Digital DNA: The Construction of Identity

Abstract

This research documentation is an exploration of our growing digital culture, with an emphasis on the use of Social Media. It looks into the psychological aspects behind the use of technology as a viable means of communication and the construction of online identities. The paper discusses the concept of Technological Determinism, and whether we as a society are being controlled by advancements in digital technology or if we actually maintain that level of control over technology. It also highlights the use of digital technology in the ceramic art making process, and examines the changing narrative of contemporary ceramics. The paper is a personal reflection of my evolving observations of the nuanced characteristics of humanity. Studio Work: My body of work titled Digital DNA; The Construction of Identity, was installed at Sydney College of the Arts, University of Sydney, as part of my Master of Fine Arts examination in June, 2017. The work consists of ten 3D printed ceramic sculptures that are informed using visual data collected from the Social Media platform, Instagram. Each of the ten sculptures represents a snapshot of the different personality types who use Instagram from ten selected cities around the world. Through a process of visual analysis and personal assessment, the personality type of the Instagram users is identified and categorised. This information is then used to construct a physical representation of the intangible human traits, using the aid of digital technology such as 3D modelling and printing. Aesthetically, my artwork identifies with contemporary architectural forms. This communicates the idea of constructing a whole image or story based on seemingly trivial clues left behind by the online user. The artwork also highlights the significance of the object in the ephemeral nature of the digital world. The sculptures are printed three dimensionally in a stoneware clay body, and finished in a matte white underglaze to reference that of white paper or card, traditionally used to create scaled architectural models. The pieces are placed in their relative geographic position on the world map.