Art
Jacquie Kuru
Key points
- Creating digital art is fun and transformative.
- Creating art with Artificial Intelligence can mean correcting AI’s biases.
- Art online cultivates relationships, including parasocial relationships between fans and artists online.
- Online creation and streaming of identities offers great flexibility in self-presentation.
- Collaborative projects online can reach extraordinary complexity.
In this chapter
- Section 1: Art with AI, and bias correction
- Section 2: Expanding what it means to make art
- Section 3: Vtubers: Me, Myself, and My New Design!
- Section 4: r/place: Art Through Community Collaboration
- Section 5: Unus Annus: Challenging the Permanence of Internet Content
- Section 6: FanArt, FanFic, and Fandoms: Respecting and Disrespecting The Source Material
- Section 7: It is All About Relationships
- Metas And MasterChef — The Social Media & Ourselves Podcast
- Core Concepts
- Core Questions
- How r/place – a massive and chaotic collaborative art project on Reddit – showcased the best and worst of online spaces
This is a new chapter created in 2023. Jacquie Kuru, a student and then media lab worker in iVoices since 2021, is coauthor along with original Humans R Social Media author Diana Daly. We begin with Diana’s voice and then Jacquie’s takes over, along with stories by other students. Enjoy.
The rest of this chapter is written by Jacquie.
Section 2: Expanding what it means to make art
By Jacquie Kuru
Art is a fluid concept, constantly shaped and redefined by new ideas, tools, and avenues for creative expression. Thanks to the internet, these elements have converged to create a unique platform where art flourishes in unexpected ways. From the ability to adopt different identities with VTubing to the collaborative canvas of r/place, the ephemeral journey of Unus Annus, and the thriving world of fanart and fan fiction, the internet has become a transformative space for artistic exploration.
VTubing has opened doors to a new realm of self-expression. In this digital landscape, individuals have the freedom to embody different character models, transcending their physical selves and embracing the limitless possibilities of virtual identities. People can fluidly change appearances while maintaining a consistent online persona, allowing for dynamic and diverse forms of creative expression.
Meanwhile, in the expansive canvas of r/place, millions of participants around the world came together to collaboratively create a shared artwork. This social experiment showcased the power of collective creativity and community collaboration, as individuals strategically placed pixels to form a sprawling collage of images and patterns. It demonstrated how the internet can foster a sense of unity and inspire collaborative endeavors that transcend geographical boundaries.
Unus Annus emerged as a time-limited project that challenged the notion of permanence in digital content. Within the span of a year, the creators explored the fleeting nature of existence and the impermanence of art itself. The project prompted contemplation on the passage of time and the preciousness of each moment, leaving a lasting impact on those who engaged with its content.
Finally, fanart and fan fiction have become integral components of online art communities. Fans form parasocial relationships with artists, content creators, and fictional characters, fostering a deep sense of connection and admiration. Through these emotional bonds, fans are inspired to create their own artistic interpretations, paying homage to the source material while adding their unique perspectives. Fanart and fan fiction celebrate and expand upon beloved narratives, preserving fandoms and fostering communities united by shared passion.
In this chapter, we will explore the dynamic interplay between art and the internet, delving into the transformative nature of VTubing, the collaborative spirit of projects like r/place, the ephemeral journey of Unus Annus, and the profound influence of fanart and fan fiction. Through these sections, we will witness how the internet has revolutionized the artistic landscape, providing new means of self-expression, community collaboration, and the preservation of creative endeavors.
Student Insights: Art is Dope! (video by Emily Gustafson, Spring 2021)
The relationship between art and the internet has evolved significantly in recent years, with social platforms providing new avenues for creative expression and community engagement. One notable example being r/place, a Reddit social experiment that harnessed the collective creativity and collaboration of its users. Launched on April 1, 2017, this subreddit brought together millions of participants from around the world to collectively create a shared digital canvas. The canvas consisted of a 1000×1000 grid of pixels, and each user could place a single colored pixel on the canvas every five minutes. The simplicity of this interaction allowed users to contribute to the artwork easily, resulting in a sprawling collage of various images and patterns. The canvas became a vibrant display of diverse artistic creations, ranging from pixel art representations of famous characters and logos to national flags and abstract designs. Reddit users worked together, coordinating efforts through subreddit communities, Discord servers, and other communication channels to bring their visions to life. This event was so successful it was brought back at a larger scale in 2022 with a 2000×2000 pixel grid and double the color choices (32 colors).
