ' /:·:::' --'<'-
-.<-
- _::::::.;:_: . :-_, __ ;; :·:,:,:----: "., '::: ' \
.. l.il(ing. in amislard contipent ln .the southern. hemisphere. It was v�ry
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Darren Tofts: Wrestling With Proteus
difficultto.gainrecognitio� of anything acfually prdduc�d. i� Atis�ralia, as AUstralians �hemselv,es were in .the grip .ofwhat was called.the :/::;._ : __ . ___ \ ·'-.:�:_::: ,._;; - ' _: :.' <:-__' ' :--'_ - ;' -- -_ ----- : _ __ _ ;·_ - -' : __
-: -· ; -_-:-. _-- . :->- .- ._,
·. ''q.lltural cringe;'' a powerful sense ofinfetiority, il loathing of anything produced locally .. cti)ture,. real culture, was to be the refleGtibn. of•a.ir��of�,···t�tn2i�n ���JI�h�·•ftll�d;C:rig,�'nc! .•
' ·, ;' - ' " ; . · Tffihgs are a little· different now.· Australian identity .has thrown off
·--:'; ---' ,' ':· . . - -_ -- _-:<
-- ->-:_- , ::·_--�·:_. _---: -'-- ; :' _-::__,_:- ' : '' ' :_:· ;�_ - " . thesfJ�<::kl�s of its colonial.heritage; A n�w found sellse ofworth · in ih�t/ltU�����t�be Au�tr�lian wasforgMouf of the.post-war period, ' ' ' ' if1•··WfliC:�.·Au�tralianqft •. �.ri� ... litdlahir�;�I�V��·a't1���$iv�r81e illiec·· •
' ' ' ' defining.the antipodes, re-conceiving life at the other encj of the world, No longer th.e tyrant to be overcome on l:he Way to· . .. _> : -- <-' ---_-_- -_-______ -·:_:::'' <::-som�whel"e else, the ocean started to emerge as ;twayqfcl¢finiAg
. · .. ·<' Australi•a•ill�61trir�l te;��.I����ah:�ItiS1'�e��:28:icalf:ature.··.to be identified with, rather thantffetoiceraJi�n�ti��)�:[r�fPali��s ;�ohi
the rest. of the world. ����������i��ti�6��fa;�� ... a�ecisiverole in changing the ways in which. A�straii� S�e� itself'irJ rel<!tid� to .the. · .. world. and .. the internet haS @isbli��ted{his.•¥g�internJtr 'ashas b:en····�·�:ed fT1a�y; �i�er,····rese01bles •. an�ient'. con.ceptions.o(the··· · uni.v�rse ·as· �··space .lacki�J a.�i���fTlf��enJ��nd0hJs��l�:er1i�·· ·:: .:--;--:-.:. ;_�-':---:::.-:--·<( _,.:-;'_:,>>:::._ ':,· ___ ,- ---- , - ' -_ ·-::.-:- _:
· eJe;ywhere. AJ�trali� i� p�rt pfthis<el)Jergeot global utdpia, this .spatial·•·•ndwher�,.·in·whi��;t��������nd •• ttl�i��qt¢ ate �ne •• a.nd �he �:�:·.thing. ·colonlaJ ... notlons.·.ot���ir�dq�'th�I�}J�'t�J,��II{i�·���h · a world.
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Darren Tofts: Wrestling With Proteus
In a remarkable essay ()n the links .between Austral,ian identity and
telecofnmuniCations;McKE!rtzJeW�rk�ig�es··�hat•the•psycho-socia.l
k�pg[j�Hce BtBeing define� by'the oce�n) � Jk?t�pace t� 'be
·· traver��d or\ the. wayt�s��ewhere else, has lJ��n dra�atic�Uy .· •..•. ·• .. ·.··.
·· .· ··.· .
. ··.·• •· •· •. · .•·.··. ·. · . . ·.· · ... ·
· ·.·· .. •.·•. · .· .·
•.· .·•· •. · · · .. · •. ' - .' - -. ..
.. · .:. -.:- . . . · . ·• .. . ·.•. ··· . . ··•.·.••··. · · .
·. •· •.. -<.·.· . . . • •. • •· . . . ... • •.
·. ·.· .
. ·•• . . ·.·
·,
__ ·--.. ··•· · . . . ch�nged .• bythe techniques oftelestnesia; · or perceptionata·.distante,
· The ... mo!;frecentand.dramatit. otthese,the internet, has' displaced
tJe ��r: n�tioriofthe Joe: I intoth��b:tr��;�p:c1 �f � � i�er��t.kind .
offlow, not Of water but data, the flow ofdigitafinf6rmC�tion. Once
thespatialrneasure of cultural difference, antipodality, . as W<!rk
describes the experience of being at the. opposite end pf the world,
••·. · ··h�sbeehc<irnpr�ss�d·i�t()t�e i�llle� i�cy :f·b�ing h��e a��t�ere.
