Si conclude oggi la mia collaborazione con WIRED.it.
Cominciata ufficialmente il 4 ottobre 2010 con la recensione di The Social Network di David Fincher, termina il 24 marzo 2013 con la sfuriata di Bruce Sterling a SXSW.
Ringrazio tutti i lettori per gli appassionanti scambi epistolari di questi anni.
Gli archivi di "Mr. Bit" sono disponibili qui.
Un saluto dall'eBay Area,
Matteo Bittanti
Titolo: Videogaymes. Omosessualità nei videogiochi tra rappresentazione e simulazione (1975–2009)
Autore: Luca de Santis
Editore: Edizioni Unicopli
Collana: Ludologica. Game Theory.
Numero: 20
Anno di pubblicazione: 16 Gennaio 2013
Pagine: 250
Prezzo: 15 Euro
ISBN-10: 8840016333
ISBN-13: 978-8840016337
Descrizione
Videogaymes esamina le rappresentazioni della cultura omosessuale, bisessuale e transessuale nei videogiochi. L'autore spiega come la presenza (o assenza) di elementiqueer in un medium apparentemente disimpegnato come il videogame abbia seguito, e talvolta anticipato, profonde trasformazioni sociali. Secondo De Santis, lo schermo del computer rappresenta uno specchio riflettente e deformante della società contemporanea. Tra picchiaduro, avventure e sparatutto, Videogaymes invita il lettore a guardare in modo nuovo il divertimento elettronico, senza pregiudizi e ipocrisie. Nelle pagine di Videogaymes, il gioco di ruolo si trasforma nel gioco dei ruoli e delle identità sessuali. La prefazione è di Matteo Bittanti.
L'autore
Luca de Santis è autore e sceneggiatore. Ha scritto per il teatro, è stato autore di programmi radiofonici e televisivi per MTV, Comedy Central, Endemol, Dahlia TV e alcuni network statunitensi. Ha pubblicato per Comix, Azimut e Kappa Edizioni. La sua graphic novel In Italia sono tutti maschi (Kappa Edizioni, 2008) è stata tradotta in tutta Europa, vincendo diversi premi. Editor e studioso di morfologia della narrazione, struttura della sceneggiatura e sviluppo del personaggio, De Santis unisce il suo lavoro con la passione per i videogiochi, fondando la prima comunità italiana di videogiocatori lgbt Geekqueer.com.
Eventi & Presentazioni
VIDEOGAYMES. Presentazione & discussione presso l'Archivio Videoludico. Cineteca di Bologna, 12 febbraio 2013, 7 PM. LINK.
GAME PRIDE @ Vigamus, Roma, 23 Febbraio 2013, 3 PM LINK
Rassegna stampa
"Il videogioco sdogana l'omosessualità" (L'Espresso, 15 gennaio 2013)
"Il Pixel Velato" (WIRED, gennaio 2013)
Last but not least, here is the abridged syllabus for GameScenes: Art in the Age of Videogames, my new course at California College of the Arts.
GameScenes: Art in the Age of Videogames
VISST-300-09
Visual Studies Program
California College of the Arts
Spring Semester 2013
Instructor: Matteo Bittanti
Meeting Place & Time: San Francisco Campus, Graduate Building, GC1
Mondays 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Start Date: January 28, 2013
End Date: May 06, 2013
Office hours: I am available to students for consultations by appointment
Table of contents
1. Course Description
1.1 Course Format and Requirements
1.2 Learning Outcomes
2. Bibliography
3. Assignments Overview
3.1 Final Project4. Class Discussions & “Ten Minute Lectures”
5. Measurement of Student Performance
6 Classroom Conduct & Attendance Guidelines
6.1 Policy on Academic Honesty
7. Schedule
7.1 Important dates
1. Course Description
GameScenes. Art in the Age of Videogames investigates the relationship between art and videogames. It examines a variety of artistic interventions inspired by video games or explicitly employing game-based digital technology, including the use of patched or modified video games or the repurposing of existing games and/or game mechanics. GameScenes also examines the influence of gaming - both digital and traditional on painting, sculpture, street and graffiti art, performance, visual culture, and sampling/remix culture. During the course of the semester we will critique art games, machinima, in-game interventions, and performances, site-specific installations, site-relative mods, but also board games, simulations, and toys. Course topics include sexual and political representation, ideology and politics in game-based artworks, Game Art criticism and the interplay between games, Modern Art and Contemporary Art.
