Technologies as Mythologies

While technologies are usually perceived in materialist terms, either as neutral tools or socially shaped applications, they also operate as mythological phenomena that convey shared beliefs, dreams and fears. In addition to a smartphone being a handy tool to access and disseminate information, its smooth user interfaces can be seen as a reflection of imaginaries of seamless human-machine integration. Likewise, beyond its functionality, the design of commonplace refrigerators can be related to the aesthetics of US-American science fiction and the worldviews connected to this.

In this intensive workshop, you will combine theoretical reflection, archival research, hands-on electronics skills and artistic practice to analyse, unpack and rework the mythological realms of everyday devices. Drawing from theoretical frameworks in anthropology, cultural studies and media theory we will assess primary and secondary sources on a range of commonplace appliances like vacuum cleaners, hair removal devices, toy guns and domestic surveillance cameras.  Subsequently, you will dismantle several of these devices using basic electronics skills, which you will acquire during the workshop if necessary. Utilizing readily available DIY and stationary materials, combined with microcontrollers, the final part of the workshop will involve a hands-on exploration of speculative alternatives to commonplace technological narratives, conveyed through remodelled everyday devices.

one or two-week intensive workshop (24-48 hours) or semester course

University of Music and Theatre Munich (2023-26)
Trondheim Academy of Fine Art (2024)
Academy of Fine Art Munich (2025)