The Art of Reverse Engineering

Reverse Engineering is a term that comes originally from the field of mechanical engineering. Reverse Engineering indicates the process of analysing an existing object or system by laying out its construction plan to then rebuild it in every detail. This manner of reconstruction allows for modifications and adjustments to new demands and requirements, it signifies creative appropriation, democratisation of knowledge, further development. The contributions in this volume take Reverse Engineering to another level, applying it to the fields of arts, sciences and politics in an attempt to reveal the procedures of culture and technology at work, and the importance of access, knowledge and skills in reshaping our present times and future.

Günther Friesinger lives in Vienna and Graz as a philosopher, artist, writer, curator and producer. He is founder and head of the paraflows festival, chairman of the QDK - quarter for digital culture, general manager of monochrom, co-organizer of the Arse Elektronika festival, the Roboexotica Festival and the KOMM.ST Festival. Jana Herwig is a researcher in the Vienna-based research project »Texture Matters. The Optical and Haptical in Media« and academic assistant at the Chair for Intermediality, Dept. of Theater, Film and Media Studies, University of Vienna.