Interface criticism, as articulated by Christian Ulrik Andersen and Soren Bro Pold, explores the impact of ubiquitous screens on our daily lives, influencing perceptions and relationships with society. The senses play a pivotal role in shaping the logic and approach to human thinking, and in the contemporary 'post' era, our senses undergo unconscious modifications. As the current state of affairs continues to evolve, the thought patterns influenced by these changes create a perceptible divergence from past experiences, introducing a delayed yet palpable shift.
The physical presence of scars acts as a perceptual bookmark, reminiscent of the familiarity we develop with scars on the body, continually transformed by the passage of time. These scars become touchpoints that we engage with repeatedly over time.
The MPR121 interfaces with five pins intricately connected to the scar patterns in the finished work, crafted through crocheting and sewing with conductive thread. These patterns function as "switches" – when a viewer touches the scars, the circuit connects, and upon withdrawing the hand, the circuit disconnects. Simultaneously, when the circuit is connected, the corresponding pin communicates with Processing, translating the message into a visually narrated video for the viewer. Furthermore, the water pump component responds to prolonged contact with the scars, with each pin signaling the pump to activate, symbolizing the flow of water throughout the object's entire form as a representation of its life force.
The scar patterns, representing burns, scalds, and surgical scars, are meticulously sewn onto white canvas and leather. The choice of leather, with its spray-painted surface that leaves an irreversible pattern when folded, twisted, or scratched, adds a unique dimension. Additionally, the inherent texture of the leather mimics that of the skin, while the canvas provides a more accommodating surface for sewing. These deliberate fabric choices amplify the tactile and visual elements of the installation.
In essence, the scar patterns are derived from real scars on five different skins, each bearing distinctive marks of injury, such as burns, scalds, and surgical incisions. Through touch, these scars quietly leave traces on the skin over time, creating a profound and nuanced sensory experience for the viewer.
*Arduino
*Conductive Wire
*Water Pump