Dis-Connect



Dis-connect (2021) consists of a group of digital works that aim to create consciousness surrounding the topic of social media in present reality. The works reflect on the impact that the internet and social media have had on our society and its turnover. There was a time when the internet used to be an escape from reality, but now, the natural reality proves to be an escape from the digital realm. We find ourselves encompassed by immeasurable amounts of data and information, hardly ever filtered and always open to interpretation. What has proven to be a medium for innovation and connection, has also driven us apart. Disconnecting from the real world and turning to the internet becomes a wonderful escape, one that can’t seem to escape its definition. The word Disconnect, first shown in English in the mid-1700s, was a verb meaning to destroy the logical connection between things or to cause things to become disjointed. It comes from the Latin prefix dis (apart) and the verb conectere (to join together). 


This seems to be the case with our digital reality, one in which we can either choose to grow apart or to be joined together. An idea that is highlighted by the biggest social media apps, their creators, and their main slogans. Each work contains slogans from the biggest virtual networks. These ironically go against the message that’s being portrayed. Take a look at Snapchat, whose slogan offers an inspiring “Life’s more fun when you live in the moment”. So, as you use the app the most special moments are being recorded, from a screen rather than through your own eyes. Likewise, in London, violent acts are being recorded among teenagers, where the assassinations between thirteen-year-olds with zombie knives are being fueled through the use of Snapchat’s platform. You can either join or watch. This is obviously an extreme case, but just one amongst the multiple tragedies that have surfaced through the unfiltered use of digital platforms. Information is being fed at milliseconds, nonstop. How this information is used is where the issue surfaces until an undesired outcome. The surrealistic flowers are representations of death and allure. These are the most toxic flowers on the planet. They are certainly beautiful, ironically breathtaking. It only takes a small amount of these to terminate the most naive soul. They remain as metaphors for social media apps. Enticing and harmless, yet the more you stare and ingest them, the sooner you are to an inevitable doomed. It’s the conscious distance that keeps us safe, one that we most seem to lack when it comes to the digital realm. Not by surprise, as the algorithms are fed up with insufferable amounts of data, making digital avatars of our personas, containing our utmost, deepest desires. As we navigate an intricate universe, one of our own creations. Appreciate the sense of togetherness and opportunity that it has brought
upon us, but remain wary as the longer you stare the more apart you might find yourself.

Disconnect, welcome the digital realm.
  

Brugmansia is a toxic plant. Also known
as “Angel’s Trumpet”.

All of it’s parts are considered poisonous. Symptoms may include thirst, troubled speech, difficulty swallowing, vomiting and diarrhea. It may also cause severe fever, any confusion, hallucinations, delirium, dilated pupils, seizures and coma. It has caused Death in the past. It’s perfume can cause irritation, pounding headaches. It can also develop into nausea, and body light-headedness. Eye contact with it may cause pupil dilation and temporary blindness.

Proceed with caution.
 
Digitale purpurea is a toxic plant. Also known as “Lady’s glove”.

All of it’s parts are considered poisonous. Symptoms may include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, a slow heart rate, tiredness and dizziness. Any Contact with the sap may possibly cause skin irritation This plant may contain chemicals that affect the heart when ingested. In healthy adults, a dose of less than 5 milligrams can cause a severe case of toxicity. While a dose of more than 10 mg is almost always fatal.

Proceed with caution.
Iris Sibirica is a toxic plant. Also known as “Iris”.

All of it’s parts are considered poisonous. Symptoms may include skin irritation from dermal exposure. It may also cause nausea and vomiting. In the case of a substantial ingestion it can also result in abdominal pain and diarrhea. It may also cause fever. It is not letal. It’s roots can be the most poisonous part. Symptoms can also include a burning mouth and throat sensation. Any contact with the leaves, seeds, or roots may result in a case of dermatitis. 

Proceed with caution.

Lilium is a toxic plant. Also known as “Lily”. 

All of it’s parts are considered poisonous. Symptoms may include diarrhea, loss of appetite, vomiting, drowsiness, and weakness. It can also result in vision blurriness and depression might also result in contact with the plant on a chronic overdose. It’s flowers, fruit, leaves and sap are considered poisonous. The sap inside the leaves can cause skin burning, mouth blistering and also esophagus damage if the leaves are chewed and swallowed.
 
Proceed with caution. 

    Disconnect, welcome the natural realm


    The Intertwining is the next realm in which Dis-Connect takes place. Originating from the (apart) and (to join together), which intertwine to form Dis-Connect. A word based on the opposition of the two, to mean the complete opposite.

    The Intertwining is the combination of the natural versus the meta. Where do we draw the line between the digital, represented by the silver cube, and the natural, represented by nature itself and an array of toxic flowers. Its the next step, one where we find an interesting play between nature existing in digital, whilst also reinforcing the idea that the digital therefore can exist in nature. This is an exhibition proposal, which I would not only extend to the digital, but also in the natural.