Brooklyn artist Amber Kelly takes technology-based communication to a literal level in her art series 'For a Good Time, Text' that features several upcycled Blackberry phones.
The 'For a Good Time, Text' installation features several white plaster casts made of Kelly’s once beloved Blackberry. On top of each of the plaster Blackberry phones, Kelly has hand written in ink pieces of interactive messages she’s had with friends, strangers and loved ones. Each sender is featured in a different color, like black or blue, along with the sent date for viewers to tell who’s talking and when. The installation brings into question how our technology-savvy generation defines itself through texting as a form of portraiture and archiving our thoughts, emotions and feelings.
Upcycled Smartphone Installations
Amber Kelly’s Art Series Turns Blackberry Phones into Portraits
Trend Themes
1. Upcycled Technology - There is an opportunity for disruptive innovation by repurposing and upcycling old electronic devices into artwork or functional items.
2. Interactive Art - The use of interactive elements in art installations can create immersive and engaging experiences for viewers, opening up new possibilities for artistic expression.
3. Digital Identity - Exploring how technology and communication shape our identities, both individually and as a generation, can lead to innovations in self-expression and personal archiving.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Design - The art industry can benefit from embracing upcycled technology as a medium and incorporating interactive elements to enhance viewer engagement.
2. Consumer Electronics - The consumer electronics industry can explore opportunities to repurpose old devices in creative ways, such as collaborating with artists to create unique products or installations.
3. Digital Communication - The field of digital communication can innovate by examining the impact of technology on identity formation and finding new ways to archive and represent personal experiences.