Since December 30, 1994, the “12hr-ISBN-JPEG Project” has been running for over eight years. Would audiences still continuously follow up the project by launching the website every twelve hours just to see the new posting of these classical hypermodern imageries? Since this is not an interactive web art, that changes instantly (just like an animation does), some people may lose interest. By clicking on the icon and seeing the image, they may never notice that the picture will change within twelve hours. Some people, however, may take the project seriously and constantly coming back to investigate. They may become interested in the meaning, concepts and sequential postings of the images and thus will continuously follow up the work just like a daily routine activity. However, some people will become disinterest on the way because it requires passion and consistency. Would this disinterest affect the longevity of the project?

For the past eight years, the “12hr-ISBN-JPEG Project” has already posted thousands of images and attracted millions of people. As it continues to run, more new Internet users may get interested. Today, all they are interested is what other new images will be posted. Unlike Simon’s “Every Icon” which we can never practically see the ending of the game, the “12hr-ISBN-JPEG Project” may actually be observed. Now it is all up to the artist himself to decide if he still wants to play this ending game. As observers, we can only wait and see.

Written by: Shirley Li