How might we intentionally misuse (what the Lettrist International called “detourning”) ubiquitous, restrictive modes of communication? What makes for a (supposedly) good presentation? How might a corporate tool become an artistic or comedic medium? How can we make slide presentations not boring?
Lab: Produce and present critical / satirical slide shows.
Tools used: Google Slides, Microsoft Powerpoint (we’ll also take a quick look at Prezi). Please bring your laptop (if you have one!)
- Skim through Russell Davies, Ella Fitzsimmons, Matthew Sheret, and Giles Turnbull, “Doing Presentations” (2019).
- “David Byrne’s PowerPoint Art,” NPR Music (January 14, 2004).
- Justin Caffier, “Why Is PowerPoint Having a Comedy Moment?” Vulture (November 1, 2018).
EXAMPLES:
- “PowerPoint, “ SNL (March 9, 2019) <video: 4:42>.
- Check out Military PowerPoint Karaoke.
- Democratix, “Tony Cokes: Evil.12.(edit.b): Fear, Spectra & Fake Emotions,” Art & Education (January 18, 2018) + “Tony Cokes Discusses New Work in ‘Collision/Coalition” @ The Shed” (July 22, 2019) <video: 2:48>.
- See more examples in our “Not Your Typical Slide Deck” Arena Channel!