A(ssimilated) or B(iased)
In Marshall McLuhan's 1967 book, "The Medium Is the Massage: An Inventory of Effects," he astutely examined how the adoption of new media shapes our perception of the world. McLuhan approached these mediums with analytical precision, dissecting how visual and auditory formats influence our senses, cautioning that passive acceptance of media could lead to mental numbness. This notion resonates in today's world, where the media plays a pivotal role in disseminating information. However, it's imperative to recognize that media isn't impartial; it caters to specific demographics and often conveys biased narratives. This contrast is vividly illustrated in my own family, where my mother relies on television for news, finding comfort in its simplicity and perceived accuracy, while I, on the other hand, turn to social media for information, enjoying the flexibility and immediacy it offers. This divergence in media preference has not only created a divide between us but also amplified our differing political and social perspectives, discouraging meaningful dialogue and understanding. This installation encapsulates this generational schism, vividly portraying the contrasting modes of information consumption - social media on the left and television on the right - employing transparent plastic to symbolize the distinctive attributes of each preferred medium. Its relevance extends beyond my family, serving as a poignant reflection of a broader societal phenomenon.
Video, Installation
Narration source: This Is Marshall McLuhan - The Medium Is The Massage (1967)
2021
In Marshall McLuhan's 1967 book, "The Medium Is the Massage: An Inventory of Effects," he astutely examined how the adoption of new media shapes our perception of the world. McLuhan approached these mediums with analytical precision, dissecting how visual and auditory formats influence our senses, cautioning that passive acceptance of media could lead to mental numbness. This notion resonates in today's world, where the media plays a pivotal role in disseminating information. However, it's imperative to recognize that media isn't impartial; it caters to specific demographics and often conveys biased narratives. This contrast is vividly illustrated in my own family, where my mother relies on television for news, finding comfort in its simplicity and perceived accuracy, while I, on the other hand, turn to social media for information, enjoying the flexibility and immediacy it offers. This divergence in media preference has not only created a divide between us but also amplified our differing political and social perspectives, discouraging meaningful dialogue and understanding. This installation encapsulates this generational schism, vividly portraying the contrasting modes of information consumption - social media on the left and television on the right - employing transparent plastic to symbolize the distinctive attributes of each preferred medium. Its relevance extends beyond my family, serving as a poignant reflection of a broader societal phenomenon.
Video, Installation
Narration source: This Is Marshall McLuhan - The Medium Is The Massage (1967)
2021
