Time-Based Media (TBM) What is time-based media? Art that is dependent on technology and has a durational dimension. (TATE) Dimensions Spatial: Physical height, length, and width/depth. Durational: Length in time. Reproducibility TBM is unstable by nature since its technological constituents are always susceptible of becoming obsolete. Therefore, conservation of TBM art relies on the conceptual migration of the work to a new technology. Identity The identity of TBM is fragile. A TBM work exists only when installed, which means artwork is recreated in this process due to changes in location and environment. Experience The art must be experienced as it unfolds over time according to the temporal logic of its medium. Types of TBM • Video - Slides - Audio - Film • Video/slide/sound/film-based installation • Technology or software-based installation Synonyms Sometimes TBM is referred to as new media, media art, or expanded media. Is Performance TBM? Performance itself has unique qualities that distinguish it from TBM. It is a form of live art that is ephemeral and authentic for both the artist and the public. This original experience cannot be reproduced. However, filmed performances are often exhibited at museums and galleries. These videos should be considered TBM since they imply technical and artistic choices made by
their authors in order to share the performance beyond its actual attendees and bystanders. Acknowledgments and Further Reading (URLs accessed September 2019) The Guggenheim’s web page on TBM, including links to other documents https://www.guggenheim.org/conservation/time-based-media Form detailing an exhibition instance of a TBM work. The “iteration report” shows how a TBM work is not independent of its installation. https://www.guggenheim.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/guggenheimconservation-iteration-report-2012.pdf https://www.tate.org.uk/about-us/conservation/time-based-media https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/t/time-based-media https://www.tate.org.uk/research/publications/tatepapers/03/the-management-of-display-equipment-in-time-basedmedia-installations