Reaction: Response As A Medium

Response acts as a medium to create a predictable and consistent relationship between humans and computers. Krueger suggests that this interaction is, in itself, a new medium of art, comprised of input data received through sensors, cameras, etc., rules designed by the artist which process this information, and an output reflecting these rules and the input. The many steps required to design and implement this relationship are what Krueger views as the medium, as artists in the field are forced to think about how people will engage with the piece. For Krueger, response as a medium is not focused on the output, or visual and auditory responses from the computer, he even argues that this might distract from the relationship between human and computer. He argues that it is rather this relationship which is the primary component of this medium.

The reason why this is a medium in itself is because of its ability to make viewers participating actors in pieces of art. Furthermore, the artist maintains some distance from the piece, providing the rules, systems and creative vision for its operation, but potentially “relinquishing total control” as the piece is experienced and used by people. This contrasts with previous mediums of art, as viewers become users, using their body to influence the piece, and artists are unable to assert their creative vision as strongly as they once did. 

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