ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the relationship between complexity, observation, and human agency in the context of ubicomp and surveillance systems, from the perspective of Niklas Luhmann’s systems theory. It shows that the understanding of the world available through human observation is of a different order and type from the sensor-mediated form of observation of computers. Ubiquitous computing systems that employ surveillance, such as those using localization Global Positioning System, for example, efficiently handle multiple signals received from different satellite stations. The chapter presents Quotidian Record, an interactive art installation by Brian House that makes use of surveillance practices to highlight the ubiquity of the practices in our everyday life. It focuses on the different perspectives that art systems can give us about the impact of information communications technology in human life as well as show an example of how complexity and reflexivity are used by artists in the creation of art.