·Under such conditions loc�lity is conC:eivedless in terms of pl<!ce th<ln . .
aconst<!nt st<!te. efflux, <! l:lecoming In 'Nhith"qulturaldifferences are
no longer so tiedto the experience ofthe particlll<lrities of place."T
·. · ·.Aitflo\lgh'the•()ce<ln••·�a5•b��� ������etl itJJi�e X�t�&r�;:�•a
•��;ce··�f
•·.· · '' -, -".·· ,, "·:,_.: , , , , "c:, , .-. ·: :-:·;,, ·_-, - -; - ' " · .: , ' '· .'> mo�emeot ·elsewhere,.jtstraC:es non.ethelg�spersist ir\ tli� }VC!ys
.. · ··
·.tll���ists/�av�i��gih�5 �hJ �ig.it�l•.:sl<!�lt ��·th: ·wr:nnv· ·�r
dist(!�C�.· ·�nvokin� .·H�t��if i�entificat;r� •• df�he·'sea �lth•notions· of· the • ' : _- " - ---. .---: ' ___ , - _-_::.:-�:--.,--<_-:_-. __ :-:_._"' _- _,-- -- ------ -: - --:--,·-:. '-:--.. - ---·:- · ·, ' '
indefinite,the.u[llimit�d a!ld thei�finit�, ��r:kgciitures'to a · · concept
i� ld:ntit�·�h ·�iic�fluidity···a�d .multiplicity •• are. the a�propriate
:-.'_; _ _. :'_:_;;· ·-:_:;:' -:;->_;.:: '·_ <:·:,: metaphors •. for.thinking.aboul:net0ork�d•Jcl�ntil:y: ' ' ' . ' ,' ' ' , ', - ----- --- -- -
it W6uld b� a risk� bu�ines�to sOggestthat Australian artists, given ..
their· alltipodal'· heritag.e and)t�nti�uit� �ith the sci�,h��� �bme··kind .
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Darren Tofts: Wrestling With Proteus
of. c::ultural patent on liquid id�ntity; .as ifJhe experiimce of fluidity " ' ',' ' ' :- : -_ ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ''
was some kind of cultural unconscious. We areMt, t9 use.frqncesca ; ; >:' ;>_-'_:;:- '.- ;-:- .- -' _,- ·--<''-_, <-: ,',- - ,, '
da Rimini'� tempting in1age, a ''liquid nation." .1/1/ell, not yet ('lnyway.
· Ther� is . nothing essential o(chare�ct�ristic�ll}' �ystraliap �bout the
ways in which. these artists.have underst90d 9r interpreted what the ' :-:'; ·-"> ,'' '": ':· '_; - ·:; :·; ,',:· ' ' . '
m�t has to offer identity ancl f:hecomiep(()f��bodiment. However it
is reasonable to assert·tt1�tA!Js�r<lli�nartisti�orRing inap online
. · environrnerithav� :�br;�e� t�e Jirtual n�p-spac� 9nhe.l)el: as <1n •
unfa�Hia rc; u ns�ttlirig, ��f��tidin� s;ac� �f�b;�ra�ti�n.
T�e; i�i>lLybersp(lce .• as.an.· othenvorldly .·w ortd�Withi�±f:d,6;rld, Jr.
an archi�e2td�e�fl(l�inousbri.lliance,·.likea·c�!estial. city,�aVe ;· bed6Je ktockfi�ures
· .. for if!1aglnihg .•. Wh�re•0e3�re·���·�
··.·��··are
online, B�t.sh1t�b ha� �h: •image of ijn immersive/ dimensionless void.
·�fi�ii�n(Jtsubjectto ··.the.lihlitatibns••Of�er�pe�ti�;/�ed���ryand .
�r�Ji���}��lig�a. gackharn's.•e/lipyrean:ug�·:�fiJ�I��;;���i�is��Jd t9 .
life!byi���s:in�the tw6-dimensional .•. scre�n1with ��·iilu�ory �epth of
f)eld �nd pouridtJs�peripheral visi�n. The title 9Hhis work in\'()kes an
.· :nc::ient noti.on ofa.·z9ne:ort1r� tO sugg��� a� im�ateriat .. envir(JnmE!nt i ' ' -:_-,,:-::-:':_:_:;: · ;:�-: ;::_.:::->:>-:>: ' ' ' ::
that is at one� intim�t�.@d ihll11ense, familiar and sublimE!.
empyrean is an .. intercc>Jl�kc��� ser'iE!� Of·p¢numbral, ai:mosph"eric ,_:::·:-:-· .'.,- , .··'<·,::·-:c·-.-_:_:,)::·�-:;> _' --.: <<< :�<._'_:, '', v.rorlds1 as sheer and l:r�rislu��nf a�gC>ss�mer.Ttre ability to ," --_ _:- ;_ .:,-:.,, '-, ' , "··-: '::'"- :. __ ::'': < _ ' ',
cons�antly shift viewpointscl'"��tesa.·strange,.otherworldly sensation
ofof11niscience, However tl'le deeper we move in�o these .evocative
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Darren Tofts: Wrestling With Proteus
spa'ces; tlle mo;e inacce�sible and u�qiscovered tnh.seelll .. ·In this . "finite infinity of�pace,'' iQter<iction is "flexib.lea(ld fll]xing,'; ane"
scape ··of "viscous
.• deli�iuJll.'(tb us� akap�rbpfiat�ly.fl�id �hra�e f;olll
.
