ART COMMISSION:
products based on future CURRENCIES
Features: Relationships, Brooklyn, New York, May 2019.
Commissioned by Artist and Designer A.Kora to deliver a set of objects that questioned the modern meaning behind tangible economies. For example, what value based systems will we have in the future? Centuries ago we traded and bartered with salt, shells and food. In several cultures today we are experiencing the decline of cash and the rise of contactless cards. What materials or practices will become desirable enough to trade in the form of a tangible economy in the future? What will they look like?
INTRO
The increase in tech innovations and digital products that offer to seemingly solve just about any problem is becoming second nature in numerous cultures around the world. One could argue the increasing normality of our heavily digital world has undoubtedly advanced the human experience. Our overarching social construct is based on rapid connectivity. A video call to a friend across the world can take place in a matter of seconds. Virtually all our actions and entire existence can be represented on our smartphones (whether you like it or not).
The concept of “access” is limitless. It can be argued and easily understood that our increased connectivity and use of digital devices contribute immeasurably positive value to our modern 21st century lifestyles. However, it is important to ask what the negative impacts of digital “connectivity” are on the human condition. One negative impact which is largely ignored, is the increased exposure to man-made electromagnetic fields (EMFs), which are emitted from a range of digital devices, and have detrimental effects on our health.
The proposed set of five objects, titled “The Black Market ” range in value (inexpensive $, moderate $$, expensive $$$) and date (today’s world to our world in 2040) are all based in Shungite mineral - a natural material that has proven to absorb and block electromagnetic fields. A tangible currency based in Shungite, would make humanity revert back to earth’s natural resources to combat man-made negative effects from EMF exposure, thus repurposing an old and natural material for a modern context and need. Each object protects the user from EMF exposure and offers an additional function.
Cristina Carbajo © 2021