One fascinating aspect of r/place was the formation of alliances and the emergence of territorial battles on the canvas. As users invested time and effort into creating and maintaining their artwork, they sought to protect their creations from unwanted modifications or destruction. Alliances formed to establish designated areas and protect specific patterns or images. These collaborations ranged from informal agreements between individuals to elaborate coalitions between subreddits and online communities. Users defended their territory by placing pixels strategically, coordinating efforts to outmaneuver competing factions, and sometimes engaging in negotiations or diplomacy to avoid unnecessary conflicts. The formation of alliances not only showcased the competitive nature of human interactions but also highlighted the social dynamics that can arise in online spaces. Users forged connections, built trust, and developed intricate systems of governance to maintain order and protect their shared artistic endeavors.
After the 2017 event ended, academic researchers studied the evolution of the canvas. It was found that quantitative methods in visual artifact analysis can identify boundaries in the artwork and generally predict users’ “collaboration” (Rappaz et al., 2018). However, the reason collaboration is in quotes is because these quantitive methods could not discern between imagery created by collaboration verse conflict. Thus, Litherland & Mørch(2021) used qualitative and quantitive methods in their attempt to understand the evolution of the r/place canvas – focusing specifically on the development of the Mona Lisa painting. They studied two types of artifacts: visual and social which are defined as followed:
- Visual Artifact: physical objects found in a particular culture or context that have been created or shaped by humans, refers to images created during this event.
- Social Artifact: products of social beings and their social relationships, refers to the social interactions and relationships formed during the event.
According to their findings, the examination of social interaction within online communities can be seen as a dialectic process, influenced by artifacts that change at various levels of abstraction and time scales. The different levels serve two important purposes: preserving history by capturing the lower level’s history in a more lasting manner, and managing complexity by controlling the lower level’s growth rate. The connection between two levels of the same artifact is established through object transformation, where an object from a lower level may reappear on a higher level in a modified form. This concept of reconstruction, borrowed from the analysis of symbolic communication in face-to-face interactions (Mead, 1932, 1934), draws inspiration from biological processes (Litherland & Mørch, 2021). The free, complete pdf of Litherland’s and Mørch’s work is linked here: Collaborative Theory Paper.
As the canvas grew in popularity, users began to employ automated scripts, commonly known as “bots,” to assist with the placement of pixels. These bots automated the process of monitoring the canvas, identifying available spaces, and strategically placing pixels according to predefined patterns or instructions. Bots played a crucial role in optimizing efficiency and precision, as they could rapidly respond to changes on the canvas and work around the clock. By leveraging bot assistance, participants could achieve complex designs that would have been impractical or time-consuming to create manually. However, the use of bots also sparked debates about the balance between human creativity and automated intervention in the artistic process. Additionally, bots were controversial because a network of them could destroy entire communities’ works within seconds.
The total collection of all r/place canvas can be found here:
https://www.reddit.com/r/place/comments/u1gy8t/all_20172022_rplace_projects/
Section 5: Unus Annus: Challenging the Permanence of Internet Content
This Channel Does Not Exist – An Unus Annus Retrospective
OUT TOMORROW AT NOON PT
IT'S DONE, IT'S FINALLY DONE pic.twitter.com/prRdSF3KEY
— Mocha 💫 Team Zenith! (@MochaMage) January 28, 2023
Above: A retrospective YouTube documentary thumbnail image featuring The two founders of Unus Annus, Ethan Nestor (left) and Mark Fischbach (right).
Who remembers?
