A Vernacular of File Formats (2010) critically explores the technical structures behind digital file formats, questioning how these systems control the formatting, compression, and sharing of data. Through the deliberate glitching of a self-portrait across various formats, Menkman uncovers the unique visual signatures of digital compression, revealing the hidden biases and power dynamics embedded in these formats. The work highlights how file formats, often seen as neutral tools, significantly impact accessibility, visibility, and how we engage with digital media. Menkman critiques the limitations these systems impose, showing how they shape and restrict our interactions with the digital world.

Vernacular of File Formats