PurseLipSquareJaw collects a set of three experimental art pieces that attempt to show the effects of technology on social interaction. The first piece, called ‘Fashion Victims’ is a series of clothes, hats, and bags that stain themselves with a red dye when the in-woven electronics detect a cellular phone call in progress. At first I thought they had developed a fabric that constantly changes to mobile phone radiation, but unfortunately that isn’t the case — it’s a one-time stain. The second is a project called ‘Mass Distraction’ that humorously amplifies the disconnection of everyday cell phone users by using a series of specially-designed jackets that focus the attention of the user on the call at hand, or include a possibly left-out meatspace person by entertaining them with a handheld game, or requiring the user to continue to add coins to their jacket to make a call. No, this isn’t practical. This is art (be sure to click on each jacket).
The last is definitely the most adorable. Called ‘Hybridization,’ the project is an attempt to make a visual signal that clues in others to the state of the portable audio user’s awareness. Flaps down? I’m listening to music. Flaps up? I’m ready to talk.
