The role of women in electronic literature, the case of Maria Mencia, J. R. Carpenter and Alinta Krauth

Enfoque

Electronic or digital literature is an avant-garde form of artistic and literary expression that emerged in the late 20th century. As a relatively new field, it has the potential to foster greater visibility, study, and recognition for both men and women creators. This potential arises from the fact that electronic literature began to develop as society approached the 21st century when discussions around gender equality in various cultural spheres were gaining prominence. The field of digital literature could, in theory, serve as an ideal platform where both male and female creators are equally represented and acknowledged for their contributions. However, as the findings in this research indicate, the current reality does not align with these optimistic expectations. Despite the genre’s innovative nature and the progressive historical context in which it arose, women creators in digital narrative works have not yet achieved equal visibility compared to their male counterparts.

 

This paper seeks to address this disparity by highlighting the significant contributions made by female authors in electronic literature. The central aim is to recognise the works of women artists, acknowledge their creative input, and, through this process, begin to lay the groundwork for forming a female canon in electronic literature. By bringing attention to the accomplishments of female creators, this work hopes to create a more inclusive narrative that properly reflects the diversity of voices in digital literature.

 

To achieve this goal, the concept of electronic or digital literature, as understood and applied in this study, will first be clearly defined. A theoretical framework will be established to ground the subsequent analysis of women’s contributions within the broader context of digital literary studies. Following this, the discussion will examine three key figures whose work exemplifies the diversity and depth of female contributions to the field. These authors—María Mencía, J.R. Carpenter, and Alinta Krauth—represent different generations and cultural backgrounds, yet they all share a commitment to pushing the boundaries of digital literary expression.

 

María Mencía, a Spanish e-poet, has been instrumental in experimenting with the aesthetics of digital text and sound aesthetics. J.R. Carpenter, a Canadian and British author, explores the intersection of narrative and digital space, while Australian artist Alinta Krauth engages with interactive multimedia to create immersive storytelling experiences. Collectively, their works represent a broad spectrum of digital literature, encompassing various methodologies and creative approaches.