kokonaismagnifikaatio

Kokonaismagnifikaatio is a theoretical concept in art theory and cultural studies that describes the intentional integration of diverse media, styles, and sensory modalities into a single, expansive aesthetic field. Proponents argue that it creates a sense of totality, where visual, sonic, textual, and spatial elements operate as a cohesive whole rather than as separate parts.

Etymology and scope: The term blends Finnish kokonais meaning "whole" or "total" with magnifikaatio, an adaptation of magnification or magnified affect. It appears in Finnish-language scholarship and has since moved into broader discussions of cross-media projects, immersive installations, and interface design that seek holistic coherence across media.

Origins and development: The concept emerged in early 21st‑century discussions of multimedia and digital culture, though there is debate about its boundaries. It is associated with practices that layer media, algorithmic composition, and participatory elements to produce a unified perceptual experience that transcends traditional genre boundaries.

Characteristics and practice: Core features include multisensory saturation, fluid transitions between media, and a curatorial emphasis on total experience. Works described as kokonaismagnifikaatio often combine data visualization, spatial sound, tactile interfaces, and narrative fragments that reinforce one another. Critics warn of mediating or obscuring media-specific affordances and of pressure toward homogenization.

Reception and related concepts: Discussions relate kokonaismagnifikaatio to maximalism, Gesamtkunstwerk, and transmedia storytelling. It is analyzed in the contexts of immersive environments, platform design, and media ecology, with examples appearing in contemporary art spaces and experimental digital projects.