This talk on experimental artworks using mobile technologies asks fundamental questions about the changing nature of narrative and representation brought about by the new mobility of audiences. These new communication modes offer a radical challenge to Western narrative and its vehicles and traditions. The boundaries between established forms (i.e. games and cinema) are thrown into question, and the very concept of creative authorship becomes problematic. Whilst other emerging technologies are already redefining existing forms of screen-based exhibition and reception (interactive television and digital cinema), they still tie down the audience in relation to the screen. “Locative” technology blurs the borders between physical and virtual space, leading to the redefinition of the concept of the virtual from that of simulation to that of augmentation of the “real” world.

Screen cultures today are dominated by narrative and its modes of framing. The advent of “Pervasive” or “Ubiquitous” media such as mobile smartphones with GPS sensing means that new dispersed forms of interaction are now possible for the public. This raises a whole new series of intriguing questions on the nature of mapping, narrative and communication, particularly in relation to an audience`s modes of participation and reception. The convergence of mobile technologies and ubiquitous computing are creating a world where information-rich environments may be mapped directly onto urban topologies. This provides an opportunity to pose a series of questions around changing concepts of space and place for a wide range of traditional disciplines ranging from Anthropology, Art and Architecture to Computer Studies, Cultural and Media Studies, Fashion and Graphic design. The talk will be illustrated by examples from Rieser`s recent practice, including The Third Woman interactive mobile film game (www.ioct.dmu.ac.uk/Third_Woman).