Logo image
The Quantified Earth [This Must Be The Place]
Sculpture

The Quantified Earth [This Must Be The Place]

Erica Mealy
This Must Be The Place (Fortitude Valley, Australia, 30-Oct-2015–27-Nov-2015)
2015
pdf
PDF - Research Statement195.54 kBDownloadView
Research Statement (supplemental) Open Access

Abstract

Other Information and Computing Sciences Visual Arts and Crafts
The Quantified Earth explores the intersection of Art, Science and Technology to examine how people understand the health of the earth. Research Background Field: Visual Art, Digital Technology Context: The quantified self is a biometric self-tracking movement that improves the health of the participant though knowledge and understanding of their current health. The Quantified Earth explores the intersection of Art, Science and Technology to examine how people understand the health of the earth. Research Contribution The Quantified Earth takes the position that if we cared for, understood and could consume the data we already collect about the state of the earth, it’s weather systems and climate, perhaps on an individual level we would make more of an effort to care for the earth and its future. The Quantified Earth is represented by a stethoscope, a Globe with a giant red Fitbit Flex, with is characteristic 5 flashing lights. The Flex’s lights are designed to give the wearer an easy to read (and understand) read-out of their activity that day. By constructing a giant flex for the earth, this piece provokes thought on how to measure and easily understand the current state of the Earth. The fitbit is constructed from 5 neopixel LEDs, an Adafruit Flora Arduino programmed microcontroller, copper wire, Resin and plasticine. Quantified earth represents a novel use of digital technology, visual arts and electronics to elicit reflection on the health of the earth. Research Significance The Quantified Earth was part of the Science program of ‘Vital Signs: Festival of Art, Science and Ideas’, Co-Presented by Backbone Youth Arts and Metro Arts, and hosted at Metro Arts Brisbane from January 15 – 17, 2016. The Quantified Earth was represented as an image in the pre-festival Image gallery at This Must Be The Place in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, which ran from 30th October to 27 November 2015. Media coverage included Artist interviewed for 4zzz Breakfast with Andrew Bartlett, rolling coverage on Brisbane Radio Station 4ZZZ, Articles in: SceneStr magazine, Concrete Playground Brisbane, XSEntertainment, Australian Cultural Fund, AusDance Qld. Official Partners: Australia Council for the Arts, Brisbane City Council, Arts Queensland, Metro Arts, The Edge, Flip Creative, CPC, 4ZZZ, Scenestr, Creative Distribution, and This Must Be The Place. #1 - https://www.wired.com/2009/06/lbnp-knowthyself/

Details

Metrics

5 File views/ downloads
63 Record Views
Logo image