ARTCHAE: For a Media Ar(t)chaeology of Telepresence

The ARTCHAE project stems from reflections on the pervasiveness of basic forms of telepresence that have become part of our lives since the beginning of the health emergency caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus in March 2020. During this time, the necessity to carry out most personal and professional communications via video conferencing platforms has reinstated video’s significance as a means of live image transmission through two-way (or multiple) streaming. This mode of telepresence forms part of a pivotal chapter in media history, in terms of both industrial experimentation with telephone and television technologies, and artistic practices. From a media archaeology perspective, this history has its roots in nineteenth century media imaginary and finds its full completion in contemporary forms of extended reality. From WhatsApp video calls to circuit-based media such as smartphone photography and desktop video interaction, or again, to live media forms such as virtual and augmented reality worlds and clubs, telepresence has become a central dimension of the contemporary mediascape.