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Artmedia is among the first confer- communication technologies” were time for questions, too short lunch ence series posing theoretical questions very illustrative and interesting, but in breaks. Nonetheless the program and as well as looking at experimentations some respects also a bit superficial. conference format allowed networking regarding art and communication Nevertheless, I enjoyed the professional and discussions in many of the restau- technologies. It was founded in 1985 by presentation of Beusch and Cassani, rants of Paris—especially after walking the philosopher Mario Costa at the who gave an overview of mobile gam- through streets illuminated by most Department of Philosophy of the Uni- ing, and also the enlightening speeches wonderful Christmas decorations. versity of Salerno and was held there about curating net art by the curators seven times in a roughly bi-annual Dietz (Walker Art Center) and Jemima rhythm. There seem to be different Rellie (Tate Gallery). reasons why Artmedia VIII was held in The third day, Sunday, was the most AUDIO COMPACT DISC Paris in 2002: one is the possibility of exciting day of Artmedia VIII, because broadening its circle of influence; finally some rather provocative another is the fact that Paris is cur- thoughts were expressed. It started with rently a place of many interesting new Lévy’s presentation of a taxonomy for NORTH AMERICA electronic art activities. cultural design. This talk was not en- by Curlew. Cuneiform Records, Silver Artmedia VIII was co-organized by tirely appreciated because of the lack of Springs, MD, U.S.A., 2002. Audio CD, French artist Fred Forest, Costa and chaos and dynamism in his new ap- with booklet, rune167. French writer and theoretician Annick proach. Broeckmann criticized Lévy’s Bureaud. They first defined the theme simplification or idealization of cyber- Reviewed by Stefaan Van Ryssen, Jan and the rough sequence and special space and the idea that, though there is Delvinlaan 115, 9000 Gent, Belgium. focus of the sessions and then looked not necessarily a collective intelligence, E-mail: [email protected]