Rackham's. carrier, .a· �ork th�t intetpr�tsthe bo�y :t a n�v,igabie ' ,, __ -:· - - :. _ _-:_:
':. -... ,._ ·-:'- ' __ :;-:_: _ -:- -
zone or space of etnerea.l ?frangeness), In using\(RI\1[(\/irtyal
. Reality.MCJ�eling tangua��}asthe :rchite�tural·�nd•ll:vigati�nal
basis for this work,. Rackh<lrnli<ls cre<Ji:ed a t<Jntalizing trompe;!0C'i!
. that •invests.· our· visual •. p�;��Btj�n gf}mg�e���t �ithb6d1.1Y;
sensations of flying, yawing,�Hding and· floating. �his �0Aaes�nesia/'.
orJnt�mretation of one s�nse i� t�r1�·c)f��6fh�r/iQt�n�ifl�s t�� •
· . ex�e;i�nc: .·:f the .• ::rkas
.an explor�tiqnqf� puJsing infinity.•pr.·• · .
1sp�hl;l. · ·
- ' - ' lt:rs·••� ci,JriqJ§feature of.t.hework•·represented in ul1dec.score•that
�We��s ti ;�ii:;thid��tit � anq disernbodirnedtare disfi(\ctiY .protean· ·· · Idch�r<Jcter,sd�9e�tiv� �f·�b�n;e,;t��H�Z��fijn �nJ�Eta�ion.
· .
__ :'::-'::'_:_-: ·:_ :·: _::�:-:---:r:_ ;
_->_---:_:_:
<_-_-- -
-- - -- --:: __ : . -- - -- ._ � - . -
Once upon atirne, onlyHorneric heroes ofel<trijord.il1ary conViction
co.uld sUcceed i(l solidifying Proteus into ernbocllrnent, long enough tc) .. ' __ , __
:<--_ ,:\/._-· __ :_>--'::_.'
-§�cUte the information required to continue on their journey. Net
artistshqV� inherited·· �Olllethl�� Of thj� �bilifyi�o 2��t&?� �rld,infle�t .. ---:- - --,_-_-'::-'��-'-< ,' : :·<-;:_
:_:·· __ ,-_>·:· -_: - ---:::: .·.·_ .. ,_
-'·: :_·: ,,_·:·,::··- -__ - __ < -, - .
the dynamic for.ceofthe .old sea .god's resistance to singular identity> · -- -- : .. , '- -
- .:-·. -.--- ·;'/_-:->-::- -::_ --:
t9 a fixed bodily forrn. This all)biguous,contradictory actofc;p�uring
flux .. js sugg�sted in�-1//I(PL[NESand .. chromos, ·the time,based,
cell.ular :utorn�ta.of P��� ��o�n .• Th�s�. �leg�(lt(mi�i��Ji?t•.works
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Darren Tofts: Wrestling With Proteus
' ' '' ' .-'· _·:-.:._: ·_<·::,,_,>:- >·------· __ -.-.·:�:-:: _._··.-::·::·· _ _ . . ;·: simulate the processes of.generatiol) in living .syst¢ms< r�seinbling
•·chromosome strands, ba�teda·like coloni�s �n�c�llul�r··�ctivity.··•
Brown's. ever�ch�nging. shap�sworkpn t�e pril)¢i�le�;0ariation
withill afinite set, enacting the vitality commontoorganicand . ' . ' - -· - ·-. ' . -
artificial life .. Brown's particles <ire a ki�d oi priJl{aJ r\Jatt�r apd tf1eir -
' ' "' ' ' ' ", ",_.'• - '-- .·.- ,' _; _. ' ' -- " ' '- - - -··.st.atus.�s ·11fe 1!> constituted•· ·notirl>�fiV{m�t���l·s��s�,/IJutr�t�:r.in
their organization, their f�l�ntiJ�� ana6�6i�diGtZ�IeJer�utatio� ·.· H�f�are !Tiicroscopic gli;pses ofartificiatlife, .wl}ose.mediuinisth�·· . a�straction of digital coder�t�ett·��ll���J�tri �isll.
··.
1t;is•an•·•important.·.telecot!Titnira:ti�e
if1�t��:�life;ln �ustralia ·that .• the
�eth.as contributed to ar1()ri�bii,gj>�rd�JtiC>� bfabre�kdoWn of the ;�:-__ :, /_·._::::: -�:-: ·:
··-- ; ·<-", ::_:· - - - ' • - -\ ·_: __ , __ -.-::_:-.:--.. .. :.: _ _-- :: __ · tYranriy c:ifdistance(though the.internet still.has a 10�gwaY'to. gdto
deliver tne proniises rn�d�:�� it� ��h�l;, �He �r():ises·of.universal -, - ·-- '' ' ---- •, -
access andglo���c�hlle�tivity). It has,.though, had•·a decisive.:impaot'
on• th� IJi�f��JAlcaF;tr��tur: <lfcenter and periphery.< f����P��;·W�f sp��: l�cks: circumference .·af1d its.center.•is evei�0�ere). i�·
• conternporarydisc\ls�i�x� ofide�titr �nd s�xuality, .to be matginal; · r£t��� �Ka� ce���al/stqndsfor. a reclaimed· emp�:�tM��t•i�the .
