This project began with research into the early days of the internet in the 90s and 2000s, when websites were built with basic HTML and graphics were rudimentary. As I delved deeper into this era of technology, I began to notice striking parallels between the internet, technology, and ancient, traditional forms of magic, such as paganism, Wicca, and various spiritual practices. Both the internet and magical traditions rely on symbols, rituals, and hidden knowledge to achieve desired outcomes. For instance, just as spellcasting involves specific words, symbols, and actions to manifest change, navigating the internet involves using codes (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and rituals (such as entering a search term or clicking a link) to access information or initiate a process. The internet allows people to connect across vast distances, similar to how magic was used in ancient times through remote viewing practices.
In the zine, I also reference Arthur C. Clarke’s famous quote: “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” This frames the idea that what we perceive as technology today—computers, smartphones, and other modern devices—could be seen as part of the ritual process by ancient peoples who practiced magic. Both technology and magic involve creating connections between distant points: magical practices seek to bridge the spiritual and physical realms, while the internet connects people globally, enabling instant knowledge-sharing.
This realization led me to merge these two topics—technology and magic—in my research. As a result, I created a video collage combining abstract imagery from the early internet with themes from my studies of magic, incorporating elements like wizards, spellcasting, HTML, binary code, and mystical symbols. To complement the video, I also created a small zine that breaks down these themes visually, offering a tangible, in-depth framework for my research and providing a visual interpretation of the intersecting ideas of technology and magic.
Video & Zine
Research
https://www.are.na/calder-anderson/internet-magic-kfpxijmbgse
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