Internet of Other People's Things - dealing with the pathologies of our digital world
An open access publication bringing together critical perspectives on ubiquitous technologies and asymmetric battles for power.
Please send your email submissions to: OPEN CALL CLOSED! Website Link: http://opencall.kairus.org/
by Linda Kronman & Andreas Zingerle (KairUs Art+Research) and Jonathan Woodier (Sol International School’s Department of Global Media and Communications Arts (South Korea), Associate Fellow of the Strategic Communications Centre at King’s College, London)
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS (DEADLINE April 30, 2018)
The expansion of the ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) and the proliferation of virtually-connected data points are providing ever increasing amounts of information for those keen on use or abuse. The Hobbesian nature of cyberspace, where entry points for hacking abound and “smart” appliances can monitor a consumer’s every thought and action and threatening to eclipse human discretion. The massive implementation of IoT in hyper-connected urban environments, paths the way to technocratic governance and urban development, corporatizing our living spaces into lock-in, hack-able, "pan optic” smart cities. Citizens are the ultimate actuators of a city. How are citizens involved in co-design collaborations with private corporations and the public sector to build better cities? In this cyberwar of ideas, an asymmetric battle for power and influence, systems will have to be more robust and people will have to be more vigilant, communication more strategic.
We seek submissions from researchers, artists, hackers, makers, activists, developers, and designers that explore vulnerabilities in IoT devices and other embedded systems e.g. in smart cities. We aim to bring artworks, projects, and essays together to create new critical perspectives on ubiquitous technologies. We need standpoints that provide balance to the technotopias of smart city propaganda and cases that look beyond what mainstream developers offer.
WILL I FIT THIS CALL?As a context we are looking for artworks, projects and essays that:
- Expose vulnerabilities in IoT devices and other embedded systems
- Problematize the corporatization of city governance in Smart Cities
- Provide examples of citizen sensitive/citizen science projects in which technology is used to reclaim control of our living environments
- Critically examine ubiquitous technologies
- Reflect on the uncritical excitement about virtual reality, artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Draw speculative scenarios of near futures in remotely controlled smart cities and/or networked homes
- Adress dark ecologies and non-human-agents in emerging eco-green infrastructures
We are also looking for examples outside the traditional boundaries of academic research.
Projects that abuse to expose, artistic research, and tacit knowledge that is produced through cultures of making, hacking, and reverse engineering.
Is your research related to the topics? Do you have a project that fits the scope?
If so, submit an abstract or a short description of your project (500 words). In case of a project or artwork please include links to supporting materials e.g. webpage, demo video, artwork. We will be in contact with authors/artist/makers to discuss the final submissions format which may take form of essays, artwork/project papers, or interviews.
HOW WILL IT BE PUBLISHED?
In a similar fashion as our earlier book 'Behind the Smart World – saving, deleting and resurfacing data', we intend to edit an open access publication that is freely distributed online, combined with hard copies that that may be sold to cover printing costs. To create further dialog amongst authors and with the public a possible offshoot of the publication can take the form of a series of network meetings and an exhibition series.
Contact: Linda Kronman, Andreas Zingerle Website Link: http://opencall.kairus.org/