Applied Systems Aesthetics: Jack Burnham and Contemporary Video Game Art

Abstract This paper reviews different attempts to recuperate Jack Burnham’s theoretical framework of systems aesthetics, using software as a metaphor for understanding the neo-avant-garde. Rather than recuperate Burnham’s theory to deepen our understanding of post-formalist art of the 20th century, the author suggests applying the systems aesthetics approach to contemporary video game art. This proposal moves Burnham’s metaphorical analysis of software to a material application that can integrate video game artworks with other art traditions. The author argues that video game art is a cogent cultural context for understanding systems aesthetics in the 21st century and that taking up the systems aesthetics approach is critically important for applying arthistorical work to techno-political matters.