'Techno-mask'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgUexbhY_vU


Technology:
The camera uses facial/voice recognition to transmit information about who the person wearing a mask is talking to, which feeds the screen with updates about the person, sort of like a 'prompter.' The recorder records the conversations and saves them to the screen also.

Some questions I asked myself after the project was done:
Are we technologically dependent? Are our identities 'masked' by technology?


To answer this question I will refer back to the analogy of the blind man. The stick enables him to walk, it is an extension to his bodily functions as mentioned previously. However the stick doesn't 'do that walking.' The blind man chooses if he wants to use his stick for support. Similarly we determine the technology we want to carry, use or wear. We choose our dependence upon technology. Our idenity depends on the technological preferences/choices we make to suit our comforts or demands.

Kerkythea Tryouts:

I am not sure if I like the outcome of Kerkythea, I feel a bit handicapped with the software. I guess I prefer the 'cardboard/paper texture' in google sketch up over a bronze/silver one. Also considering at the cost of the making of the mask it would be cheaper to create a mask that is made out of thick cardboard/paper, than a heavy silver/steel or bronze mask.

I designed the right hand side of the mask by mimicking the left hand side which I created previously. The 'origami/geometric patterns are still present. I was looking for some ideas about the screen, and what to do with that, and the 'sixth sense TED' video inspired me.

I was inspired by the technology shown in the second video at 6:48-7:04 where things about the student is displayed on his shirt. In my mask I want to create a screen that would remind me who I was talking to at a networking event. I believe that the product I am making will be useful at networking parties/events for models, film makers and photographers. It could also be a a good conversation starter, if its flaunted, ( just a thought:)

(I borrowed the texture of the screen from 3D Warehouse and I downloaded a 3D model of wireless USB from 3D Warehouse as well)

This dress was fashioned by Thierry Mugler. He was inspired by geometric forms and origami when he designed this dress. I find this piece aesthetically pleasing, especially the design of the dress which is quite avant-garde and 'in' right now. Pop stars like Lady Gaga have been inspired by this dress. I am attracted to the aesthetics of this particular style.

I decided to create a

fashionable mask inspired by geometric shapes. I am still deciding what the mask 'symbolizes.' Masks are used as disguise and entertainment purposes. I don't think that a technological mask is

needed to disguise someone's identity. I suppose it adds or extends someone's 'perspective.' It definitely serves the purpose of entertainment, innovation and style.

I read an intriguing article at CNN. The article started by "Some students joke that their teachers have eyes in the backs of their heads." In New York a professor implemented a camera at the back of his head which would take a photograph every minute of his daily activities. I find that he is 'extending' his physical capabilities by adding a 'third eye' to the back of his head. The article also mentions "We place a high value on his right to free expression in his creative work as an artist," said university spokesman John Beckman. "But as a school of the arts, we also take seriously the privacy issues his project raises." The camera is implemented on the 'techno-mask I have built is quite blatant, and the person who is talking to should be aware that he/she is being recorded so that the issue of privacy is avoided.

http://articles.cnn.com/2010-12-02/us/new.york.camera.head_1_wafaa-bilal-domestic-tension-art-project?_s=PM:US