On the Poetics of “Wireless Fidelity” (WiFi)
In our hyper-connected world, we find ourselves awash in a persistent, yet invisible, sea of “Wireless Fidelity” signals (aka WiFi) and other electromagnetic energy fields. Forming the connective tissue of our communication networks and systems, this energy is ubiquitous and constantly active. With only a small portion of this energy providing internet access, our routers and devices ceaselessly shed wasted energy. This wasted energy is a reliable and untapped power source. The project, On the Poetics of Wireless Fidelity proposes a series of autonomous, self-powered sculptural-combines using the aforementioned repurposed energy in order to demonstrate and expose our hidden infrastructure. Technically, the art objects will exist as self-contained and free-standing sculptural-combines composed primarily of microcontrollers (Raspberry Pi) and organic LED screens that will run an AI world (a virtual life cycle) I have programmed. The code will duplicate itself according to the amount of wifi energy harvested. Visually, the work will not be executed as a dry imagining of these principles, but rather richly articulated in congress with my previous work and artistic language. I aim to execute this work so that it can exist partially or wholly outside as public sculpture. Ultimately, On the Poetics of Wireless Fidelity is a work about human sovereignty, illuminating the direct impact of technology on our lives. In a time where an ever-increasing feeling of isolation and alienation is perpetuated by the black-boxes of our smartphones, algorithms and energy sources the project provides much-needed literacy and understanding around our dependencies.
Read more about the project on Creative Capital’s website here:
https://creative-capital.org/projects/on-the-poetics-of-wireless-fidelity-wifi/
And watch the project video here: