A Sexual History of the Internet

A communal ritual with the internet’s sexual historian. Together, we are tracing the pervasive and perverse origins of our digital tools. We move through a charged entanglement of desire and design, pleasure and control, lust and extraction. The internet is never neutral, and neither is touch. A SEXUAL HISTORY OF THE INTERNET by Mindy Seu is a project in two parts: a participatory lecture performance and an artist book, tracing the pervasive and perverse origins of our digital tools. Alongside Seu, the audience becomes the voice. Citations are read aloud through a shared script on mobile devices: a collective act of speaking, reading, and re-citation that becomes closer to exchange. Staged in the Reading Room at State Library Victoria, the performance transforms the cathedral-like space into something intimate and electric. A mass of participants sits alone together, their voices humming, chiming, chanting. A chorus of internet intimacy made physical. + Read more Talks Performance Seu and the audience join forces to read citations aloud, transforming passive listening into “re-citation,” which embodies Seu’s philosophy of generously attributing sources and spreading information via word of mouth. Stephen van Dyck, Artforum Doors and Set Times Doors: 7:30pm Performance: 8pm Late arrivals will not be permitted There will be a book signing after the event. Event Duration 45 minutes Event Accessibility Assistive listening systems available on request Hearing loops or assistive listening systems can be requested at the event. Accessible toilet An accessible toilet is available at this event. Wheelchair accessible Accessible by wheelchair. Venue Info and Accessibility Visit the venue page for directions and additional information about the venue’s accessibility. State Library Victoria – La Trobe Reading Room Content Warnings Low light levels Mature themes This performance includes explicit references to sex, sexual assault, and nudity. This performance will take place in a dark room with bright lights. Credits Designer: Laura Coombs Editor: Meg Miller Lecture Format Collaborator: Julio Correa Illustrator: Ven Qiu Timecode Scripting: Jon Gacnik Videographer: Gabriel Noguez 3D Artist: Tom Hancocks Website Support: Charles Broskoski Metalabel: Yancey Strickler, Lena Imamura Supported by the Institute of Modern Art Image Credits: Iga Drobisz, Gabriel Noguez