Title: The dual roles of the spectator as active viewer and intended author in participatory database art

Authors: Wun-Ting Hsu; Wen-Shu Lai

Addresses: Institute of Applied Arts, National Chiao Tung University, 1001 University Rd., Hsinchu, 30010, Taiwan ' Institute of Applied Arts, National Chiao Tung University, 1001 University Rd., Hsinchu, 30010, Taiwan

Abstract: This paper addresses the role of the spectator in participatory works of database art. Research into the spectator's role focuses on two leading concepts: open work and participatory culture. We then identify characteristics of participatory database art in terms of authorship, empowerment, and autonomy. Collective authorship consists of an artist's intention to endow spectators with a certain level of authorship. The implications of the spectator's role in participatory database art are fully discussed and compared to the concept of the implied reader in reception theory. We conclude that the spectator is both an active viewer and an intended author.

Keywords: database art; open work; participatory culture; viewer participation; intended author; implied reader; first-and-collective authorship; empowerment; autonomy; spectator role; participatory art; collective authorship; reception theory.

DOI: 10.1504/IJART.2013.053574

International Journal of Arts and Technology, 2013 Vol.6 No.2, pp.196 - 212

Received: 12 May 2012
Accepted: 23 Sep 2012
Published online: 25 Jul 2014 *

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