Ploeger, Daniel (2017) Abject Digital Performance: Engaging the Politics of Electronic Waste. Leonardo, 50 (2). pp. 138-142. ISSN 0024-094X

Abstract

Building on anthropologist Mary Douglas’s writing on the ritual function of dirt, this article presents a strategy in digital performance art that engages with electronic waste (e-waste). It is suggested that planned obsolescence in electronics is of a particular nature that facilitates the representation of consumer technologies within the logic of a “symbolic order of technological progress,” where digital devices act as mere signifiers for abstract notions of connectivity, well-being and innovation. Conceptualizing discarded electronic devices as abject technology that is positioned outside this symbolic structure, a performance practice is proposed where abject body parts and abject technologies are connected to challenge this techno-ideology.

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Official URL:	http://www.mitpressjournals.org/doi/abs/10.1162/LE...
Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Digital Performance; Electronic Waste; Planned Obsolescence; Consumer Technology;
Subjects:	Practice Research Performance Technology for Performance
Depositing User:	Ms Research Administrator
Date Deposited:	04 Jul 2017 09:36
Last Modified:	24 May 2023 17:06
Related URLs:	Publisher
URI:	https://crco.cssd.ac.uk/id/eprint/616