Reading Response 2-09-2019 Rhizome Net Anthology

Beverly J Williams

Reading Response Rhizome Net Anthology

Chapter 1 1984-1998 due 2-11-2019

            In main page of Form Art by Alexei Shulgin 1997, I recognize numerous characteristics of an html page. The web page consists of headers, body, images, and links. Shulgin’s use of a simplistic geometric rectangular shape and color for this project provides the viewer with a pleasant experience. An allover soft grey is gentle to the eye yet illuminating of the inserted words and images. Some of them almost seem to just off the page. There is repetition in the use of rectangles for the text boxes, images, and links, and they also provide a shift in scale. Hierarchy for the text is achieved using different size and style of the fonts. Pulling your eye quickly to different areas is achieved by the minimal color usage. The negative space throughout the work helps to create overall image and enhance the space. Upon entering the view work page there was some exasperation on the 

non-working aspects of the work.

            Mez Breeze’s Mezangelle appears to be produced using html. It has headers, a body, inserted images and links. The background, or negative space color of a medium limeish green is distracting and hard on the eyes after viewing the page for a short period of time. My initial reaction to the work is not to view it in its entirety due to this color usage. A choice of a different background or negative space color, in my opinion, is necessary to keep the viewer engaged.  The variety of rectangular boxes provides repletion and a certain unity to the piece. Using varying front sizes brings attention to items of importance.

            Floodnet, Electronic Disturbance Theater also appears to be a html document. It uses headers, a body, inserted images, and links. The background color of a medium green allows the viewer to remain engaged with the work. The first image has a textural quality and overlay of images and words that create a more three-dimensional appearance and builds a more immersive world within the image. The scale of the geometric shape pushes it forward into your face. The variation of font sizes directs your attention to items of noteworthiness. There is a harmony throughout the entire work. By continuing to reload pages caused the desired disruption.

            Automatic Rain by Jodi 1995’s html page offers the viewer a playful experience. The page appears as a working Netscape file with some of the attributes not available to the viewer. Moving through the art is just a click away sending you to another link. One observes a repetition of cool blue numbers randomly appearing and disappearing. The black negative space provides an emphasis to the numbers. The next page of cool color raindrops on a pane of glass uses variation of size of the drops and a translucency provided by the glass. After being cooled down by the two previous color schemes, the last page wreaks havoc on the eyes with its bright warm analogous colors and flashing text.