At this stage I also had another idea that could maybe later form a project, based more strongly around the current debates relating to the rights of a cyber-citizen whilst also pulling from the research into Aaron Koblin’s work (particularly the projects; Ten Thousand Cents, The Sheep Market and The Single Lane Superhighway).
This project idea relates to free speech and how the internet and digital technology allows people to express their opinions, either through anonymity or through the digital realm offering a safe place to do so.
With the ever growing and expansion of the internet, it would seem that problems occurring around the globe are being heard, sometimes leading to solutions being made through the global networked community.
The premise for the project was to enhance the use of digital media for good, to hopefully lead and fuel liberation, whilst also including one of the key aspects to the rights of a cyber-citizen, freedom of speech for the expression of our views.
From this the idea for a possible project, titled ‘Planet’s of Change’ came to light. A project who’s aim is to get spectators to think, explore contributions and make their own based around issues effecting the world today.
The idea for the project is that each user will draw a planet. This planet can be drawn to the specifications of the contributor.
Their individual planet is to be attached to a message or statement, relating to how they feel the world can become a better place, how it can be ‘liberated from an issue’ or a topic they feel needs to be addressed or discussed.
The contributor will be able to link their planet to a social network account under their name (or they can post anonymously). From here they will be able to send their planet off to join a digital solar system. A digital solar system that will hopefully become filled with planets contributed by a number of users.
When viewing the project, you will be able to click on each planet to bring up a clearer image of it, along with the attached message and details about the owner of the planet.
At this moment I imagine the project being displayed at the Frequency festival as a projection on a large wall inside a dark room. Spectators will view the project as a visual representation, with the contributed planets all in orbit around a centre (maybe earth for sentimental reasons or simply a sun).
During the Frequency festival spectators will also have the chance to contribute to the project, enabling them to see the birth of their planet into the digital solar system.
I feel this project can be engaged with by a range of users (including age) to bring about discussions that are formed by digital citizens themselves.
– Michael