na.�ebtlislllJJ�rsiveipolitics.The.·work.of;r�nC\!SC� d� ;�i�fnli.s iln
uncompromis;�gJhcJrsi�n·i�to ·tlle· exploration ·of thesepoUtii:s>an· ·•··
. •. ��fr¢me/oft�n aggre�sive · inscriptionoffefrl�l� id�nfity as•
. · . dol�:o;phous, .• perverse· and fJcking •• dapg�r��{�;f�t�ding • m��ber ·. ofth� cyber(eministi ¢olle�tive VNS
.·M£�ri;,\d������;,s Work •.has· been
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Darren Tofts: Wrestling With Proteus
;c;ti�ely d6m0iitted tochaiJ�riging a�� <lest<JbjliirJ19 the doOiinarit, · ��:cJIJ��·ltereotypes �f
.centralized• i�entity,
·· ·power.and .• control,·
·: ,- . . _" ,_ - -
p<)rticularlyin respect to S()Cial e�change .on .the net. A key text, in
. ihis ;�sp�ct}.isVNSMatn�'Srnuch quoteddyJ;�ifeflliflisthaniresto of
{993,i� •�hich. the.strugg.lefor · identity···and. ;ow:r.•is.•w�ged··against
. thE� corporate .rnoriolith o(Big baddY Mainf�arne. · Alarrned th.at the net
isj��t �n�the.r ·.rnale .• d��i�a�:d··· are��,cl�•Ri�ini·.!�drk.is " - ;·.·- .-- - . - .- '- _ -_ --
•·· d�terrT1il1e�ly<J,dversarial. arid . oppositional to the repli�ation qn . the
•·· · ��i�f����2��1 J�ereotypes.of ."r:al life,"BUfitisalso ·emp6wering
-"- - - - :----.-< - ' �
<is well,· identifYing the net�� a 5Jia¢e of•re�l�rnatior{fortfeminine·
..•• iJejti�y,··���u:lit�·and eroticism·.· It is
·d������ a�:··unwis:,th:n,
·.·to
discuss da Rimini's work in terms ofdiscrei:e texts (Dol/space, ·
Idendty_Runners), as the GashGir! site is·a serial, autographical -- - - -- --- - - - ' - - · - ·- - - ' -
. space .of interconnect�dfmumrnedia tableaux yivants .. The.•orie tailed
lid; �i�ibi'�;�ai�hall��lih� �n� h�rv:ri6���o�uJ��:i:Jn:e,�611
Yoko, Puppet Mi$tress, the ghost, GashGirl, shift and weaye through
disconnect�d•·email dialogues,. J6Jrnalentri�s, striden� ll)allifrst��··
allcl .. slog<Jns, resisting ··singularity,celebrat(ng dlfferenc�, �� Rif11ini's
��sfh�tici:������l�Jxt�p�si��i�a����it��;Un��t:�,a�;upf�ni��ets
· ortext, .. or.devoting an eritir� s�re��t:&(ln ��A�rism�&re'm�j�··· :_._.- .-_- _ -··>---::,-_·--.:_\>' ., _-.-_.-·.-:_:,:,,.-�·:,'<·. _ : .. -· .:·,: _ _ ,-._..-:·--Y;J·:.:-\::--:-:'::.:.': -.<- :··.::,·:-: _ _>/_:_,----- ---> ,
message, ef1do�s h�ri8rkwith<��8�l�9�t1ik�be��·tY···Yetit. is a -�: :_-:·-_- _:- :_ �----::;-:---- - : ·: - --- --: ;.-_:,: }' ::· , :}'.:- <·:· ·::' ;--:-� ·-·:' __ : ·_ :·_->
' :: - _::_: �--_-":'·<·:_;: _ _ --:.:'·:; _: .---:;:;. __ :_._ -_ _ _ _ ,- _ -::: ·._
beauty born ofdislocat�d, �fte11 deconteJ>t�aliz�d i�ages1interrupted
·sef1teri2e�· aridlll1finished·n<matives;Tt1is Is•a site in which the center ;':-.:.--:·;_._--.-,,_ ·,:_::,_.).:· - :_:-:::_·:,·:- - ', -------.-- - .-·-:--·_:·:.;"· - ">· ·:--··,;,-- _-_-.. -:-
d���nofhold. GashGir/articulates a disruptive,anarchicjoy in the
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Darren Tofts: Wrestling With Proteus
. . "pleasures of the virtual flesh," a reveling in. abstract sexuality that is
. atoncewelcorninQ and threatening: ''Sutk IllY code, I:Jaby!n
\!,that kind of identity. is implied in a virtual ellyir'onment, the presence of networked communitations?Iden�ity, traditionally understood, isaligm!d �ith notions ofpre�ence, thahvhich we carry around with us as. corporeal beings. Virtual or t.ermi11al identity, as .it
'-',' ··-<:'._;'-" __ , --'· _:.-;>;,_ :,:_::,_:· ' : :·: ' :\':f: ::':•: ":··' -- , • - .�'(:;:_-. _-.'- ''' ' ,-
·:·._-<- _:· •' , -
'i� als0 d��dribed,. st.igge!its a profound afldradicaldise.rntJodiment,a . n�tional,rather :hanphysical presence, existing, somewhere, in the
f1on�s[Jace of the net. Think of a tele!Jhone conversation to clarify the . idea oftwo absent bodies comrf1uf1icating within a sharecj, c611sensual
.·· ·�res�nl:� th�t JJe�a� d�s�ri�e as ��r�ual: ��ilr��u mightb� · "there" and· I ··might · .be •"here"inaph�sic�(sef1�e)�llrill9 il fele[lhdllk/• •·
·•
conversation, •where are"�� .. ? \IV ,ihi� � �'kgn� (c�nversbiion;··thollgh, there is still. "the grain6fthe �6i�e;t1 ;i���i��ih� P� Yii���presence . ·of· tile· spea ker.··•on·.· til�·· �et, fhe:\f�i�e·i� r�J�e��nt�d i� ··the·. silent
• •in:�rj�tions .of t�xt ona screen, by;"�igns.on•il.wfli�� field:"If1 this
virtual.sense'ofide[ltitV,t��t i:�·st��� inf'r ���rp�;siZ�resence, a surrogate,re�;��e�flng 4�:raosentpres��ce .• In this ·s�nse, identity is decentered, separatedf�o� the physicJI pr�sence of th;e speaker. -'-<_.-_---:.�::_.._,_._, __ ,_-_ .. -:c ;_-:_-, _: __ -- :->·-�:_':-_:_- <->,·._·: ·-::-· - :: ----:- -_:.):.---- . :· .
