In the contemporary art scene, installations such as “Absorbed by Light” by Karoline Hinz and Gali May Lucas serve as thought-provoking reflections on modern dependencies. Displayed during the 2019 Amsterdam Light Festival, this installation uniquely communicates the pervasive issue of smartphone addiction. With meticulous design, three figures are depicted as engrossed in their devices, highlighting the disconnect between physical presence and mental engagement. Positioned in front of the Hermitage Museum, this installation captures the ubiquitous nature of digital distractions in our daily environment. The warm glow of the screens against the evening backdrop further underscores the isolation and disconnection often felt in a hyper-connected digital age.
The collaboration between Hinz and Lucas not only represents the physical manifestation of digital addiction but also encourages viewers to reassess their own relationship with technology. By placing the sculptures in a public setting, they create an urban intervention that disrupts the daily flow of passersby, forcing an introspective pause. This artistic endeavor challenges society to reconsider the balance between digital life and tangible reality. Such installations stir conversations about the consequences of excessive smartphone use, urging communities to reconnect with the physical world and engage in meaningful, face-to-face interactions. It stands as a testament to the power of art in catalyzing social awareness and change.
Three figures sit next to each other on a bench, displaying the typical characteristics of smart-phone users: their heads are bent, fingers typing and swiping, and their faces lit up by their phone screens. While their bodies are physically present, their minds are elsewhere.
Gali May Lucas
More info: Website, Instagram, YouTube (h/t: Gali Lucas, Collater.al).
