Classification of Relational Systems: The Role of the Agent in Electronic-Digital Art
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.20868/ardin.2026.15.5665Abstract
Currently, the concept of interactivity in the field of contemporary art, and more specifically in electronic-digital art, is subject to two distinct approaches to classification. On the one hand, there is a narrow definition that allows for exhaustive classification into categories ranging from lowest to highest degree in the communication system offered by the work of art. On the other hand, there is a more generic definition that encompasses any system that reacts to the concept of interactivity. The main objective of this article is to question this widespread and ambiguous use in the artistic and academic fields, pointing out the possible implications of misclassifying a work as interactive. To this end, we review the existing literature with a total of fourteen authors who catalogue these communication systems from different disciplinary fields such as communication, philosophy, art, design, etc. In addition to providing a cataloguing proposal for electronic-digital works based on the role of the Agent, we identify the lack of study into the awareness and/or attitude of the person, environment or object that activates these works. In other words, the mode of participation. Ultimately, this research seeks to establish a precise and utilitarian meaning of the concept of interactivity through transdisciplinarity, avoiding superficial standardisation from a critical perspective. It provides rigorous terminology for use in academic and professional fields, for artists, researchers, institutions and curators.
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