Saturday, November 3, 2012

Technology and Dress



Technology and the body is a major part of any life. Not only is there transplants and manipulations, but it is a part of everyday life. As technology advances, it becomes more and more evident in everyday life to a point where people are dependent upon it. We become more and more connected to the world as well as community, with social networks such as Facebook and Twitter a perfect example. But with a personal front in the form of a digital wall or selection of short messages, it is evident that a loss of face to face communication techniques is apparent. Obviously humans have lost many adaptations that are necessary for animal survival, but have we even lost the ability to communicate properly? A computer screen needs nothing more than a few lines of text. There is no need for body language or other forms of communicative techniques. With technology so encrypted into our daily lives, it is not going anywhere. Evidently, our only savior is the problem itself; we need technology to get us back to animal basics. 


I was inspired by technology to create these conceptual  garments following the technology created by Carbon. Keep reading for all the details:

When vapourised, Carbon creates what is called a Buckminsterfuleren or a ‘Bucky Ball’. The structure created is of a shape like a soccer ball with 12 pentagon and 20 hexagon shapes which, interestingly, fit together. When this molecule is stretched, it creates a nanotube molecule. This molecule has the ability to hold up an incredible weight percentage which is 10x stronger than any other material in the world. What is specific to my project, is the last manipulation done to this molecule. When the molecule is split in half and ‘opened up’, it creates a strong, transparent, flexible and electrical material which can potentially be wrapped around, say the wrist, and be used as a touch screen computer.

It is predicted that this material may be available in as little as 2-3 years time, meaning it is only a matter of time before people are not only surrounding themselves in various forms of technology, but literally wrapping themselves in the material. But instead of putting up a barrier in communication even further, can this technology aid in face to face communication techniques, bringing the inside feelings out? 


Catalyst 2011 








Garments made from interfacing tucked and glued. Plastic shade-cloth for silver shapes. Computer chips and cords for accessories.


No comments:

Post a Comment