'Bjt :ve� .:ore.••than··.this,.:virtual }dentitV tan • b�·.a��.J�i�f�nrig· · · experience. ·of'fr�g��htatioh.Thr fltJ� of'dfg l��linfdrri,atibri is.•never ," - -",-. .. ', ---:--:·'-.'-'- ---'_, -, ''/' ,_.'• - -- -.--, '
reliable. As Norbert Wiener, thefounderof�yb��netics,o�ce observed, "AUinfo�matiC>� has a tendenc}' to•·leak•in •transit.�· When
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Darren Tofts: Wrestling With Proteus - -
'
- . . ; -- -
identity is represented byth� de tour ofthe•sig�, qy Words on··a - - - - ·-- --- -_:--': , ___ ,.,_ -_-- -./ - --- .: - ---- - - - '--o ---- - -- ---- ... -- ---- :'>-- - ----
screen,. the. process of decellt�rillg is ongJingand unpr�dictable. "I - ' ' -- :- '
-_.- -
_._·: _ - ;
can't begin to. describe what thisdoes t:() rlly pody/'•declar�s a ' , , -- -.·--:··.-· . .-· , .· .---: .. - .,. __ , .-., , ._ ' ·_-.·'--:c
..• ·troubled 2rimiriologist ih JasonS�eeney's .. disturping · work· of'.forensic ,- - - - '
a�sthetic:s, The!·Last.to $£ie!Tnen}AJi!le.• Sliait�redimagd�of blood··· ::- :;';_
·:-.--/: ::;: : -- .. ::·.
::--- -- .': ' ':'- _ ':: -; � ·_;< --- ---._-<,
smear�d youths coqpled in �rotic. viol�nc�, reminiscent of Francis . Bacon's gritty homage�•to tJYIJridge, <tre r�fr�cted thro!Jgh various protocols • of· representati�rW���oci�t�d :wit�(�knne �e�ire and seducti�n�s�ch as
.text-based·chat.spaces <t�d·. '!pick--��"·jbints ). fn
seekirigto ·int�rpr$t t�e�f��lWat����ft�1e �c�he,· the narrator
confronts the reali�y 6��i���PlldiM�Ht,ihdfragrn.entatibn .of the body •• as
.it.•is .• distributed<t��di�J�f��d ���(}s�Het�ork� by
•· tethllblogie�·•of �ur�!ula�ce. s:e�ney .is i�te��sted fnthe .tele�visuai ·
•· .dimen.�ion.·.ofthE!�Eit,.which,�fo�pJs:d to :�·rds, ••• atleast •• offer�
•...• li��f1g��:�� i�ages .. of··people .•• IO••garti2tlar,'i��i��i�t�r�����\i�the
·rJ�zy!djt6�ri�g.visuality ofwebcc:a�. streamin�, ��i��fof�grounds . - : - : - ---:- _ :-::<;:: _.--- - - - -" - -- ._._: - ----- :: ; _ _. :" -- :-< :_
tllere�ucl:ionof what were one� whole �odi��Jn�� pix�ls, d!lJist-like shapes that nev�ffUily .• recbn:�itute :h:t they r:pr�sentin their tr�r\;�is�io�. ��ebody is,· ih.a fig�rative•sen�e�n}'w��,reduc�d to bit;. !3o,too, •... is··· any information .that· mi��t·b; •• ��ri�:� fr��·.·the -·>_- :<-.:C"'->._; ____ - - - :- - ' ' • - - · -------<"- ".' ---:.::-: --�-
.various textual'�[ld 'llsi,Jalrepresentations of.a sexual encounter gone aw� .. ;; :_<::
··_ ,' -- -_
�[<!�Mentation, as.an ind�x.ofplacejh.om.e arlcl id�f1��i�,i{also
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Darren Tofts: \Vrestling With Proteus
---,_ __ <-' ___ ,_-.:_;o_-:·::::' _ -'-- ·_ - ----__ -_::_:_:_.- : - ' :·.::_ :·:.- --_-- -:- ·:.-·- :' __ -: _ ___ -:---imagined in rice; a.lyric;al, ic;onographic meditijtion on a wl1ite
Australian woman;� experience of post-colonial Vietnam. This <-;_-;:--.·-:-- --- . __ - _: . -_ -_ -- - -
· �"lc:peri.;m2� i� not represented by a narrative ortravelogiJe, b1.1t Is .. .
