Exercise: imploding the object

Note down all the aspects you can think of that are relevant for your particular object on this Hotglue page. A convenient way to do this is by making a mind map (or upload an image of one). Below are some questions that can help. You can answer these both by using your existing knowledge and doing some additional research. See how far you can get in exploring the relations and complexity of the object.


- How was it produced and who is involved in its production?

- Where has it traveled to and from?

- What are the histories of its productions?

- What kind of professionals are involved in making expert decisions regarding its development, production, and dissemination?

- What kind of knowledges count in talking about it?

- What materials are involved in its production and maintenance?

- Where have these materials come from?

- What are the labor dimensions of these material productions?

- What kinds of technologies and machines enable it to be produced and maintained?

- Who has access to these machines and technologies?

- What activities or ways of life enable one to come across it?

- What kinds of audiences is it addressed to?

- What kinds of local, national, and international bodies claim jurisdiction over it?

And so on...


You can find many more questions (pp. 351-352) and an elaborate description of the process in the article 'Writing the Implosion: Teaching the World One thing at a Time' by Joseph Dumit (to be found in the Dropbox folder). Dumit also describes the theoretical underpinnings of the approach (pp. 345-350).

EMMIE'S PIANO

- Bought second hand from a friend
- Made in America
- Made from different materials like plastic, wood
- Used almost every day
- Very hard to find sources of materials
- Plastic keys on digital piano's and the electronic components are not very sustainable

Celeste

In Latin America, Chiquita operates banana plantations or buys year-round in Honduras, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Ecuador, Colombia, Nicaragua, Mexico and Peru.

Nadine's Chiquia bananas

Basically, it takes 5 and half months before the banana plant “gives birth” to the banana fruit.

Then it takes about 2 weeks for the bananas to fully grow.

To help them ripen and protect the bananas from insects the bananas are covered in a plastic bag, while still on the tree, for about 90 days.

Chiquita used chemicals and fertilizers on their banana plants. However, they are not necessary.
We have many banana plants in our yard and we never use chemicals or fertilizer.

In the video, you can see two ways bananas grow.

Jessie's object
Brush Pen's

It is bought at Pipoos in Rotterdam. This kind of product is directed towards young adult (girls) who are creative. You only get access to it if you have enough money because they are very expensive.