Subject: emotions encoded

Through private exchange on the Internet, uncertainties, fears and joys are being experienced in a new context. Although this kind of exchange combines elements of traditional media such as telephoning and writing, it can't be compared to any of those. It is exactly this combination of real time interactivity (telephone) and the unlimited possibilities for imagination (writing) that make the exchange in cyber space so special. In this medium, one can actively dream and be awake at the same time. This work explores the space between reality and virtuality, how one can enjoy it, and how one can get trapped in it as well. Do human emotions eventually need exchange with reality, or can they be satisfied by digital virtuality? If through separation of body and mind the expectations and needs of the body are forgotten, then cyber space becomes an endless playground for the soul to wander freely, like a butterfly. But as long as the body tries to join the life of the soul and expects physical stimuli, then the endless playground shrinks rapidly into a space full of limitations. (excerpt from an article written by Merel Mirage for LEONARDO MIT press, fall issue 1997)