��sturecl to in terms of fragmentary memorabilia, s1.1ch as gulll
wrapp�rs,.beercoasters, dice, a pressed flower. These ephemera ,' : <: :· .. -- , " -- -- - - . • . -- - - . . . .
t:l'"i69er �emories.of a journeY;·irito·.<l.·heartofdarknessi� neighboring . - ---:;-:':'_:>."- ·::' ----_._:·-- - ·--:>::--::_-- - - ·,.- -----· -- - -
A$ ian c()Jnt�}ecovering from the. ravages of war and iJ1cotporgted ·
· • into ia •. po�er·regime· ()f
. whic:h .Austr�li�h •• ��s � co�trl!J�tlngf()r�e .. lice ·
·· is sGg�estive of a kind ()freverse a�tipodali��'�ht�ata �ro�imate,
be:irg�dcoJ�try· is defined iil r�lati()n.to"�go�iTJ;nt �ustralia.··This· ·
is.suggested·ir1 £iJ� {�� t�: :or:'1authdr,.•JennYWeight,;has
��·��e�iciz:d · her name (geni.wate).)nl t���rting t� the !Jase, phonetic -, ·-.-__ _._ --- --
- -<,.:-::-:-.; _::-: -'-,.'.-<,-:<--::.---".C<-:-::·---- - .
dimension of language, geniwat� �sCh��� the arbitrary . symbolism of
0rit�eri English,. which abstracts the Ji�u�l"trdiTlthe phonetic,• from
·;�� fuildamental.•gcfb(speafd�� ; 'it'i� � �Q�:nt.ac�, an
,actof.refusai •.•
�� CQ�fo��. ���: als� .an a:t. �fid�ntificati��Witb r ��b�;ai�: te
.
culture, .a culture cleftrlecl �s other by a domi[lant English speaking
nation; -- - - .. , :,-.:·: /:>->-_-, -- - : - ----·>:-:-·::.";;_--::·'-_.,:_-.;::'-<;_..;:
·.�dentity�j� this s�ns�,is .. conti�gent •• Thati .�Fit.is �bnditfo�akup��
t�: co�plex.dynamics}()fraJ�; �t�lli�ity, �·e�derand. nation�ljty.
While suchfactors ahfgiyens, to the degree that we ''identify''
C>t;�s�lve�.iO.• relation· .. to . . a �ati;>n
;or � 2ultu�J, tlley are n.ot .. n�cessa tily :. -: ----.> _, _. - ', ', - -- - ----- --- _.-: ---- - --.-:_: - --._-_:" :
fixed. As ricJatt�sts, uH�xpec;��d··or .dramatic change c�n i;,ping�
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Darren Tofts: Wrestling With Proteus -,:·,,,-···, -/.'';; ' ' . ' upori who andwh�t we are, of what we might, or ITijghtnot, wantto
' ' :;_ "\,_: ----.' -- ,'---" :''" '-:: ' ' ' _, :-' ' ' ' beC:��e. \IIJHal: is �oiTiinant t:a n becpme other i .n an instant, and vice
; -,_-, :>,,::--'·:_' ·-:::_:-, ·: :; :-';- ' __ ,-, '. -:,'_;, ':: versa. pa�Vz�bina�on dramatizes this shifting dynaJ'llic in his.
transfiguring Rors.chach · 1Jiot,lfq$si/. .. �¢'spp�;iveit6 VIIh�t \lisitqrs . to
the·site ·see. in it,the F��sil's §ense ofit��lf, C>{itsid�ntity,is·.either
confirmed· or undermined �ythe iJpj�cti�ei�fl�ctio!ls ofvisitors . •' ' , , ' ', , , , , , ' ' , , ,, ' ' ' · --- --- - ' ' -
interacting .with it, In •t�is r�sb�c� i«2i£�v irltwhic� liossll interprets
• identity ih terms �fthe r�fleJti�ns ofothers (a<�ery antipodal
cone;eptJ,·· sUgge�ts ttJat i�eh�it�•jsAJi ia� ··���el12�ft���� ··rather ·.
--- '.' __ ,_, "- _: __ ':"' .. _., >,-.-,",--___ -:.:c -·<<:.:· ·;' '" _ _ :;, :-,--;.-,, , , >- - - --. -., , , , > , ·•· strA�thiU� tH�b;��61v�s'�ll .
respollse.totheperceptions ofothers.This
·�obi�G��f
:�� �#ifutib�a•�, .resp:nsive
. i�entity· ··is .resonant·with .. the " ', " ' ,,, - - ,- ' '"' ' '
t6���()fflui�J�� and ch�nge. However it is modified. by J:helae;k 9fits
own.wil.l··•io deterrnihin� cflaW�e. -ttie/F���i� '� �i��e iti���lfis��ught
Jp<i�·, ;
•�i��:���e�dba�kloop, .recognizing, .. in
.the i.nteractions :�f
/>rs¢� fle�yisitor,perCeptions of .itself .• that·haJe·be�rl ·.·�C>fe�:�ifor: • . . ·�riJ;���r���� it� .