–#UnusAnnus pic.twitter.com/QhvLNKuUdf— Vash 🍄 (@PickleBearSimp) May 19, 2023
Above: The Unus Annus’ logo/symbol chosen to represent the passing of time.
The digital age has brought forth the notion that everything on the internet lasts forever. However, in a world where content is often preserved indefinitely, Unus Annus, a YouTube channel created by Markiplier (Mark Fischbach) and CrankGameplays (Ethan Nestor), emerged as a bold experiment to defy this notion. With its one-year lifespan, Unus Annus aimed to explore the fleeting nature of existence and the impermanence of digital content.
Unus Annus, Latin for “One Year,” was a collaborative YouTube project launched on November 15, 2019, and concluded exactly one year later. The channel’s purpose was to create and curate content that celebrated the passage of time, with the understanding that once the year elapsed, the entire channel would be permanently deleted. This experiment captivated audiences worldwide, accumulating millions of subscribers and fostering an active and dedicated fan base. The channel’s unique premise intrigued viewers, who eagerly followed the creators’ journey as they explored a wide range of topics, from bizarre experiments and challenges to thought-provoking discussions on mortality and the fleeting nature of life, albeit mostly done in a humorous manner.
The limited time frame added an element of urgency and exclusivity, intensifying the desire to experience and cherish the content while it lasted. Fans actively engaged with the channel, participating in live streams, submitting fan art, and sharing their interpretations of the channel’s messages. Unus Annus became more than just a YouTube channel; it became a shared experience and a community united by the impending end.
When the one-year mark arrived, Markiplier and CrankGameplays remained true to their initial intent. Without hesitation, they followed through on their promise and permanently deleted the entire Unus Annus channel, erasing all its videos, comments, and interactions. The act of deletion symbolized the acceptance of the ephemeral nature of digital content, emphasizing that even creations with substantial impact can be fleeting and transient. However, while the majority of fans respected the deletion, there are a few who downloaded and reloaded the videos from the channel in their entirety. Even those who did respect the deletion also in many ways kept the channel alive after its deletion with fanart and parody videos. These actions, the deletion, and even the sale of merchandise raises questions about the value and legacy of digital content.
Fandom Wiki-page of the Unus Annus: https://markiplier.fandom.com/wiki/Unus_Annus
Section 6: FanArt, FanFic, and Fandoms: Respecting and Disrespecting The Source Material
Online, fanart and fan fiction have emerged as powerful expressions of creativity. They not only contribute to the rich tapestry of art but also play a significant role in the preservation of fandoms (online communities surrounding a creative project or something similar) and other art projects. However, it is important to acknowledge that while fandoms can be vibrant and supportive, they can also be negative through blatant disrespect of the source material, such as the imagining or compelling non-canonical relationships, intentionally misinterpreting key messages, and fostering toxicity towards the original creators.
Mob Psycho 100 pic.twitter.com/G5fNa8GuQu
— ✖️ par0llel ✖️ (@par0llel) November 7, 2021
What is Fan Art? Fan Art (fanart) refers to artistic creations produced by fans, often inspired by existing works of literature, films, television shows, video games, or other forms of media. The internet has become a vast gallery for fanart, enabling artists to showcase their talent and pay tribute to the source material that inspires them. Fanart allows fans to reinterpret characters, settings, and narratives, offering fresh perspectives and expanding the visual representation of beloved stories. Through fanart, online communities thrive by sharing, appreciating, and engaging with artists’ creations. Fanart provides a sense of connection and camaraderie, fostering conversations and collaborations among fans. It amplifies the impact of the original work, extending its reach and leaving a lasting impression on both creators and audiences.
Fan Fiction or fanfic, on the other hand, involves writing stories that feature characters or settings from existing works of fiction. It allows fans to explore alternative narratives, expand upon existing storylines, or delve into unexplored aspects of the source material. Fan fiction serves as a platform for fans to engage in imaginative storytelling, experiment with different genres, and explore character dynamics beyond what is presented in the original work. Similar to fanart, fan fiction thrives within online communities, fostering collaboration, feedback, and discussions among readers and writers. It provides an outlet for creative expression, allowing fans to contribute their unique voices and interpretations to the larger tapestry of the fandom. Fan fiction helps preserve and expand upon the world of the source material, keeping fandoms alive long after the original content has ended. Additionally, many creative writers establish their own audiences through fan fiction before writing and promoting their own original concepts.
