Date of Award

Spring 6-3-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Department

Digital Media

First Advisor

Shona Kitchen

Second Advisor

Fletcher Bach

Third Advisor

Jack Madden

Abstract

In today's society, technology has become an indispensable part of our lives, permeating our daily routines to the point where it feels as essential as the air we breathe. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the profound impact of technology, revealing its dual nature. While video conferencing bridged distances and connected people, the excessive use of social media drove wedges between them. As a multimedia artist, this thesis focuses on harnessing the positive potential of technology. Specifically, the objective is to employ technology as a medium to create art that fosters meaningful connections among individuals and conveys intricate emotions and complex relationships.

Interactive art serves as a perfect conduit for achieving these objectives as it captures attention and cultivates awareness through direct input and output mechanisms. Despite emotions and relationships being fundamental aspects of our lives, we often underestimate the struggles associated with them. Society tends to prioritize rationality and non-emotional behavior, mistakenly perceiving them as superior and more desirable traits. However, human interactions, including those involving technology, awaken individuals to their feelings and nonverbal responses, prompting a deeper understanding of themselves and their connections with others.

Through the exploration of human-computer interaction and physical computing, this thesis endeavors to facilitate social and relational awareness. A series of experiments and studies are conducted, focusing on the varying physical distances ranging from intimate proximity of 0cm to distances exceeding 18cm between individuals. By showcasing my creative works, I aspire to inspire individuals to embrace and cherish their special moments and emotions, fostering a greater sense of self-awareness and empathy.

Comments

View exhibition online: Jinha Kang, Mirage

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