In the context of the 25th anniversary of Ars Electronica, Gerfried Stocker tells us how interesting and useful the review of the history of Electronic Art is for people in relation to Art and digital media and multimedia, because it is giving them the opportunity to understand better where Media Art is today and where it has come from and for reviewing what has already been done. And in this development, he considers that one of the great changes in society and the great inspiration for artists subsequently has been the increase of control and surveillance from people’s fears about terrorism and external danger.

Gerfried Stocker’s artwork is in relation to installations, performances, interactive, robotics and telecommunications. He is currently director of the Ars Electronica Centre, and together with Christine Schöpf, artistic co-director of the Ars Electronica Festival.

Interviewed by Pau Alsina, professor of Humanities Studies at the UOC, at Ars Electronica 2004. Recorded by Pau Waelder (Artactiva).

Question: In this really interesting opportunity to revisit the history of Media Art, I was wondering about the time shifts, what do you think they stand for?
Answer (4‘12”)

Question: So maybe now is the time to recover the history of media art that seems to have been a bit forgotten.
Answer (1‘50”)

Question: As regards media art, do you think it is becoming established within the contemporary art field, which is the field where art normally becomes more visible for this network of museums and galleries throughout the world and its impact on society?
Answer (2‘32”)

Question: Are we at a crucial point where media Art is getting more into Art and critical society or are this technological achievements related to the industrial world?
Answer (2‘30”)

Question: Is this maybe the main reason for bringing the new category of digital communities to Ars Electronica this year?
Answer (1‘03”)

Question: In this revision of 25 years of Media Art works, you have the opportunity to reflect on both the past and the future of Ars Electronica. Could you tell us about the main areas you would like to improve or to keep on developing in Ars Electronica?
Answer (1‘51”)

Question: Are you already thinking about the next festival?
Answer (1‘45”)


Related links
Gerfried Stocker’s biography