This embroidery machine—not far in nature from those that already exist in mass manufacturing warehouses—is here presented as an artwork, redirecting the artist’s questions from “results” to “processes”, from “means of production” to “reason”, emphasizing the artists’ ideas and intentions in the use of open-source technologies by artists. All components, software, and systems in this project originate from other existing open-source projects, therefore this artwork is not a product of the sole creativity of the artist, but an example of collective construction. The CNC Punch Needle Machine dreams of collective evolution over individual enlightenment.
The CNC Punch Needle Machine MK-1 “punches” a small length of thread into a stretched canvas, and, dot by dot, it “prints” out texts or images. For its presentation at Ars Electronica Festival 2021, it will print out and display direct quotes from the viewers and critics.
Hess Jeon is an object-oriented artist and designer from South Korea. With a focus on modern machines and their effect on current cultures and communities, he likes to dabble with speculative designs, supported by artistic research and playful reasoning. Having studied Industrial Design in Dublin, he is currently undertaking a master program in Linz.
Seo Son is a South Korean object-oriented artist with a keen interest in textiles, ceramics, and organic materials. She actively engages with social issues, whilst emphasizing the consumption and recycling of common materials. She is currently based in Linz, Austria.
Interface Cultures Exhibition - Ars Electronica Festival 2021