Even in this modern age, Internet pornography is a subject that makes most people uncomfortable. The common image isn’t pretty, since the subject is mostly related to raunchiness, exploitation, ‘strange people’ with awkward sexual preferences, and dubious networks and practices. The Art and Politics of Netporn wants to draw attention to the other side of this phenomenon by focusing on the political and economical implications of netporn, as well as to the ethical and aesthetic aspects of digital communities (i.e. weblogs, chat groups, mailing lists and webzines). These relatively new forms of communication enable people to meet up anonymously, form communities, or present themselves while having creative control over the process of communciation.To provide us with an alternative view on netporn, the conference organization has also invited artists whose work reflects different ideas on sexuality and who have appropriated the language or specific qualities of Internet pornography. The Art and Politics of Netporn challenges the visitors to discuss the current social climate of heightened control over information processes and the power of censorship. Who gets to decide what we are allowed to see, and what are the limits to our freedom?
Five different themes will be presented during the two days of the conference, with contributions by artists, researchers and journalists. ‘Sex Workers of the Net World’ is centered round the political and economical values of netporn and online sex workers. And what is the importance of porn for E-commerce? In ‘The Rise of the Netporn Society’ the focus is on the individual use of Internet by for example bloggers and producers of so-called indieporn. Dominant images and concepts about netporn and the possibility of creating a ‘history of netporn’ are some of the concepts of the theme ‘Porn meets Brain: Netporn Theory’. ‘Porn as a Technology of the Self’ is about the possibilities of the use netporn by minority groups like queers and transgenders. How do they use elements of pornography to create their own sexual identity? An open debate about censorship will give the visitor a chance to share their opinions about this subject with the participants. The conference closes with Porn pour Porn, a soiree mixte with dj’s and vj’s live performance, screenings and all else that pours into it..
The program is available at www.networkcultures.org/netporn.
Practical Information
The Art and Politics of Netporn, September 30 – October 1, 2005
De Badcuyp, Amsterdam
Eerste Sweelinckstraat 10 (corner Albert Cuypstraat), 1073 CM Amsterdam
Tel: +31 (0) 20 6759669, Email: info@badcuyp.nl Website: www.badcuyp.nl
Conference registration: netporn@networkcultures.org
For more information: nieke@networkcultures.org/ sabine@networkcultures.org
Entrance fees:
Allround ticket (2 days + party): 50 euro, students 25 euro
Day ticket, Friday or Saturday: 30 euro, students 15 euro
Party ticket (Saturday night): 8 euro, students 5 euro
Please check website for all practical information.