A list of well-known authors who started as fanfic writers:
https://lplks.org/blogs/post/21-published-authors-who-write-fanfiction/
While both fanart and fan fictions can help preserve and expand online fandoms, they can pervert the source material in the process causing more harm than good. On one hand, fandoms create a sense of belonging and support, providing spaces for fans to engage in meaningful discussions, celebrate their favorite works, and showcase their creative talents. Fandoms often organize events, conventions, and online initiatives that further contribute to the growth and appreciation of the art they cherish. The other hand, fandoms can exhibit behaviors that disrespect the source material and its creators. The imagining or compelling of non-canonical relationships, commonly referred to as “shipping,” can sometimes overshadow the original intent and narrative of the work. This can lead to toxicity within fandoms, as fans argue passionately in favor of their preferred pairings and engage in heated debates, sometimes directing negativity towards the creators themselves. Additionally, some of these characters being shipped can be real people who are either actors in the project or online personalities such as Youtubers and Twitch streamers. Fans of these real world based-fandoms, can harass these creators or original participants of the source material with unsolicited sexualized fanart and fanfiction.
It is crucial for fandoms to strike a balance between expressing their creativity and respecting the original creators’ vision. While fanart and fan fiction provide avenues for reinterpretation and exploration, it is important to maintain an understanding of the source material’s boundaries and to engage in respectful dialogue with both fellow fans and the creators themselves. Constructive engagement ensures that fandoms continue to contribute positively to the art and foster an inclusive and supportive environment.
Student Insights: Forays in Fan Fiction (video by Lizzie Agnew, Spring 2021)
Respond to this case study: The video creator talks about using an online platform to connect with others. How is using an app for creating fan fiction different than simply using a common social media network? What affordances does the fan fiction app offer that might strengthen social connections?
Section 7: It is All About Relationships
In writing this section, I (Jacquie Kuru) realized there was an underlining theme to all of these new expressions of art – relationships. Whether it is an ever changing relationship with the self, as expressed through vtubing, or the collaborative and combative dynamics of r/place, the relationships formed in these realms shape and define the art created within them. Even in the fleeting existence of Unus Annus and the parasocial connections nurtured by fanart and fan fiction, relationships underpin the very essence of these online art projects.
VTubing offers a unique relationship with the self, allowing individuals to explore and express different facets of their identity through diverse character models. The fluidity of appearance fosters a dynamic connection with creativity, empowering artists to embrace new forms of expression and engage with their audiences in innovative ways.
In the collaborative canvas of r/place, relationships emerged as users joined forces, formed alliances, and protected their creations, showcasing the power of collective effort and the strength of communal bonds. Simultaneously, the combative nature of territorial battles demonstrated the complexities of human interactions, highlighting both the collaborative spirit and the occasional conflicts that arise within online communities.
Unus Annus challenged our relationship with the concept of time and permanence, urging viewers to contemplate the impermanence of existence itself. The ephemeral nature of the project emphasized the fleeting nature of art, leaving a lasting impact on those who participated and observed. Through the collective experience of Unus Annus, relationships with the idea of impermanence and the preciousness of time were fostered, urging reflection on the transitory nature of our own lives and the art we create.
Within the realm of fanart and fan fiction, parasocial relationships emerged as fans formed deep connections with artists, content creators, and fictional characters. These one-sided emotional bonds inspired fans to express their love and appreciation through creative mediums, shaping a vibrant community of artists and enthusiasts. The interconnectedness of these relationships nurtured a cycle of inspiration and artistic production, fueling the growth and evolution of fandoms and online art communities.