1.1 Class Format & Requirements
Classes will consist of lectures, screenings of videos and documentaries, in-class exercises and discussions, online contributions, and student presentations. Students are required to read and discuss different texts, give formal presentations, submit a detailed proposal, write and present in class a critical paper.
Attendance is mandatory. Students are required to attend the full length of all classes. Students are expected to come to class with the reading/viewing done and demonstrate ability to participate appropriately - that is, using the pertinent critical terminology - in a seminar-style intellectual community. All papers, assignments, presentations, and final projects must be completed on time and in full. No exceptions. Try to think of class meetings as a resource session in which you can get your questions answered and at the same time, learn what concerns are driving your colleagues.
Please note that GameScenes carries a significant workload. If you plan to attend this course be prepared to devote several hours per week.
1.2 Learning Outcomes
1. Students will develop a general understanding of videogame-based art:
a. Understand the history, vocabulary, taxonomies, and methods of Game Art;
b. Understand how Game Art addresses issues such as the representation of identity and difference;
c. Recognize the interdisciplinary nature of Game Art and the larger cultural, theoretical/ideological and historical context in which the visual artifacts under consideration are created and received.
2. Students will develop skills for analyzing game-based and game-inspired artworks from a visual and critical perspective:
a. Ethics: Recognize how game-based artistic interventions comment upon such themes as war, sex, religion, ideology etc.
b. Critical Analysis: Use principles of art criticism to analyze game-based and game-inspired artworks:
c. Cultural Diversity: Develop an understanding of cultural diversity in relation to the representation of sex, class, gender and power in Game Art.
3. Students will develop projects and class presentations using ideas and concepts discussed throughout the semester:
a. Research: Engage in research and organize content in a clear, concise, and cogent manner;
b. Visual Literacy: Demonstrate the ability to analyze and compare artworks using principles of art criticism and visual studies;
c. Written, Oral, Visual Communication: Present projects in a professional manner as a final paper and an oral presentation with visual images.
2. Bibliography
2.1 Required books:
The essay must be critical in nature, that is, analytical and interpretative and not merely descriptive. In order to successfully complete this task, student will be required to deploy research and close visual analysis in the development of a thesis that reflects independent thought about Game Art in a ten page paper utilizing the conventions of scholarly writing, literate English and no less than six legitimate sources.
Possible topics include (but are not limited to):
- A critical assessment of a series of works by a single artist discussed throughout the semester;
- An in-depth critical examination of a single game-based or game-inspired artwork.
- A comparative analysis of several game-based or game-inspired artworks focusing on a specific subject (e.g. war, religion, sex, space, time, identity, death, etc.) or share the same medium (e.g. video, game mod, painting, photography, installation, sculpture etc.);
- A critical examination of Game Art genres, their genesis and evolution.
- An investigation on the different approaches, styles, rhetoric, strengths, and weaknesses of Game Art criticism.
- A comparative analysis between videogame-based art practices and other forms of technologically-driven form of art (e.g. digital art, net art etc.)
Examples for each category will be provided on the blog.
For the Final Project, students are expected to use the essays discussed in class as a starting point for a poignant investigation, but they are also expected to gather, evaluate, and integrate additional information. Students are also encouraged to include images in the final paper, but only to make a point, not for mere decorative purposes. Images must be referenced and discussed in the text. Additionally, all images must be properly accompanied with credits and captions.
Technical requirements: The Final Paper is a document of 3500-4000 words, excluding footnotes and bibliography. It must be formatted in Chicago Style and use the following parameters: Arial Font, Size 12, Spacing 1.5. For the electronic version, the paper must be saved as a .RTF or .DOC format. Other formats, e.g. .PDF, are not acceptable.
Submission methods: The final paper must be submitted in two ways: 1) as a printed document - yes, on good old fashioned paper! - handed brevi manu to the instructor on the last day of class and as 2) an electronic file, sent to the instructor via email no later than 4 pm on May 6, 2013. Late papers will not be accepted. Failure to submit the paper on time in both printed and electronic format will result in a “F” grade.
The final paper requires a Proposal and a literature review.
3.2 Final Project Proposal (April 1 2013)
Students must submit a 1500 word page proposal that provides a detailed description of the final project and outlines plans for research as well as relevant questions and concerns. Like any solid proposal (for a grant or exhibition), this proposal should be persuasive and demonstrate why this project is creative, compelling and worth pursuing. The four essential elements of the proposal are:
1. A title, subtitle, and description of your object of study, its significance, and the key issues or questions you want to address in your research. Do you have a novel approach or hypothesis? If so, describe it.