· meJ'llo� •• Its .• identity is .nothing
·. more than
··�h�� ·
··· ···.
'>, · -:-;,:. -:':--::,_.:_,:-:· -: _,' : -, ., ' ' -:-' ' ,.:' ,, ', - ; _, " / -
Zebington calls.a. "reliquary ofrecorcted perceptions/'this id�a,. that '" ' '' ' ', :�'--:. ,_,_,::,_:.,' ,- ;,'--- ·,'_:::''- , :/'·-':\:_ ::: ::_:,<' - .. _ -:> < ':''- --_
.. w� ar� wl1at�tl1ers see•.in �s, recalls the notiOn 6t.antip0dalidentitY (:'' , ',)',: ·' ; <; - -'- , ' ' '-, ' ' ' : ;.:::-'-
' -: ' ':::, _ _
>-:-:;�{ ·>_:>;-:_','/_:_:.:::-discussed·earlier, .in whic;hthe
··�olonialselfnlir:r6fs th� �llit�ral
•
idehtity.·of a·.· remote. other. :n •• i�v��s� iPro¥��i\��� dbui�[6hknge
shape and identity with •. the force of hi� d�h �III,.}Z��iridtlrJ 's Fossil
o$sifies . intd .. a . cache·•ofret�i\1�� icl����kaJ�p�tc�ptions,. a stefile,.
collectiVeconscious���s·l�t�ic� f����o�s;.ci;{:J��arallce (ironically
th� • import··of .a �orschac;� ��£t) ale .• �linli����d�···
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Darren Tofts: Wrestling With Proteus
cC>qtr'ariWise (the proteani.mpqlse easilyai:comiTlodates opposites), ; :.··· ••• --��, •· · ... . :
'' : -.· ... ·· :. •. . .
. . ·•• •··. •·· .. �:.
•• , ..• •.· • ••• . • •• .. . · .·· .
-' - -. ·· . •• . . .· . . .
•• .
.. •• • · . ... · ' .. .
. ,·.·. · .. ... · .. · .·
. ·.·• the, idei:j �fdifference andJragmentationis celebrated as· enriched -.:::>
' _::'' . -":� - - - :-:- _'--
,' -
ptolifer�tion inthe transforrhative hypertextual writing ofjhe
ltJta}rklJ/bJed�ng Jextsj 'I{�C>Jid b��rlo�s�(liE!tq at.tribqte an '-· ""' .·. -:;-- · .. ::� ' ,-- ; ',' ·:, -�--. . -, ::)· · ":_-_o:· :,:,o'•<'"<-:·:<'-"" '<·:,' ; : author to this wor!<, as the concept of the auth.or, with its - ; ,' " ' <.
connotations of pri.9in.a�d P:reS'ehce, clon'tsif W¢11. with the : ':<--_ -- --- ---- : �--- '' :::·< __
_ ,_:_, _--
,<:.::-__ :-:::<_--·:. __ . ·:.::_,--:.>>:'!::·_<:_ � _,_- _:- _ ·---
� - -_ -_- .- _-: - >:_-::' " ', " -discontinuous poetics qf[vlez{a;k.a Mary�Anne Breeze, another shape-
. ¢b��dlr). �ez's'e-deograpbic�ritingliteralizesthe dispersive. nal:ure
ot.�h� net0o�k,el�ng�ii�d,a�d.cli������.ii���lan9uadl.Jnt&an···'··.·· ••··
unreadable,. u qrecognizable' .syntax. th:t ••. i.s, sur�risindl�,· �ich
. :f)�· fun -, ' ', - - -· - - - : -' �
of·�e:�ing ... ·n•i§ r�plete.\o\lith. puns, do'dbl�entE!qdres,!ndeterminate
meaningsand unexpected •. dislqcatior)s.>W�rdsafe brok�� upi�to
, sylla.�les,then ··broken. d�dn •. ev��··furt�eid &�����e�.�!i)��iitl��·: ,.· ..
·.· iJ��iit�e icl�k()r>1:nehy�eR��fJ�I Wi1:1\th$ <lBstraction of'c;qae, · ·,
signaled.;lnthe,· prolific. use· ofdia�riti�/�:r�/:&��·.·:s···Jr:��:ts,>,
.
.
apostrophes and underscores. The ungraspable, elusivequalityof
electronic \N�iting achieves its mo�t dramatic form iq the el{asperating - , , -· .
dysrhythmia of e.Motion.a/1, Weap(}n .. Loacter. In this frenetic work, ···�=·�r?���f:oqt�d···�����·c���J�si�i·�x�e�i�·���···�fah!int�rfacdth�t;··• - ' - - • ' ' , ·:-- - � - ::. --:
_:->-' ,-;_::._: ·<-. ,: '- -like !'roteus, literally. eludesany attempt to be pinnE!d down and
interacted with. We !lave becorne so accustornf'!d to. point and click. at
··•thih��. \Y��·r�if)t�rgcti�d �ifh. i��th¢�b��[qft��sbr$�n. Thi�···�ork.
