document.write(“Executable
Poem”)
Roberta Brown
York University
M.A. Candidate
Communication and Culture
c/o Fine Arts Cultural Studies
4700 Keele Street
Toronto, ON
M3J 1P3
prometha@yorku.ca
In My Mother was a Computer,
Katheryn N. Hayles discussed the uniquely performative nature of code
in relation to speech or writing. She cites Alexander R.
Galloway’s discussion of code as an executable language. Taking
into consideration the increased presence of code as an art form in and
of itself, this paper will discuss the possibilities for an executable
literature in code. If we are to consider coding as a language
with artistic/literary potential then the must be a framework that
provides a valid and productive critique of it that takes into account
form, function and audience.
Of course it is not just a question of what the possibilities are, but
also who is the audience. If the code is art, then is the
computer the audience? The nature of the code is such that it is
designed for the computer to interpret and act upon. Most human
participants stand outside the relationship since they are either
locked out of the code because of copyright issues or perhaps they are
not able to understand the code. If code is primarily targeted
for the computer’s use, can the computer offer its own brand of
literary criticisms in the form of syntax checks and error
reports? Is it possible for the computer to provide a more in
depth critique that accesses the artistic nature of the code?
As part of the research I will attempt to create an executable poem,
with a focus on coding language rather then English, and evaluate the
production through the computers reactions as well as my own
(aesthetics vs. syntax check). This will be compared to other
artwork that has a code focus. The works will be examined to see
how artistic intent influences functionality in the code, as well as in
the end product. The final result will hopefully provide a
framework for an alternative executable literary criticism.
For the presentation I would require a projector to show some screen
shots and perhaps some examples of code discussed in the
paper.