Hybrid Spaces in Art and Science Fiction from cyberspace to mobile interfaces

Abstract

The concept of real changes due to the emergence of ubiquitous computing and nomadic technology devices, which are responsible for creating a hybrid reality that merges physical and digital spaces, and creating a new articulation between real and imaginary. This paper addresses the evolution of virtual space from the perspective of arts and science fiction. The first section shows how the concept of virtual space as a mindspace has been developed. Also it presents how computers as simulation machines have played an important role in the construcion of digital space. Second, the paper argues that the concept of virtual space is changing, since it can no longer be considered disjoint from physical space. Finally, the movies The Thirteenth Floor (Rusnak, 1999) and The Matrix (Wachowski, 1999) are case studies that illustrate how the idea of inhabiting a virtual space changes to a hybrid space that is part of our lives. As a result, it amplifies the notion of what the real can be.

Keywords

• Mobile technologies
• hybrid space
• imaginary