Little Juju is a technically functional system of wearables which facilitate non-verbal communication between individuals in a state of increasing political and social instability. The electronic components are housed in accessories and base stations, each with a unique form.
EXHIBITED AT GALLERY OPEN, CAMBRIDGE
Wiena Lin
Artist, Design + Fabrication
Artist, Design + Fabrication
Ayo Okunseinde
Artist, Electronics Design + Programming
Artist, Electronics Design + Programming
THE SYSTEM
Little Juju objects wirelessly transmit energy (electromagnetic and the unexplained) in the space between us. Little Juju “Talismans” embody behavioral imprints of its wearers which get aggregated in the “Hearts”. The system has an emergent quality that conjures the mystical out of the digital, countering the social-emotional disintegration that is coupled with increasing digitization. Little Juju, via tactile ritual objects grounds us to community, location, and the fleeting natural world.
THE SYSTEM
Little Juju objects wirelessly transmit energy (electromagnetic and the unexplained) in the space between us. Little Juju “Talismans” embody behavioral imprints of its wearers which get aggregated in the “Hearts”. The system has an emergent quality that conjures the mystical out of the digital, countering the social-emotional disintegration that is coupled with increasing digitization. Little Juju, via tactile ritual objects grounds us to community, location, and the fleeting natural world.(tap image for details)
MICROCONTROLLER
"Talismans" wirelessly transmit Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signals to "Hearts" via RFduinos. The Raspberry Pi within the Hearts then uploads the data to the cloud via a cellular network.
INPUT
A flex sensor and custom-made galvanic skin response monitor (GSR) relay signals from the wearer to the Heart.
OUTPUT
The Heart wirelessly distributes visual and haptic signals to the wearable technology Talismans.
MICROCONTROLLER
"Talismans" wirelessly transmit Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signals to "Hearts" via RFduinos. The Raspberry Pi within the Hearts then uploads the data to the cloud via a cellular network.
INPUT
A flex sensor and custom-made galvanic skin response monitor (GSR) relay signals from the wearer to the Heart.
OUTPUT
The Heart wirelessly distributes visual and haptic signals to the wearable technology Talismans.
SELECT
TALISMANS
GOAT JAW NECKLACE
A proof of concept for implants for teeth in humans, each tooth is an interchangeable module which form an easily customizable system. Capabilities for each tooth module include sensors for light, movement, and emotional state (GSR). Modules for receiving signals include vibration and light output.
EARLOBE PLUG
Created as jewelry for body modification, the copper cylinder rests inside of an elongated earlobe. A geode houses a light sensor and LED output. The copper cylinder transmits data on emotional state (GSR) while housing the microcomputer.
SELECT TALISMANS
GOAT JAW NECKLACE
A proof of concept for implants for teeth in humans, each tooth is an interchangeable module which form an easily customizable system. Capabilities for each tooth module include sensors for light, movement, and emotional state (GSR). Modules for receiving signals include vibration and light output.
EARLOBE PLUG
Created as jewelry for body modification, the copper cylinder rests inside of an elongated earlobe. A geode houses a light sensor and LED output. The copper cylinder transmits data on emotional state (GSR) while housing the microcomputer.
INSPIRATION
With increasing threats to socio-political stability and institutional infrastructure, Okunseinde and I look to the resourcefulness of pre-industrial cultures in the creation of Little Juju. This body of work specifically refers to the Samburu of Northern Kenya, with whom I've done extensive research while volunteering with The Thorn Tree Project.
