Status Symbols is a series of virtual portraits that are studies of identity in a digital age. Textual updates on sites such as Twitter and Facebook allow for virtual personas to be created with prodding of, “What are you doing?” or “What’s on your mind?” by the social networks. Status Symbols showcase the identity created that differs from physical looks. Abstract portraits are created with spinning LEDs that translate words into flashing bursts of light. Custom created hardware and software are used to transform the typed text into the ons and offs of binary code that is at the base level of digital communication. Each portrait represents a fleeting moment in the digital world as captured on film.
The series is a look at the individuals who are commenting on digital openness in various constructs around the world. The series focuses on politicians, world leaders, student protesters, and citizens personally witnessing digital censorship. Recent portraits have included individuals posting with the #FUCKGFW hashtag that deal with China’s blockage of the internet and the Green Dam software and of the #IranElection hashtag that deals with the current events going on in Iran that include the use of digital censorship.
The images in the Flickr Photostream below were created for the Brooklyn Museum's @1stfans Twitter feed in December 2009. The project solicited responses from people following the feed on Twitter from which portraits were created and shared online. Check out the Q & A and Blog Post over on the Brooklyn Museum's site. You can also see a talk done at the TEDx Leadership Pittsburgh about Status Symbols.
