Ongoing Projects
The MAL has two major ongoing projects - Artist and Scholar Residencies, and Technical Reports. We also have a number of projects that happen spontaneously, as ad-hoc expressions of day-to-day MAL activity. Here you'll find the ongoing projects - check under 'Community' for our more spontaneous doings.
MALware technical reports document events, research, teaching, and artist residencies taking place in and through the lab. Rather than white papers which are typically authoritative statements about solutions or policies, our technical reports are intended to be more processual – they can describe the progress or process of teaching, research or artistic activity in the MAL, or they may simply outline a particular problem in or related to the MAL. Our hope is that these technical reports provide a media studies and humanities-oriented outlet for investigations into technology.
The Media Archaeology Lab (MAL) residency program has attracted researchers, artists, musicians, and writers from the UK, Sweden, Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, and across the US. Residencies provide full access to the lab and its collection for as long as is necessary for project completion. In addition to working in the lab, MAL residents present a talk or produce a small publication, performance, or exhibition that features the residency project and its results. We are not currently accepting Residency applications, but we are working to create future residency opportunities. Previous residencies have been coordinated by Mél Hogan, Lauren Samblanet, Maya Livio, and libi striegl.
Residents
MAL Technical Reports
- Author:Josette LorigTitle:Roland TR-08 Rhythm ComposerPublished:06/07/2023Abstract:
An exploration of Roland’s TR-808 Rhythm Composer through Roland’s TR-08 miniatured replica.
- Author:Mathieu HalpinTitle:From Modems to Message Boards: BBS and Its Impact on Online DatingPublished:06/01/2023Abstract:
This paper explores the technical aspects of BBSes, their history and evolution, and their use as a platform for early online dating. By examining the technical and social aspects of BBSes, we can gain a better understanding of the role they played in shaping the early days of the Internet and online communication.
- Author:Salwa KaziTitle:Switching TeethPublished:05/18/2022Abstract:
Switching Teeth - is a research project that worked towards the documentation of typewriting technologies and access in India. Access to technology has never been equal across the globe. In order to make visible and tangible these dynamics of accessibility to technology this project presents narratives surrounding memories of typing technology to illustrate the complexities of access and technology in India. This report forwards photographic and anecdotal evidence of typewriters from India to present an understanding of the complexity behind accessing, teaching and learning typewriting through three different languages.
- Author:John BumpTitle:Edison Disc Phonograph amplifier horn restorationPublished:05/12/2022Abstract:
Details the process of restoration for the horn amplifier from the Edison Disc Phonograph. Includes repairing solder, re-finishing, and extending the pivot arm. This was the final stage in replacing the original motor and horn from the Edison Disc Phonograph after the clockwork in the original seized and stopped working entirely. The replacement motor, plate, and horn were listed as being the same model as the original, however this was discovered to not be the case and has thus required extensive restoration and adjustment within the cabinet and on the replacement parts.
- Author:Biyi WenTitle:text archaeology jp readerPublished:05/11/2022Abstract:
"text archaeology jp reader" is a customized research tool and a publishing project on the material history of Japanese text processing. Supported by the Race x Technology micro grant, the reader has developed two components: a dictionary and a visual archive. The dictionary collects the relevant Japanese words on text processing and the corresponding English translations; and the visual archive presents archival documentation on Japanese text processing. As my research continues, the dictionary and the archive will continue to collect more input. The scope of the reader covers the domains in which Japanese text is processed and circulated, such as typewriting, home computing, early internet history, and network culture.
