Constructed to investigate "how media hysteria can be provoked and raised", biennale.py was a virus, a work of art, a performance, and possibly a crime. The first computer virus ever programmed in python (an wonderful, elegant programming language), the piece was developed jointly by 0100101110101101.org and epidemiC. One of the first virus art pieces, it was built for the 2001 Venice Biennale and created a stir when it was released.

Biennale.py was more of a conceptual artwork than anything else. Though it was possible that this virus would harm its host, it wasn't likely. Biennale.py wasn't a very infectious virus since it required a specific and relatively rare piece of software (an installation of python) be available on its host computer.

biennale.py was published with a mass of disclaimers (that served double duty as advertisements), but would 0100101110101101.org have been the ones to blame if it had done real harm? Is it an interesting work of art? How much does it rely on its cultural and historical setting for impact? Does this diminish or enhance its value?