“Voice”: a jacket to say what you want. Anywhere. Anytime.
At Khoj, as part of the Peers 08 residency for masters students. one of the things I have been working on is this as-yet-untitled jacket. The jacket has velcro at the back and different modules can be attached to it.
The first module I have worked on is this array of LEDs, which with a stencil can spell out different words. It is intended to be a platform and mechanism for people to say what they want in cities. Across boundaries and restrictions and politics.
Some quick pictures of the jacket:
(the front)
(the back)
And of the initial trial of the prototype in Khirkee (around Khoj):
(explaining the project to some curious Delhi cops)
Yesterday night I started walking around different parts of Delhi (Okhla, Priya cinema, Bhikaji Cama place, Khirkee) and tonight will be walking around more neighborhoods. Sundeep has been photographing the walks/performances. Will post the pictures here soon.
The statements (in Hindi) I have been wearing are:
- Mein Ujala Hoon (I am the light)
- Naya Rasta (New way)
- Yeh meri jagah hai (This is my place)
- Khelo (Play)
As part of the “modular jacket” project, I am making other modules which can be attached at the back of the jacket too. Will write more about them soon.
Hi Prayas,
Have you seen Heidi Kumao’s work?
she’s used arrays of led and sensors to have her garments reflect her environment.
http://www.heidikumao.net/
Hi Gabe,
Thanks for the link. The project sounds fantastic, and trying to find out more about the technical aspect of it! Will be posting more pics of my performance here soon. The jacket has to start looking better
Will start working on the next version soon!
Great project Prayas. How are you generating statements to be worn? How will distribute the technology? Is there a way that people can submit statements to you that they want displayed? Very cool.
Walking around Delhi, many ppl were interested in having the jacket, right now I think I will distribute this thru workshops… make your own jacket across a few days or something. I was thinking more in the direction of people making their own jackets to have their own messages, but submitting messages to me sounds like a great idea too! will think more around that…
hey guys it looks like an excellent idea. I would want to know more. but i dont know who to get in touch with…will anybody just let me know who’s brainchild it is after all and how could i get more info on this