#freePrometheus (2018). Interactive data-driven installation (plexiglass, led lights, custom electronics, custom software)
SOCIAL THINGS
#freePrometheus is the second project of the Social Things series. Social Things are hacked everyday objects that dynamically change parameters of their functionality according to real-time data retrieved from social media activity. They critically reflect on issues related to social media (ab)use such as narcissistic behaviors of the digital self, dataveillance and data misuse, and the environmental impact of online social activity. The Social Things series consists of three artworks: inflated_ego, #freeprometheus and eCO2system.
#FREEPROMETHEUS
The figure of Prometheus Bound is transferred to our current reality of ceaseless social media presence. A campaign in favor of the political prisoner appears on social media using the hashtag #freePrometheus. The supporters of the campaign demand the release of the political prisoner, through their posts. However, the data stream is surveilled by an algorithm, that detects posts tagged with the hashtag #freePrometheus. The authorities use the pro-Prometheus post against Prometheus, gradually destroying the gift that he offered to humanity: the fire.
The data-driven installation consists of a light source, a lamp, which symbolizes Prometheus’ fire. The installation receives and processes data from the social media platform Twitter, and it detects the tweets tagged with the hashtag #freePrometheus. A custom algorithm controls the data flow, so every time someone uses this hashtag, the light source fades out, until it gets completely dark. The form of the installation simulates -through the use of new technologies (led lights and plexiglass tubes)- the plant narthex (a kind of cane), where Prometheus hid the fire when he stole it from Hephaestus, according to the myth.
The artwork invites visitors to interact by publishing tweets tagged with the hashtag #freePrometheus and to observe how the installation is transformed dynamically according to the received data. Simultaneously, it invites them to reflect on the gradual substitution of active sociopolitical action with the passive exchange of digital data, the dataveillance and control by authorities and the divergence between digital and physical identities, intentions and actions.
Exhibition:
Prometheus 2.0 group exhibition in the context of Tragedy 2.0_Athens 2018 Research and Arts Program for the Ancient Drama and the Digital Age. Michael Cacoyannis Foundation. Athens, October 2018
Related talk:
“Augmented objects interacting with social media activity” @ Ionian Academy, Corfu, May 2019
Co-production: peqpez.net & Michael Cacoyannis Foundation
#freePrometheus set-up scheme:
#freePrometheus @ Prometheus 2.0 exhibition @ Michael Cacoyannis Foundation:
Setting up the Prometheus 2.0 exhibition @ Michael Cacoyannis Foundation, Athens:
peqpez 
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