While multimedia makes use of various mediums in interesting ways, Foster argues that intermedia pushes the boundaries further, bringing art, culture, and society into question together. Intermedia art is elevated beyond a physical structure or act into a meaningful and provocative form that has lasting impact. Intermedia artwork should have an active presence that deserves a conversation between the work itself and the work’s audience. It should live on in the audience’s own conscious even after interaction with the art has ended.

As noted in this reading, the Duchamp “Fountain” made use of everyday plumbing to generate deep debate as to what makes art art. In its simplicity, Duchamp’s work generated questions and forced thought. It broke artistic norms and struck a cord in cultural understandings. Though Foster does not consider this work to be a prime example of intermediate art, it is an example of how intermediate art should function.

Intermedia art can inspire introspection into one’s own self, but also into one’s self as a member of the greater world. Video, a form so able to capture the real world, can be used as a powerful tool to engage powerful thought and capture humanity at its essence. While it is up to the audience to watch and interpret the video and form a relationship with what is on the screen, video can’t rely just on the audience’s experiences.

I believe that in editing and splicing together recorded moments, one can manipulate sight and sound, bringing to light issues or topics of importance, evoking and reaching real emotions. Video can take what we as audience members know, and show it to us in a new way, sending messages both consciously and subconsciously. It is our world shown back to us from a different perspective. When executed effectively to elicit emotion or response, I believe that video can successfully be considered intermedia art. And, to Foster’s point, maybe the label doesn’t matter.

I thought this was an interesting and refreshing take on gender issues: http://www.ubu.com/film/sherman_doll.html