Sheep Conversations

Sheep Conversations

Sheep Conversations

Critiquing on the use of smart devices and digital media and our loss of authentic connection within the physical space.
This project focuses on creating connection between people within a physical space. It is in response towards 21st century’s hyper-individualistic and competitive society that has ultimately led to a wider social gap and wealth inequality. Digital media has connected humans globally but, at the same time, has made us more distant to those around us. The project responds to our digital age by implementing digital media within the work as it has also contributed towards our polarised world whilst finding creative ways to build connection that allows us to come closer to authenticity and closeness towards one another. The piece aimed be raw, authentic and confronting. In this work, we see three sheep in a room interacting with 3 different smart devices that showcases three different social media platforms.

Individual sheep dimension estimation: 70 cm (H) x 105 cm (L) 40 cm (W)
Galvanised wire mesh, aluminium foil, papier-mâché, acrylic paint, polyester fibre, smart phones, smart tablet.

https://www.oliviawu.net/

My work relates to the theme because it critiques the mass-consumption of digital media and smart devices. Although these devices are designed to make our lives easier and entertaining, it could potentially threaten and cost us our humanity (just as the industrial civilisation and mass-consumption of physical products threatens our Earth). Us humans are good at finding solutions to problems, but not good at preventing them. Now, we are mostly fighting to solve problems we have created. Smart devices and digital media truthfully were designed to predict our futures for the sake of others' gain and not ours. Technology and digital media has already resulted in a highly competitive, individualistic and polarised society which also amplifies wealth inequality. My work aims to show the audience the affects of digital media and promote a sense of community and authentic connection within the space that helps us think more about others rather than just our personal gain.