Network Unavailable

Platform, Performativity, and Everyday Life Decision-Making Processes in Contemporary Chinese Network Culture

Authors

  • Wing Ki Lee Hong Kong Baptist University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7146/aprja.v9i1.121495

Keywords:

Network Culture, China, Great Firewall, Net Art, Hong Kong 2019 Protest

Abstract

This paper problematizes assumptions of global all-pervading ‘available’ network culture by examining ‘network unavailability’ phenomenon in contemporary Chinese network culture through a post-colonial critique. The central argument of ‘network unavailable’ in China is contextualized by the performativity of the Great Firewall and the Golden Shield Project, Chinese media artist Fei Jun’s net art project Interesting World (2019) in the Venice Biennale and network happenings during the 2019 Anti-extradition Law Amendment Bill protests in Hong Kong. Through these examples the author argues that network culture in China is political and geopolitical and the discussion of networks should go beyond mere structuralism and emphasize the everyday life, tactical, and microscopic decision-making process.

Author Biography

Wing Ki Lee, Hong Kong Baptist University

Wing Ki Lee is an artist-researcher based in Hong Kong. He is currently Assistant Professor in photography and Programme Director of BA (Hons) in Visual Arts at the Academy of Visual Arts, Hong Kong Baptist University, as well as a curatorial member of 1a space, an independent art space in Hong Kong.

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Published

2020-08-04