Curating Electronic LiteratureCurating Electronic Literature

Print & e-Lit both involve reading

But medium specificity is key to deep understanding

Curating Electronic Literature || Anthologizing Literary Works

Reading

Exhibits generally involve a live (synchronous) experience in a public space

Collection suggests “a print or online (asynchronous) experience that involves a personal viewing venue

e-Lit Print Lit

Visual+

Sound, Movement, Touch

Visual+

Touch, Smell

VirtualityParticipatory, Immersive,

Experiential

&

1. “In this age of ubiquitous computing where net-based electronic literature is available on the web and, so, anytime––and now with wireless technology, anywhere––how does a curator make exhibits mounted in brick and mortar exhibit space vital?” 2. “In light of rapidly changing technology where platforms and programs are rendered obsolete within mere years, what is the best way for a curator to present electronic literary works created for these systems?

5

Challenge of Availability

Electronic Literature Collection 1

“[C]reative curatorial strategies . . . create unexpected permutations to induce new readings . . . and capitalise on the dialogical interplay between intention and interpretation” (Dziekan 68).

Co-curated by Dene Grigar & John Barber; hosted at Washington State University Vancouver, Clark College, and North Bank Artists Gallery

For those of us working with electronic literature, computability––functions made manifest by characters expressed in written code and which drives the words, images, video, animation, sounds, etc., of the work is the point––is the common denominator connecting hypertext fiction with flash poetry, generative poetry with interactive fiction.

Challenge of Presentation

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e-Lit Exhibits, 2008-14

Three Approaches to Curating Electronic Literature

Revisionary

Develop an exhibit that compels one to rethink an issue or perspective.

Exploratory

Develop an exhibit that investigates some aspect of electronic literature and that answers an overarching question that you have regarding it.

Solutionary

Develop an exhibit that solves a problem that needs to be addressed.

The question driving the MLA 2014 Pathfinders exhibit was, “What techniques for preservation will be required for works of electronic literature involving newer forms of innovative technologies?”

The exhibit, Electronic Literature & Its Emerging Forms, aimed to show that e-lit is a natural outgrowth of experimentation with literary forms, not unlike the experimentation that took place with cut-up poetry and concrete poetry.

Early Authors of Electronic Literature was developed to display works by 18 different artists whose works were published by Eastgate Systems, Voyager and independent productions and so no able to be experienced.

Two Types of Curated Exhibits

Invited Juried

The curator selects the artists

and art to be exhibited

The curator selects or works with a selected

group of experts (3-5) who

evaluate and determine the

works to exhibitNo matter if the show is invited or juried, you should not

curate yourself if the exhibit is one promoted as one focused on multiple artists

& remember

Steps to Developing a Curated Exhibit of Electronic Literature

Getting Started1. Start with an idea. (See “Three Approaches to Developing a Curated Exhibit”)2. Determine the space you have to work with. Conduct a site visit of the site.3. Envision the audience your exhibit will reach in that space and beyond (e.g. online).4. Begin preliminary selection of works.5. Figure out the technical requirements for the preliminary selection of works. Move to Action6. Fine tune selections.7. Write artists to receive permission to show works.8. Begin creating the curatorial plan.9. Finalize selection of works based on permission from artists.10. Problem-solve technology needs (e.g. electrical outlets, internet connection).11. Complete curatorial plan. Promotions12. Begin work on your curatorial statement.13. Develop archival website for the exhibit.14. Produce social media sites for promotions.15. Plan the launch party or reception and other special events associated with the exhibit.16. Create and order announcement card and other print-based materials used for promotions.17. Finalize the addition of information to website and social media sites.18. Publish your curatorial statement.19. Promote the exhibit and associated events.