I regularly look for interesting intersections of tech, art, and meaning. This installation on Empathy reminded me of discussions from years ago around how connected mobile devices could be used as ambient emotional connections.
With this installation, I want to show how, through simple interactions, we make new relationships with others and might be made aware that each and every one of these can contribute to the strengthening of humankind. I believe this is the true meaning of empathy. from: Yuki Anai, Empathy
Here’s a poem I wrote (with inspiration and input from the rest of the design team) at a workshop long ago.
Her presence permeated the ordinary,Lighting our pockets along the way.We smile, and miss her.With a sniff of sadness,She knows we are here.by: Phil, Riitta, Timo, and CharlieEspoo – 31jan07
This installation on empathy really caught my attention, though, not only because it does that cross-experiential mix-up I so enjoy, but because it tied back to another, more recent thought I had regarding making the intangible tangible.
What does dignity look like?
One of those intangibles I’ve ben pondering is dignity. World and local events have brought human dignity and what it means back to the top of daily discussions. I believe strongly that we should all have a universal commitment to individual dignity, and for us to take the balanced actions we need to take as a society, we need to make decisions informed by individual dignity. Just ask yourself how this year would have been different if the powers that be actually considered human dignity.
So, in my current mind wave around tangible experiences, I’ve asked myself ‘what does dignity look like?’
I’ve not come to an answer or a tangible concept, but this empathy installation would certainly resonate well with whatever dignity would look like.
Image from: Yuki Anai, Empathy (via Creative Applications Network)
