We live in a consumerist world. Our products have short life spans- we buy them to throw them out, barely conscious of the environmental and social impact this has, such as deforestation, water pollution, child labor, and life-threatening working conditions. Some of us are aware, but indifferent.
This ignorance and indifference magnifies the problems and injustices we face today as a society, as everyday people refuse to take an active roll in bettering the situation. Even worse, we are actively enabling the mistreatment of the less fortunate and the destruction of our ecosystems by buying from unsustainable companies. We feel good about ourselves for recycling or publicly disagreeing with child labor, but then we go ahead and pay companies that pollute our oceans, fill our landfills and make money off the back of those who can’t stand up for themselves.
I want my project to expose this issue, targeting those who actively make purchases without thinking of the consequences. I want to create an interactive art installation that makes the user think about what they stand for- what they promote. For this purpose, I will focus on fast fashion.
I will create a display where users must choose a product they want to buy or a store they want to shop from. Once they choose it, a projection will display quick-paced, shocking clips of the irresponsible actions that allow these companies to make as much money as they do.
I am still unsure as to the exact structure of the installation. Much testing and prototyping is still required to decide what form of display is both feasible and impactful. At the moment, I am considering various options for the user interface: a screen, a holograph, physical buttons and switches, etc. I will order the prototyping material by Thursday November 28th. By Sunday, December 1st, I will have done research on the particular impact each company I choose has on the environment. On this day I will also order any material I need for the final design. On December 2nd I will create the video content that will be projected, on the 3rd I will write the code I need and on the 4th, I will start assembling the installation.
I will look through news media, documentaries, and reports on fast fashion to inform myself more on the subject. One very strong inspiration for my project is the documentary “The True Cost” by Andrew Morgan, where he explores fast fashion and it’s effects on our society. Visually, I will draw inspiration from Daan Roosegaard’s work and Nick Verstand’s Aura Interactive Audiovisual Installation.