MFA Computational Arts blog week 3

Terminal identity notes

Postmodern condition referred to as “mediascape” – Bukatman specifically points out Ballard as a writer in this territory from an early time – moving on from space sci-fi to media sci-fi (e.g. look at the dystopic portrayal of future consumer Britain where advertisements are dominant, which is now normal life). Bukatman points out that Ballard’s sci-fi focuses on an “inner-realm” rather than outer of space sci-fi (mirrors the later psychological shift in Hollywood sci-fi, with Cyberthrillers of the 90s described by Claudia Springer)

Bukatman describes Ballard’s cities, highways, suburbs (non-places, liminal spaces) as “relentlessly claustrophobic, yet empty; spectacular, but not seductive; relentlessly meaningful, yet resistant to logic” – reflecting incoherence characteristic of the Postmodern, and fascination in things that induce negative emotion deceived by Brigid Cherry around Horror in storytelling. This cultural fixation on dystopic and degenerated reflections of the future has seeped into most of our media now, as pointed out by Mark Fisher in his writings on hauntology and depression in cultural products of recent times

Look into Ballard’s Intensive Care Unit – a future where all social interactions are mediated through TV