The title of the exhibition originated with a preliminary research of the subject matter, which is an initial exploration via medical and scientific researches. In the last decade, technology has appeared in our lives in an extremity. We notice an accumulation of long hours sitting in front of the computer screens, I-phones and I-Pads, social media accounts, and other operating devices (more recently google glasses, Wii, and more).
As in ancient days, when man was physically built to hunt and gather food, today our bodily operating systems are being adapted to the increasingly growing technological demands. This very recent evolution has not only influenced our bodily functions and physical attributes but has also an overwhelming affect on our thinking process and perception of time.
RSI – Repetitive Strain Injury, is a clinical term for "injuries to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems that may be caused by repetitive tasks, forceful exertions, vibrations, mechanical compression, or sustained or awkward positions." The “T” in the title refers to “Technology,” and the current exhibition will examine the awkward state of recent and future change in a contemporary tech-savvy reality. (By Naomi Lev)
It is right there – an odd-looking tripod with a head that exudes a touch of futuristic charm. Built with all the benefits and functions of smart phones, as well as an audio-video camera, it keeps receiving instructions regarding what the owner should do next. Armed with what we call the “technological eye”, the device is surrounded by some different smart phones, each of which runs a different app function e.g. video recording, GPS of various road systems, voice secretary apps, etc., recording or organizing every step of the owner's everyday routine from the indoor activities to the outdoor, public sphere. Where the owner should go, which direction or route the owner should take, is informed by information gathered from various sources by the “technological eye”. This piece of multi-channel video recording sets out to record, at various locations, how the subject, wearing the technological device while at the same time having to follow instructions given by various GPS systems which almost inevitably leads to recognition and interpretation errors, is driven into a neurotic state by modern technologies.
Intriguingly, what our state of being or mindset will be when our innate sensory systems are being interrupted, rerouted and replaced entirely by information that is calculated and processed by means of technology? Nokia, the Finnish communications and information technology corporation used to perceive or brand their products as "human technology." In reverse, this project attempts to explore the consequences when one retreats from humanity, the "conventional" relationship between our five sense and the brain that affects our judgement and behavior, and immerse oneself in the information system provided by technology completely and methodically. And what are the possible struggles when one is gravitated toward the information system in light of this gradually digitalized world.
Changing Everyday Behaviors:
Human beings need to constantly develop new technologies. Is it because we have, since Antiquity, always been living in a state of collective anxiety? Whereas in the ancient times, some people resorted to alchemy in search of immortality pills, modern people keep working towards medical and technological advancement. In our times defined by the widespread of digital technologies, it has seemingly become necessary to adhere technological equipment to the human body in order to temporarily soothe our collective anxiety. Today the life styles of most people are at least in part influenced by others; our social anxiety and our insatiable need for more information is a scene unknown to our ancestors.
In a time like this, can we still hold on to the simple believe that “seeing is believing”? Or, can we simply follow our instinct and desire in our actions? Nowadays, we often have to google across blogs, news and articles before we decide on a restaurant. Similarly, we often resort to google map before we travel in order to ensure accuracy and efficiency on all aspects of the trip. It seems that we are now used to double-checking on everything and consulting with everyone's opinions using the internet or mobile devices before we make the smallest decision in everyday life.
Why do we constantly need the eyes of others to confirm what we see, and the opinions of others to consolidate the values and beliefs that we find it hard to adhere to? Every condition of our modern living is constructed through a macro system. How we make judgements is indeed been significantly influenced by technological development in our times.
