FIRST-PERSON HYPOTHESIS

FIRST-PERSON HYPOTHESIS
The following examples discuss proposed explanations for observable
phenomena, loosely structured upon a framework of physical, small-world
encounters embedded in a digital, global network. Setting out to connect
these stories, I study my own interpersonal communication routines, and
compare other authors' philosophies on self-display, representation, and
connectivity. While reconstructing an imagined reality, I hope to allow the
mind to wander and run into less observable phenomena which may be
unseen, and unrecorded, but nevertheless anchored in time and place.

EXAMPLE ONE
In which a thumbnail I saw of the subject's face on the V2 website was filtered through the memory of a brief conversation with the subject at the V2 Christmas party. This data re-materialized into an unexpected meeting at the Warung Mini, a roti and sauto soup restaurant in Rotterdam, followed by a somewhat confusing email exchange.

RECORDED DATA
Characters involved in this story: A (friend from Houston); A (works at V2); L (works at PZI); E (works at V2)
Data total course of events: 17.12.2011; 24.02.2011; 25.02.2011; 26.02.2011; 02.03.2011; 05.03.2011
Duration event on 24.02.2011: approximately 30 minutes
Actual distance traveled on 24.02.2011: approximately 550 meters
Time spent between event and approaching the subject via email, formulating how not to come across like a crazy lady or creepy internet stalker, with a balance of lightness and whimsicality: approximately 24 hours
Time spent waiting for a reply, with a balance of crazy lady and creepy internet stalker: approximately 3 days
Time spent transitioning into not caring all that much: approximately 2 days

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In his article "Writing and Representation," UCLA Department of Information Studies Professor Philip E. Agre.... Himself disappeared from internet and off the grid. Facebook page, attempt to find him. Sister updated on a public blog.

I'm not quite sure why I emailed him to begin with. But what was I expecting? A new friend? A lunch date? Or did I simply need to get these thoughts out, digitally remedy my achy brain, so my physical body could be at ease?

Inge Hoonte

writer, sound and performance artist

Inge Hoonte