How do machines perceive humans and how do humans observe each other (or themselves) through machines? Critically analysing our dependence on technological systems is a major challenge in an ever more digitalised 21. century. Normative-technological artefacts such as machines, applications and systems are the result of contingent conditions and authorial decision-making. Their design, which is always an interpretative act informed by cultural resources, discourses, morals and aesthetics, has intended and unintended consequences. Still, the belief in technical rationality and objectivity persists.
Fernando Obieta's aim is to explore the effects of ostensibly neutral, normative-technological systems on those who use them, with his investigation extending to the practices of their production. In his research, he uses processes of art and media theory to develop ways of discussing these systems as contingent and culturally situated phenomena. In doing so, he establishes possible ways towards an ethics of design in times of digitalisation.
Image: Obieta, Fernando, & Vogel, Gregor. (2023). forever [sound installation]. As exhibited at Kunst(Zeug)Haus, Rapperswil-Jona 2023.
