selfie arm by aric snee & justin crowe sparks cultural commentary

selfie arm by aric snee & justin crowe sparks cultural commentary
all images © aric snee, model: rachael walker

by changing the context of a piece of work, where it is seen or used, the meaning can be changed. what once was art becomes design and likewise, what was design transforms into art. the differences between the two once separate disciplines are in a constant state of flux, at times entirely indistinguishable. residing somewhere in the middle, are artists aric snee and justin crowe, where they have honed their talents focusing on designs and works that challenge the dynamic of humans and technology. 

some museums have banned the devices, forcing unsuspecting visitors to actually look at the art 

fascinated by the idea of technology and its illusionary ‘connectedness’ and ‘sociableness’, snee and crowe created the ‘selfie arm’. the sarcastic solution to a quintessential problem — nobody wants to look alone while they mindlessly snap pictures of themselves — the product conveniently provides you a welcoming arm. and better yet, it doesn’t talk or have emotions of any sort. you can even create fake accounts and use its finger to like all your images; its not you its the hand! ‘selfie arm’ is made of fiberglass, is lightweight and portable, and fortunately only a prototype. the collaborative project is a direct commentary on the growing selfie stick phenomenon, and the constant, gnawing need for narcissistic internet validation.

snee and crowe have announced that 10 limited-edition, signed ‘selfie arms’ will be made. 

aric snee and justin crowe are artists and designers who experiment with human/technology relationships

don’t take another boring selfie, take 500 instead 

the ‘selfie arm’ is a sarcastic solution to the problem of being alone

the adjustable phone mount accepts most smart phones

social media has created the illusion of being more connected

create the appearance of having a companion

‘selfie arm’ is a conceptual prototype 

designboom has received this project through its ‘DIY submissions’ feature, which welcomes readers to submit their own work for publication. you can purchase this product , and many more original design items, on the designboom shop — our international, digital marketplace of specialized design merchandise.