No signal

In a world captivated by screens, this statement echoes a poignant truth: our incessant, mindless scrolling is gradually severing the ties between our minds and the tangible reality that surrounds us. My goal is to awaken the wearer from this digital stupor and reclaim the lost connection with our bodies and the physical world.
The symbolism is stark; the prison-like chains represent the mental and emotional captivity imposed by our screens. The chains emerge from the mouth, eyes, and ears, embodying the overwhelming influence of screens on what we say, see, and hear. Drawing inspiration from the chatelaine, historically a tool for attaching various necessities, the multiple chains symbolize a bygone era of diversity and multifaceted connections. Once a means to carry a multitude of items, the chains now only carry one object and thus echo the monotony of our singular attachment to the omnipresent phone.
The face is reminiscent of a Roman death mask, showing a void expression, capturing the essence of mindless scrolling without thoughtful engagement. It serves as a stark reminder that our brains, buried in digital noise, might as well be lifeless. The semi-transparent material serves as a critical design element, providing a visual gateway to understanding the intricate connection between the chains, the phone and the “brain."
The shape of the metal part of the brooch takes on a profound symbolism, drawing inspiration from the concept of animal head trophies. This deliberate choice transformed the piece into an ironic trophy and the brooch, rather than celebrating intellectual achievements, becomes a satirical emblem of our collective tendency to disengage our cognitive faculties in favor of mindless screen time. The entire brooch system is crafted from a single piece of metal, emphasizing the unity of the design. The shape at the back of the brooch, serving as the "brain," takes inspiration from phone-related forms, further accentuating the interconnectedness of our minds with the technological devices that dominate our lives.
The plexiglas plate is designed to mimic the size and feel of a phone. It is strategically placed to fit perfectly in the pocket of the wearer where we would typically store our phone. Thus it serves as a physical reminder of the device that often consumes our attention and encourages wearers to place their phones aside, breaking the chains that tether them to the digital realm. The viewer, drawn to the conspicuous placement, is left wondering about the connection between the chains and the phone, unraveling the message upon scanning.Upon scanning the QR code, the viewer is met with a test screen, symbolizing a lack of signal in two ways. Not only does it encourage the wearer to put their phone away for a moment, but it also mirrors the state of our minds during mindless scrolling - a void without meaningful connection and signal.
The movement of the chain and the material's shape aim to sensitize the wearer to their digital habits. Simultaneously, the chains evoke curiosity in the viewer, prompting them to question the symbolic connection between the wearer and the phone. The revelation upon scanning the QR code serves as a powerful realization for both, urging a collective reconsideration of our screen-bound habits.