2. A concise, tightly-focused review of the scholarly literature on your topic. What are the most significant scholarly contributions in your area of investigation? You must explain how your work will relate to the works you cite.
3. A brief discussion of research methods. What kind of research methods will you use to answer the questions you have posed or to test your hypothesis? Why are those the methods best suited for this case? What will they allow you to discover? Do you need any special resources to complete your research?
4. A timetable. What are the key parts of your project (research, writing, etc.) and by when will you have them completed? What are the milestones?
Technical requirements: The Final Project Proposal is a 1500 word document excluding footnotes and bibliography. It must be formatted in Chicago Style and use the following parameters: Arial Font, Size 12, Spacing 1.5. For the electronic version, the paper must be saved as a .RTF or .DOC format. Other formats, e.g. .PDF, are not acceptable.
Submission methods: The final paper must be submitted in two ways: 1) as a printed document - yes, on good old fashioned paper! - handed brevi manu to the instructor on on April 1, 2013; and as 2) an electronic file, sent to the instructor via email no later than 4 pm on April 1, 2013.
A graded/reviewed version of the document will be returned to the student within a week.
Tip: It is essential to discuss your ideas with the instructor before developing and submitting full proposal. It is also a very good idea to look ahead in the syllabus and get started early.
On April 22 2013, we will have an in-class discussion, workshop and individual meeting related to your final project. Bring your essay drafts and work-in-progress material for review.
3.3 Final Project Presentations (April 29 and May 6, 2013)
During the last two weeks of the semester (April 29 and May 6, 2013) students will give a 20 minute* formal/professional presentations of their final projects. These presentations must include visual material and should make full use of presentation tools such as Keynote, Powerpoint, SlideRocket, Prezi or other available digital tools. The presentations will be followed by questions and class discussion. Students are required to make appropriate arrangements for showing visual material in advance. Students are expected to use their own computer equipment for the presentation: the instructor will not provide a laptop. All students are required to attend both presentation days. Presentation resources, including tools and tutorials, are available on the course blog.
No make-up presentations.
* Exact duration of presentation TBD - based on overall number of enrolled students.
3.4 Evaluation Criteria
Written assignments will be evaluated on the basis of the Visual Studies Assessment Grid (available here: Download Visual Studies Assessment Grid) which includes the following criteria: thorough research; clear, logical, and original arguments; critical and creative analysis of visual material supported by visual examples; serious effort, preparation, and engagement in the subject matter.
Visual presentations will be evaluated on the basis of the students ability to look critically and express their ideas in oral and visual form. The assessment guide is available here: Download Visual Presentation Rubric
Each area of assessment corresponds to the following numeric evaluation:
1 insufficient
2 developing skills
3 proficient skills
4 exceptional skills
4. Class discussions & “Ten Minute Lectures”
One of the primary goals of this class is to help the students develop a critical eye. This class presents elements of both seminar and lecture courses. As such, students will be asked to provide relevant input, during discussions and in-class critiques. Moreover, each week, two students will be asked to lead, present, and moderate a class conversation. To do it effectively, students will need to be able to summarize the key ideas of the assigned reading and suggest how they relate to our ongoing dialogue. Students will also need propose questions for subsequent discussions. Students are strongly encouraged to prepare a formal presentation using the most appropriate medium at their disposal for the task (Prezi, Sliderocket, Concept Maps, video, slideshows etc).
5. Measurement of Student Performance
The final grade for the course will be determined by evaluation in the following are:5. Classroom Conduct & Attendance Guidelines
1) Promptness is a basic requirement. Persistent lateness lowers your class participation grade considerably. Three unjustified late arrivals (>10 minutes) will be counted as one absence.
2) The use of all electronic devices, gadgets, and gizmos - including smart phones - during class is not permitted. Note-taking on a laptop is not allowed. Please wait for the break to make phone calls, texting or to use the internet. Computers may only be used for students' presentations. In class texting will automatically result in a lower grade.
3) Sleeping, chatting in the back of the room, reading external materials, working on external projects during the class session - any of these can result in immediate ejection from the class.
4) If more than one class is missed due to illness, students must submit written verification from a physician and notify professor via e-mail or in writing immediately. Written medical documents must be submitted within two weeks of an absence. CCA has a college-wide attendance policy that3 unexcused absences can be cause for failing the course. In addition, 3 "lates" equal to an absence.
