To: encounter

Subject: "encounter" - call for an artist

Date: 25 February 1998 10:41

hello,

I've been forwarded your message about a project looking for an artist to 'collaborate' on a project examining online relationships. It seems really interesting to me, and I'd be glad to take part in it if possible.

I seem to fit the criteria of being an artist and having easy access to the internet - if you want to know more about me first, I'd be glad to let you know, although I'm not sure how much would be appropriate to tell you, with anonymity being an important part of the project, and I'm not sure how much that sort of information is of importance to you. So please do let me know what else you want to know from me...

"LUKE3"

To: encounter

Subject: Re: FLUXLIST: "encounter" - call for an artist

Date: 25 February 1998 13:52

Hello "anon",

>Looking for an artist to "chat" with via the Internet as part of an experimental project "encounter" examining online relationships.

Hmm... kind of like online flirting! (Yes, I am an artist, not merely a thrill-seeker!)

>The conversation will develop on a daily basis over a period of a month using email, IRC and CUseeme. Therefore it is essential that you have easy access to the Internet.

Okay... no problem.

>There will be no specific subject for discussion although the aim is to examine how online relationships develop and how much people get to know each other, within a medium where identity can be re-created on a whim.

The fictional aspects of CU-Seeme are interesting - what, and how much do you show to the other person/people? Identity can be constructed through image... As a means of communication it could be an interesting challenge to give clues about ones own persona obliquely, rather than to be too "straight" about revealing oneself initially.

>Another aim is to create and expand upon networks of artists. These will be developed through those networks the artists bring to the project themselves, as well a weekly IRC chat through which the conversation will open up to involve more participants.

There is an international artists network based around the web and ftp site "SITO" - www.sito.org - also meet on IRC, CU-Seeme and so on. Other artists groups and networks may be interested, particularly if there is something different about what they will be watching/participating in. Perhaps a performance element.

>The two artists will use the names "anon1" and "anon2", the first being the artist currently involved and "anon2" the artist we are looking for (email accounts will be provided). The artists would not use their real names,this is to focus all knowledge of each other purely on what is said as part of the conversation. This will allow the relationship to start from a blank slate, not knowing the others gender, location or previous work. Using real names would provide answers to some of these points immediately.

So I am "anon2"? Even now?

>On the final day of "encounter" the two artists will meet in person for a public dinner in Lancaster.

One small and perhaps interesting detail: I have a relative living in Lancaster.

>"encounter" will run from March 8th - April 5th, although the dates can be flexible.

Perfect!

>We hope you will be interested in this project, it should be a lot of fun!

I think it will be fascinating, I would be very interested in remaining as "anon2" for the duration... Please return mail me to confirm whether or not you have selected me!

Yours

anon2

P.S. - anonymous image enclosed...

To: encounter

Subject: encounter "encounter" - call for an artist"encounter" - call for an artist

Date: 26 February 1998 06:55

i'm interested.

orangemouth

(not my real name)

To: encounter

Subject:

Date: 26 February 1998 04:37

Hello

I am Dimos Dimitriou, artist, based in Greece. I would like to participate to your conversation-project.

Please contact me for further information.

Thanks

Dimos Dimitriou

To:encounter

Subject: It's a secret

Date: 04 March 1998 07:08

"encounter" - call for an artist

>Looking for an artist to "chat" with via the Internet as part of an experimental project "encounter" examining online relationships. The chat will be between two people, the artist initiating the project (who will remain anonymous until it's completion) and another artist, who we are currently looking for. The conversation will develop on a daily basis over a period of a month using email, IRC and CUseeme. Therefore it is essential that you have easy access to the Internet.

Sounds like a fine line to be treading.

>There will be no specific subject for discussion although the aim is to examine how online relationships develop and how much people get to know each other, within a medium where identity can be re-created on a whim.

>Another aim is to create and expand upon networks of artists. These will be developed through those networks the artists bring to the project themselves, as well a weekly IRC chat through which the conversation will open up to involve more participants.

Have you got a boyfriend/girlfriend???

>The two artists will use the names "anon1" and "anon2", the first being the artist currently involved and "anon2" the artist we are looking for (email accounts will be provided). The artists would not use their real names, this is to focus all knowledge of each other purely on what is said as part of the conversation. This will allow the relationship to start from a blank slate, not knowing the others gender, location or previous work. Using real names would provide answers to some of these points immediately.

My name is...nope, can't tell you

This conversation will be documented as a website and updated daily during the project by "anon1". On the final day of "encounter" the two artists will meet in person for a public dinner in Lancaster.

Free food!!!!!!

>"encounter" will run from March 8th - April 5th, although the dates can be flexible.

How about tonight, my place?

>The project has been organised as part of the online artist residency My House & Your House with Furnace, Lancaster.

>We hope you will be interested in this project, it should be a lot of fun! Any interested artists please email encounter@furnace.org.

Do you like Pina Colada

And getting caught in the rain

and the tast of champaigne

Do you like making love at midnight etc.

Szia

Anonymous(ish)