On the Writings of Troemel đź–Ľ
Brad Troemel’s article regarding the concept of Relational Aesthetics and applying them to contemporary, virtual communities is an in-depth analysis of the nifty art practice in comparison to sensational social media sites such as 4chan. Troemel’s perspective on the fusion of art and technology is unique, as he takes on a more social approach by applying the idea of Relational Aesthetics, the art and study of human relations in specific social contexts to internet communities such as 4chan. The internet exists today as a portal to a virtual reality– an infinite platform created to make accomodate every and any type of user. The byproducts of the world wide web therefore hold the secrets and inner workings of contemporary culture due to its accessibility and availability. The internet however, although infinite in terms of pixels, bytes, and intangible space, is a dog-eat-dog world. Although it can accommodate all it’s users, a sense of survival of the fittest among its most prolific users. The constituents of the internet can be categorized into the users and the content. The users of the net are a unanimous, collective identity. Although no hierarchy blatantly exists, a cult-like operating system is created by veterans of the internet language, those who know the unspoken rules of the culture and push the limits. The internet uses a never before seen communication model and language, one with possible the most abstract “semiotics of communication” the public has ever seen, a decoding game of marco polo between faceless numbers. Why not take Relational Aesthetics and apply them online? 4chan, an anonymous platform and form of social media, represents the extent of freedom of expression online. Troemel uses various sources to accurately define Relational Aesthetics, “the art of appropriation” and progressively moving towards “sharing as the collective ideal.” Although Troemel uses 4chan as his primary evidence, all users of social media sites across the spectrum identify with simplified symbols and messages of culture, and then choose to participate in the sharing of them (in various forms) as a validation of the message. The internet is undeniably an important (if not the most crucial) component of contemporary society. Innovations in technology have manifested a tangible culture that transcends time, place, and people. The internet and everything on it will be there forever– it is a permanent part of the now and will always be in our future. Users online perceive a sense of identification with other users, with people like themselves. Everyone is (virtually but) physically in the same place, creating the illusion of a collective identity, sense of self, and the same type of person. Therefore, it is an environment where, Troemel argues, concepts such as Relational Aesthetics could and should thrive. As the separation between virtual reality and physical reality becomes fuzzier, it won’t be soon before long until virtual realities overtake our physical realities.
