Immerse: Over the past decades, I have explored different approaches for repurposing outdated technologies, including video game consoles from the 1970s; TVs and slide projectors from the 1980s; CD players, computer supplies, and VR equipment from the 1990s; and so forth. One example of a now-obsolete device that has been part of my artistic practice since the mid-1980s is the Atari 2600. Such devices also hold promise for the makers of nonfiction narratives and experiences who read Immerse.
2 comments:
First of all, the installations that this man has created are incredible. I love the concept of taking of machines – game consoles, computers, monitors – and giving them a new lease on life by making them into amazing, sometimes interactive, installations. One image that will always come to my mind when I think about this kind of installation is walls of analog cathode ray monitors that have all been synced together to create some large overall image, either one cohesive piece, or with each monitor interacting with another in some way. The author also brings up a good point – older tech tends to be built to be more long lasting. It’s an unfortunate truth – in the past, not only these old tech pieces, but everything – was built with strong, long lasting materials. With the advent of plastic however, a much cheaper alternative, and mass manufacture, a lot of products have lost their resilience to time. Plastic will decay and weaken much faster than, say, metal and glass. However, since it is the cheaper and easier option, companies will continue to use it, not only making products that won’t face the test of time nearly as well, but also draining to world of its petroleum supply and greatly contributing to climate change.
There is something captivating about old technologies that people love. Maybe it's the fact that they’re bigger, or maybe you can see how they work, but playing with old electronics is something I’ve always loved. I certainly think finding some way to get a second use out of them is an excellent idea, both so we’re less wasteful, but also so we can create interesting art. People still like the aesthetic of older video game consoles and some people like listening to music on tape decks or record players. It also seems that Atari was a big player in all computers and electronics, not just the video game industry which is something I did not know. The other distinct advantage of using the older devices is that they’re not going to break down anytime soon. I don’t know when planned obsolescence was invented, but a lot of the electronics my parents didn’t use anymore when I was growing up still worked.
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