presentation: Isaac Monté , In4Art

Prosthetic X

by Isaac Monté and In4Art

29 Nis 2022
12 Ağs 2022

“True beauty comes from within”, a statement that transcends the test of time and often grows stronger as we age. In parallel to this growing sense of beauty is the universal need to nurture ourselves, stay active, and stay healthy.

What if there are new ways for us to keep healthy? To stimulate active living, and balance the inevitable age-related decline of our physical selves? 

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Catching Waves - PX VI – Signaling exposure to radio waves This prosthetic is worn on the earlobe and feeds on radio waves, growing and shrinking depending on the intensity of waves surrounding the wearer. We are continuously exposed to a wide range of electromagnetic radiation: radio waves from Bluetooth, microwave ovens, WiFi, 5G and GPS. Small, invisible particles are transmitted through the air, making the lives we live today possible. However, the long term impact on health of this is still unknown and requires further research.  This prosthetic… Monica Monté, Isaac Monté

About the exhibition

Imagine a future where we have a data organ that shows how healthy we are. An artificial extension of our body that indicates the quality of the air around us, and our exposure to UV.

This is the speculative scenario Prosthetic X is exploring, an art-driven innovation project that stimulates the thinking about how, why and who gains insight in your personal health data. Asking questions about our ageing society and our beauty standards, prosthetic X invites you to think about what it would be like if we would wear our data on our skin.

What to expect

Prosthetic X is a technological artificial data organ, which is strongly reminiscent of a natural organ, with nine prostheses that serve as aesthetic indicators for the functioning - or non-functioning - of the body. The exhibitions displays these interactive protheses alongside an explanatory film.

The nine protheses respond and adapt in real time to the wearer’s inner health, external condition and social interactions. A series of body extensions that live, breathe, move and change colour - like the organs in our body. They change by responding to personal health data, social data, and external measurements. In addition, there is a tenth prosthesis: the exo-organ, which to be worn by a loved one or caregiver. This last protheses, allows a dedicated other to gain insight into the wellbeing of the wearer from a distance.

Isaac Monté

Isaac Monté is a visual artist who creates design objects and installations as a reaction to social, ecological or economical problems. He uses design as a medium to transform forgotten or overlooked problems into possibilities and opportunities.

In the past Monté designed birdhouses made out of cigarette filters and a collection of masks made out of fur from roadkill. The work of Monté has been on show in a variety of museums, galleries and exhibitions around the world. "The Meat Project" is part of the permanent collection of The Centre Pompidou, Paris.  

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Air Flutter - PX IV – Showing the surrounding air quality Showing the surrounding air quality   This prosthetic is worn on the nose and communicates the air quality of the wearer's environment. It is inspired by gills that purify air and mimics how butterflies protect their wings - closing to camouflage and hide themselves in poor environments, while opening up in all its beauty when surrounded by clean air. This prosthetic is intended to benefit the community at large: it alerts of air pollution and empowers the desire and behavior to be surrounded… Monica Monté, Isaac Monté

This prosthetic is worn on the earlobe and feeds on radio waves, growing and shrinking depending on the intensity of waves surrounding the wearer. We are continuously exposed to a wide range of electromagnetic radiation: radio waves from Bluetooth, microwave ovens, WiFi, 5G and GPS. Small, invisible particles are transmitted through the air, making the lives we live today possible. However, the long term impact on health of this is still unknown and requires further research.  This prosthetic collects data and enables future health research on radio waves.  Materials: Ecoflex rubber/Custom made electronics/Compressor/Air waves By: Isaac Monté

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Loneliness is a threat for the ageing population. Those experiencing loneliness experience higher health risks such as heart disease, cognitive decline and depression. Social isolation can be overcome by initiating conversations and reaching out to others, and fostering connections with like-minded people around you.  This prosthetic is programmed with the wearers' interests. When approaching someone with a shared interest, it starts to flicker to draw attention to the wearer and attract and encourage conversation. It is inspired by peacock feathers, impressive displays conveying the wish to communicate and connect. Since it is placed on the top of the head, it serves the additional aesthetic purpose in that the wearer doesn't have to worry about losing hair or a receding hairline.  Materials: Glass fiber/LED's/Custom made electronics By: Isaac Monté

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Anemone Movement - PX III – Stimulating daily activity This prosthetic consists of five elements placed on the eyebrow, and is intended to signify and encourage active living. Under the recommendation that we move and take ∼8000 steps a day, this prosthetic responds to steps and movement and 'opens up', incentivising the wearer to keep reaching new goals.  Each time the wearer has reached a new goal, a new element lights up. At the end of the week, the wearer could have five shining elements, showing the wearer's vitality.    materials: UV… Monica Monté, Isaac Monté

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Blow Up - PX II – Stimulating a relaxed breathing pattern/frequency Our breathing frequency has many variations and the ideal rate is different for everyone. However, most people are unaware of their breathing pattern and breath extensively, being short of breath and feeling fatigue. With this in mind, this prosthetic is placed around the neck, creating an external trache and emphasizing the importance of balanced oxygen intake. It is inspired by Caulerpa lentillifera or sea grapes, which, like any other algae, transform CO2 into oxygen.  The prosthetic… Monica Monté, Isaac Monté