Binarisation Performances: Direct Intervention on the Digital Networks

Fig. 2. Bernard Demiaux, front page for the XLV Venice Biennale. the x axis, separation on the y axis and rotation existing between both simple textures . Each variable can be expressed numerically. The juxtaposition of two simple textures produces a complex texture of the first grade. The procedure can be recursively applied in order to describe or generate complex textures of second, third or higher grades. For example, a second-grade complex texture is the combination of a first-grade complex texture with a simple texture (involving a total ofthree simple textures), a thirdgrade complex texture is the combination of two first-grade complex textures or the combination of a second- grade complex texture with a simple texture (involving a total of four simple textures ), and so on. Some immediate consequences of this system are that textures can be thoroughly classified with sound criteria , and that it is conceivable to think in terms of the development of a system for ordering textures,just as color systems have been proposed for the organization of colors. This systematization would provide artists and designers with a basis for managing principles of harmony in the use of textures. References and Notes 1.J.L. Caivano, "Towards an Order System for Vi· sual Texture; forthcoming in Languages ofDesign. 2. J. L. Caivano, 'Visual Texture as a Semiotic System ; Semiotica 80 Nos. 3/4, 239-252 (1990). 3. This theory has been proposed by C. Jannello. An English account of it may be found in C.F. Cuerri, "Architectural Design and Space Semiotics in Argentina; The Semiotic Web 1987, T.A. Sebeok andJ. Uniker-Sebeok, cds. (Berlin: Mouton de Gruyter, 1988), pp. 389-419. BINARISATION PERFORMANCES: DIRECT INTERVENTION ON THE DIGITAL NETWORKS Bernard Demiaux, Centre de Binarisation, 4, Place de Seoul, 75014 Paris, France. Received 10 September 1993. Accepted for publication by Roger F. Malina. Theory Experiments in digital transmission generally use the entire range of information -transfer techniques available in our era-involving both alternating and interactive exchange-without, however, revealing the specifics of the process. In comparison, information transfer 124 Abstract (IT) artistic action involves networks as channels of digital information, maintaining existing procedures of communication while applying a strategy of digital amplification using two variables : time and memory. • The time variable defines the frequencies of sending images according to time periods of 2, 4, 8 and 16 units; it defines methods of display according to line-by-line increments . The passage of time is heightened during the period of transmission. • The memory variable sends the digital content (Oyl ) of the transmitted fragments: the a/I elements that represent the structure of the fragment are sent as such through the lines of the network, and the message is then presented in binary form. The memory of the message is thus heightened during this time. The type of network chosen may be local or long-distance; the layer of reception of the binary fragments functions in the background in the communication software. Practice Following are analyses of two typical binarisation performances: Cultural Signs, created for the XLVVenice Biennale [l], and Memory ofthe Twentieth Century, which was part of Documenta IX [2]. Cultural Signs The objective of this performance was to broadcast through the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) a multimedia IT journal on the theme of cultural signs. The following question was posed to correspondents connected to the network: "Define the meal, the cloth, the feast and the means of communication which, in your opinion, best express your culture." The network correspondents sent their messages by fax, mail or ISDN to the Binarisation Center in Paris. I converted the messages into binary code and transmitted them by ISDN line to Venice. The data were expressed in real time and integrated into the multimediajournal as they were binarised (see Fig. 2). Memory ofthe Twentieth Century The following question was posed to correspondents connected to the network : "Define the Man, the Woman, the Object and the Event which you feel best express the twentieth century in the human memory." The journal was relayed by radio waves throughout the zone of Kassel and the state of Hessen (Frankfurt). Hookups were assured by satellite transmission on the cable networks...