Thursday, September 23, 2010

Concept summary

In contemporary society, human beings are experts at the act of worrying. Why not create a positive use out this excess energy produced by the brain? The Worry Machine® is a performance art installation that investigates the possibility of transforming human anxiety into a practical, alternative source of energy. The project features a special ‘device’ that collects peoples worries and converts them into a usable energy source in the form of biofuel and stored electricity.

The Worry Machine® explores literal and abstract notions surrounding the following concepts: science fiction, make-believe, placebo effect, therapy, ready-made art, ecological awareness, absurdity, and catharsis. On a conceptual level, the Worry Machine® also investigates the act of committing serious thought to the development of seemingly naive, impossible ideas.

The project was created by Lisa Erdman, doctoral candidate in the Department of Art and Media Pori, at Aalto University School of Art and Design – Helsinki, Finland. Erdman's research explores notions of deception, placebo effect, and fake medications that cure political problems.

For more information, contact Lisa at: lisa.erdman@aalto.fi

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