Embroidering a Computer (work in progress)
in collaboration with Ebru Kurbak, Stitching Worlds
Engineering Assistance: Matthias Mold
Metal Embroidery Assistance: Susanne Frantal, Sophie Fürnkranz
Generative Routing Pattern Assistance: Raimund Krennmüller
Crafting Assistants: Angela Posch, Eva Ganglbauer, Anna Masoner, Ramona Hirt, Ngo Thi Dao Nha, Pascale Ballieul, Katharina Spiel, Isabella Wöber
Embroidering a Computer (work in progress) is an exploration into using historic gold embroidery materials and knowledge to craft a programmable 8 bit computer.
Solely a variety of metal threads, magnetic, glas and metal beads, and being inspired by traditional crafting routines and patterns, the piece questions the appearance of current digital and electronic technologies surrounding us, as well as our interaction with them.
Technically, the piece consists of (textile) relays, similar to early computers before the invention of semiconductors. Visually, the gold materials, here used for their conductive properties, arranged into specific patterns to fulfill electronic functions, dominate the work. Traditionally purely decorative, their pattern here defines they function. They lay bare core digital routines usually hidden in black boxes. Users are invited to interact with the piece in programming the textile to compute for them.
Timelapse video of the embroidery process
Embroidering a Computer, Making Of
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Embroidering A Computer (work-in-progress). January 30 – February 3 2017. AIL – Angewandte Innovation Lab, Vienna, AT.