Loukanikos & Kanellos (Sausage and Cinnamon)

Loukanikos & Kanellos (Sausage and Cinnamon)

Loukanikos & Kanellos (Sausage and Cinnamon)

Loukanikos & Kanellos (Sausage and Cinnamon) delves into the capacity of technology to represent, trigger, and enhance social participation of individuals. Consisting of a live simulation on a diorama where each participating spectator is inserted in, this work uses self-perception theory , and the story of the Riot Dogs to rethink social engagement in the digital era.

In 2011, the Greek government faced one of the strongest aftermaths of the 2007-2008 U.S financial crisis and neared total bankruptcy. Reforms inflicted by the European Union led to loss of income, retirement pensions, and property for Greek citizens. These reforms triggered mass protests and clashes with the police in Athens. Among dissidents were anarchists, socialists and even conservatives, but also among them stray dogs of the city joined protestors. Two of the most famous were Loukanikos, which became Time's Person-of-the-year in 2011, and Kanellos. These dogs’ selflessness, dedication, and their presence is what I believe transformed these animals into icons.

Visually, Loukanikos & Kanellos is an augmented reality projection inserted onto a scaled replica of the Greek parliament and accessible through a tablet. The projection embodies the events regarding the 2011 Greek anti-austerity movement. To have access to this part of the work, visitors have to answer a quick questionnaire on an app. The algorithm will then create a character and insert it in the crowd. They can then see themselves in the scene through the tablet screen. The higher the result of their answer, the closer the visitor would be from the dogs. Finally, they will be able to receive a list of local NGOs in link with the answers given to enhance their social action.

- 1 diorama 105 x 68 x38 cm
- 2 samsung tablets
- 1 plinth
- 1 looped hd video

www.pierrechaumont.com/loukanikos

https://vimeo.com/606585495

www.pierrechaumont.com

Bettering the life of others and yourself requires the consciousness of your own capability. Technology has the power not only to reveal this but to enhance it. Loukanikos & Kanellos is a ground-breaking work as it aims to trigger such individual power. By situating them in the simulation, and by contrast also showing what is possible, this work explores the many different possibilities within us. In a mix of humor and shock, this series allows the viewers to see themselves but also to give them the tool to push their participation even further. Loukanikos & Kanellos is the blueprint for a better and more compassionate future.