5) Students are not allowed to eat during class.
6) There are no make-up presentations and assignments.
7) Students who miss a class must collect the material discussed in class. In most cases, such material will be available on the class blog. At any rate, always make sure to contact the instructor via email about the availability of such materials.
Thank you for your cooperation!
6.1 Policy on Academic Honesty
Academic Integrity Code & Plagiarism: CCA has an Academic Integrity Code stated in our Student Handbook and plagiarism is clearly prohibited. Consequences for plagiarism can range from re-doing the assignment from scratch, to failing the course and dismissal from the college. Please read the following excerpt very carefully:
“The reputation of a university and the value of its degrees rest upon the study and research carried on at that institution. The policy for maintaining academic honesty is:
A. Each student is responsible for performing academic tasks in such a way that honesty is not in question.
B. Unless an exception is specifically defined by an instructor, students are expected to maintain the following standards of integrity:
1. All tests, term papers, oral and written assignments are to be the work of the student presenting the material for course credit.
2. Any paraphrase, quotation, or summary (that is, any use of words, ideas, or findings of other persons, writers, or researchers) requires explicit citation of the source.
3. Deliberately supplying material to another student for purposes of plagiarism (to take and pass off as one's own ideas, writings, or work of another) is dishonest.
C. Each instructor is responsible for a learning environment supportive of academic honesty.
1. If a faculty member has reason to suspect academic dishonesty in or out of class, the faculty member should require additional and/or revised work that is unquestionably the work of the student.
2. A faculty member who has proof that academic honesty has been violated should take appropriate disciplinary action, which may include refusal of course credit.
3. A faculty member shall bring to the attention of the Vice President, Academic Affairs, all violations of academic honesty. The Vice President may place on probation, suspend, or expel any student who violates the policy on academic honesty.” (CCA Academic Integrity Code)
7. Schedule
This schedule is tentative and may change as needed.
Links, audiovisual material, and additional texts will be added on the blog on a weekly basis.
Week 1. Monday, January 28, 2013
Recommended Reading:
"Si svolge a Toronto, Canada dal 21 al 24 febbraio 2013 la più importante manifestazione dedicata alla Game Art dell'anno: VECTOR Game + Art Convergence è una tre giorni di manifestazioni, show, proiezioni, sessioni di chiptunes, performance live e conversazioni sullo stato dell'arte videoludica. Partecipano all'evento oltre settanta tra artisti provenienti da ogni parte del mondo, tra cui Bill Viola, Eddo Stern, foci + loci, Kenton Sheely (le cui opere sono state presentate a Milano lo scorso ottobre durante PLAYING THE GAME), Jon Rafman, Josh Bricker, Jim Munroe (co-autore di Unmanned di Molleindustria e regista del brillante mockumentary GHOSTS WITH SHIT JOBS), Coll.eo, Myfawny Ashmore e molti altri. L'evento prevede inoltre una sezione ad hoc dedicata al machinima, una delle forme espressive dell'era digitale più stimolanti sul piano estetico e concettuale.
Vector propone inoltre numerose tavole rotonde sulle implicazioni sociali, culturali ed artistiche del videogame, senza le tipiche manfrinate che di solito affliggono questo genere di eventi e senza scadere al livello "marchetta" tipico degli eventi "artistici" sponsorizzati & promossi dall'industria videoludica. Gli speakers includono accademici, critici e curatori preparati e il programma propone contenuti terribilmente interessanti: i temi spaziano dal femminismo in World of Warcraft all'estetica glitch, e poi appropriazioni, mods, art game e molto altro. Assolutamente imperdibile. (Matteo Bittanti, WIRED)
Coll.eo's work is featured in the Vector Exhibition: net.works. @ Propeller.
"net.works is an exhibition which acts as a survey of the range of different creative practices that fall under game art’s rubric. Works of net.art, interactive video works, single channel video installation, print works, textiles, interactive game-poems, and more will be part of the net.works exhibition.
More than simply illustrating examples of the trans-medial potential of game art, the pieces in net.works contain critical perspectives on digital photography, gender, game code, death, digital space, architecture, gentrification, marketing, and more.
Artists: Kenton Sheely, notendo,anna anthropy,Christian Strienz
Aaron Oldenbury, Jose Acosta,Jason Nelson,Myfanwy Ashmore, Gavin Bailey, Tom Corby & Jonathan Mackenzie,Hannah Epstein,Alex Myers, coll.eo." (Vector)
