A Relational (Re)Turn: Revisit Interactive Art through Interaction and Aesthetics

TL;DR

This paper reexamines interactive art by emphasizing its relational and intersubjective aspects, proposing a new conceptual framework called Techno Relational Aesthetics to broaden understanding and practice beyond traditional human-computer interaction.

Contribution

It introduces the Techno Relational Aesthetics framework, challenging reductionist views and expanding interactive art's scope through synthesis of aesthetic theories and case studies.

Findings

Relational interaction in art emphasizes intersubjectivity.

Techno Relational Aesthetics offers a new lens for understanding mediated relationality.

Broader relational practices can enhance interactive art experiences.

Abstract

This paper revisits the concept of interaction in interactive art, tracing its evolution from sociocultural origins to its narrowing within human-computer paradigms. It critiques this reduction and proposes a relational (re)turn through reclaiming interaction as intersubjective and relational. Through a synthesis of aesthetic theories and case studies from Ars Electronica, the paper introduces Techno Relational Aesthetics, a new conceptual lens that emphasizes technologically mediated relationality. This approach expands interactive art beyond audience-artwork interaction and opens the possibility to broader relational practices.