helge fischer: display of affection

‘display of affection’ gives you the ability to ‘virtually’ caress neighbors or strangers in the street still image example of a video feed with imposed caressing hand

more than 75 percent of people in the UK feel that the world has become more ‘frightening’ over the last decade. epidemics, plagues, terrorism… our cultural environment fuels fear, altering the way in which we experience and manage our human interactions at a societal level. this culture of fear harnesses feelings of isolation, mistrust and vulnerability, effecting the ways in which we relate with one another. how do we sensibly balance our need for intimacy with our need to protect against emotional harm? to what extent are new communication technologies altering our notions of privacy within this fragmented and distrusting society?

a 70x zoom camera allows you to easily zoom in on people walking in the streets still image from a video feed

‘display of affection’ by berlin-based interaction designer helge fischer is a technological device that allows you to engage in displays of affections. via a 70x zoom camera and max / MSP software,  ‘display of affection’ gives you the ability to ‘virtually’ caress neighbors or strangers in the street, all from the safety of your home.

how far are we prepared to distance ourselves from the world through technologically mediated interactions to feel safe?

you can be affectionate with neighbours or strangers in the street from the safety of your home

follow loved ones and satisfy your need to touch or be close to them without the risk of being rejected, disappointed or emotionally hurt

a flocked MDF case is used to house the 70x zoom camera

from the comfort of your home, you can monitor people on the camera’s screen

Display of Affection from Helge Fischer on Vimeo.