kno:sthis ·and;J;�:�sfg;co-�perat�i�.;�riy�0�·�:···
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Darren Tofts: Wrestling With Proteus
�- - _- -- ':-_;--:-_'_'\''::_;(�: _____ --:>-:'-': ;
''The nature ofthe uni�er$e,'' �bser\ledt��£�<l century Roman orator Antbni�s.M�rcus, ·"delights notin anything so flluch a:tdalt�rall things, and present them under anotherf()rm." No doubt inspired by
epic tales of ocean travel and protean struggle; such a remark invokes a contingent, chaotic universe in which primal matter is volatile; a universe . that)s. yer/ f<jfllili ar tp our.c§ntempori'lry agepf ::<::,-_:-_.-f· ,;_ ', --- -: _ _. ;_: :::·;> -: ----.:>_.-:--:---_.--- ' - •'< ::-__ �-- - -:-i:::_:-:::- --·-::.-:'::':/::------·-_·.:::. - - - -<: :·--.:. _; - - --� -
complexity. Net life is a· constant coml11ingling of strange attraction, . t�.�.JgM.fJot�U·arti�t;•�gi�:;ollit�·G;6&i��\�o�silJ.iliti��.i��>t�ifl�ill� . a�a�t���Jh�p�ells.tdZ$when�� rre <lJu�e,a�h� ,i��kib, �n··�is. · .
.
. aptly·named 177en!scds, tses th�idea diJti'Ysibgn()lllyi- th� ��lief
. · ·tH:� it i{&ossibl�to ''read" a· person's identif� In th�ir f��ial······
c:ha racteristicS •'"' as � !ll���pfjdJfort���DlJ��Il .. coll)putef illt�rfclte. In ..
···�.b��%�1Jisfus·�·��•�e�i!1aiJ:;gehlcSiifon�i�s�tlri��s··th�··d�ctrine.of.· ·tecR�old�i���·�r�gress{�h�prdiTlisr.ofb�dily•tran�for�ati�n tnrough .·hioit�g�llic�. ���;bJ��Qd n Y�urs�lf)rn�nudf·c�arl�teristics, �u�·lities�r1ci.aftributes en�b���ithe U��rtd "*thieveir) o�IY.secobds · .. what would take nattwe generations." Intetactivity anp di�ital manipulation•are,
.forTorkin,;��rodic.an•�l;gt��·
·�f�rdc��s:�Ji
natural selection; the pi�el is to personal· image manipulation<wn�t prilllal matter is to. genetics. Tonidr1's archive ofmodifi�Clf�d!sand
·'bod(tek is••sometnlng <lra b:stiarJ,.aneta�e �ersiono;t�e cahinet .of ·'·-::-: ... --··_-':_' >_-.-- __ .-_.{:· _ _-_:,>·':':--::-<·_-.-:::'_ .,-: __ ;'.:- :·_ .. :_.- _c,:'< _ .:· _.:::,:-_- - --.:-<-- " --,
··duri()�iti��� the• fr�akis�owand .·the beayti�i�Jl's saloll.·, fhts·visioh of technology as aberration is the nightmare of being digital. Liquid ··identity,fartrpm b.eing a benefit or desirables>lltcorl1¢, is se�n a� a
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Darren Tofts: Wrestling With Proteus
form ofmonstrosity;
tilE! idea pHhe ·perverse, ffi!Jtational· outcomes of technoldgical
progress underpins the dys�opic, absurd worl(:l of Ian H<Jig's Web . �evd/utfon •
. >ItlHaJg's garish Seb-�orld. ofc�ack�ot cults·and
· · .·>--. --- ',
' ' ' _, - ; technologically. over-identified geeks, .humanity is devolving a tan
·· al�rflling rate, The key indicator ofthis,devolution seems to be an
�l'agg�rate� expl�it<Jtion ofthe web as a glqbal pi<Jtform fqr pershnal
evangelism.• In this W�6devblfttlo; i� �tirJ�<:� j��llt ��� ��J�!��d .----=-·:,:-:;•: <;<-/:-.--:<. < - ::·>. : _, -:: _-, _ _ .-.- -:--__ >:'. ,'
. th� p�opl.e who mak� tnE!Il).t6an ahyfl\i.h���s�/If•sgrh�lW§•�If.ifl� .
clic�es ·of hom�-spu� ��i��;���,ft�� i!�d�lling colqr.s�nse. <Jnd
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··Elvis is alre<Jdy OJ1 board.
http://cavil.com/under_score/frameset10/toftay.html (16 of 18) [10/19/2001 12:25:50 PM]
Darren Tofts: Wrestling With Proteus
To return) then, to whereweb�gan. The IOCq) and the rel"note pre the _- y- - -. _ " ';:--- <-- - '- . - -- ·:_. - -
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http:llcavil.comlunder_scorelframeset10/toflay.html (17 of 18) [1011912001 12:25:50 PM]
Darren Tofts: Wrestling With Proteus
1.2}, in David Bennet, ed.� Cultwal,s-tudie.>:j'loralisp>i!nd th(!ory . .Melbourne:· Melbourne Unlyersity Press;t9!)3; · p;l64.
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. ' . TheOdys,s-ey,trans. vvalt�r Shel'/ring. Oxfdrd: Oxford U .J1iyersity �re�s, l.!)Bp, iv,.457�<j.l;9;
htlp:/lcavil.com/under_scorelframeset10/toftay.html (18 of 18) (10/19/ 20 0112: 25: 50 PM]