Open “open.ended” by Daniel C. Howe and Aya Karpinska
The interface for this combinatorial poem allows for readers to read the lines inscribed upon the cubes individually or together as the cubes rotate in a virtual space. The layering of lines in the cubes is echoed by the layering of Howe and Karpinska reading lines from the poem. The controls allow readers to manipulate the cubes to align lines which combine to form new lines. The graceful rotation of the cubes, along with the soft overlaid voices, and textual combinations are simultaneously intriguing and mesmerizing.
In these lines, a relationship develops as “I” becomes “we,” control is surrendered, eyes are closed, and the implied speakers become emotionally undressed. Who would’ve thought a 3D work could be so sexy?
Follow this link for a detailed case study on this work by C.T. Funkhouser.
Note: If the Java applet isn’t opening in the link provided, try this one, which will allow you to download and open it directly with Java in your computer.
Featured in The Electronic Literature Collection, Volume 1.