In conclusion, relationships lie at the heart of online art. Whether they manifest as relationships with the self, collaboration and conflict among communities, connections with profound ideas, or parasocial bonds, these relationships shape and drive the creative expressions that flourish within digital spaces. They inspire artists, foster collaboration, and provide a sense of belonging and identity within online communities. Through these relationships, the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of online art continues to thrive, weaving together a tapestry that celebrates the diverse range of human experiences and creative expressions.
Metas And MasterChef — The Social Media & Ourselves Podcast
Metas And MasterChef
Release Date: February 1st 2022
In this episode, Gabe Stultz gives us an introduction to the world of Twitch. A site that dominates the live streaming world, the platform itself becomes subject to changing “metas,” or trends in popular programming dictated by popular creators. With boundaries being pushed to create the hottest new trend, we run into the latest meta: the “react” meta, in which streamers are baiting DMCA strikes. Will they bring the wrath of copyright holders down upon all of Twitch, or is there no reason to panic? SMO theme composed by Gabe Stultz. Music in this episode by PR1SM. Produced by Gabe Stultz with a deep thanks to Dr. Daly for this episode’s interview.
LISTEN (uncensored) • LISTEN WITH TRANSCRIPT (censored)
Respond to this podcast episode…How did the podcast episode “Metas And MasterChef” use interviews, student voices, or sounds to demonstrate a current or past social trend phenomenon? If you were making a sequel to this episode, what voices or sounds would you include to help listeners understand more about this trend, and why?
Core Concepts and Questions
Core Concepts
Artificial Intelligence or AI
the development of computing systems to perform intelligent tasks
creative work made by a fan of a particular piece of media such as a TV series, video game, etc. featuring characters from said piece of media. These creative works are the backbones of online communities called fandoms
the collective name for the fan community of a particular piece of media
Natural Language Processing or NLP
the science of how computers can understand what is asked of them through language
an individual who has adopted a virtual avatar to represent them online, usually as online entertainers on platforms such as YouTube
Core Questions
A. Questions for qualitative thought:
1. In your experience, how has the internet specifically impacted the way artists create and share their work? Beyond the examples you mentioned, can you elaborate on other ways in which VTubing allows individuals to explore and express themselves creatively?
2. How do the collaborative and combative aspects of online art projects, like r/place, influence the final outcome and the overall experience for participants?
3. In your opinion, how can fan art and fan fiction contribute positively to the source material and the communities surrounding it?
4. Looking towards the future, what are your thoughts on the potential evolution of online art forms and the role that technology will play in shaping them?
B. Review: Which is the best answer?
C. Game on!
About Jacquie, the author of this chapter
Bombastic! Enthusiastic! (And possibly a caffeine addict…) Jacquie is a girl with a bubbly personality, wanting to learn all and do all if possible. She loves all things creative and has had experience with almost all forms of digital medium. She is a certified radio operator, a past news anchor, a self-made artist, and so much more!
Media Attributions
- JacquieKuru_RawProfile
- JacquieKuru_GProfile
- Jacquie_AINoPrompt
- JacquieAI_GProfile
- s21_051_p1gpp © Emilee Gustafson is licensed under a CC BY (Attribution) license
- Jacquie’s Vtuber © Jacquie Kuru is licensed under a All Rights Reserved license
- Jacquie’s Real Appearance is licensed under a All Rights Reserved license
- Amber FanArt
- s21_084_p2gpp © Lizzie Agnew is licensed under a CC BY (Attribution) license
- jacquie-kuru-hdr
- s21_114_p2gpp © Jacqueline Kuru is licensed under a CC BY (Attribution) license
The development of computing systems to perform intelligent tasks
The science of how computers can understand what is asked of them through language
An individual who has adopted a virtual avatar to represent them online, usually as online entertainers on platforms such as YouTube
Fake accounts run by automation.
Creative work made by a fan of a particular piece of media such as a TV series, video game, etc. featuring characters from said piece of media. These creative works are the backbones of online communities called fandoms.
The collective name for the fan community of a particular piece of media
The imagining or compelling by fandom audiences of a romantic relationship between two characters