Artist 8

This is an image from the project UMBRELLA.net, created by Jonah Brucker-Cohen and Katherine Moriwaki.  The concept was to visually represent the technological networks established by cell phones in everyday life.  Umbrellas seem to have been one of the original inspirers for the project, and so they have been incorporated as an important part of the project.  The blue umbrellas represent those individuals who are connected to the umbrella network, while those with red umbrellas remain isolated.  The image itself is interesting to me, because the huge gray backdrop makes the people and their umbrellas seem very small.  It seems to me they are commenting on the way that technology is changing the way people interact, at least those with such pervasive access to technology, just as the Frontline documentary we watched earlier in the semester did.  Perhaps the huge gray backdrop signifies that these technological connections are very important, so we will not be left alone in that empty gray world.  Or perhaps it means that we are in fact isolating ourselves, collectively, from the world and each other, and with our increasing dependence on technology, the world outside is fading.  The questions relating to the pros and cons of technology are deeply interesting to me, and I appreciate the questions UMBRELLA. net is asking.