In our ‘critical perspectives’ class we have been given the ‘Chunky task’ to report on a ‘cultural text’
A cultural text being, anything really. A painting, photography, video or film.
I have chosen a painting by the infamous street artist Banksy.
A. Because it is in Bristol – Where I am currently studying.
B. My last project was based around the theme ‘over using the internet’ and how it has changed society. This led me onto doing a painting consisting of Mark Zuckerberg ( Owner of Facebook ) and Kim Jong Un shaking hands. ( scroll down to find the painting )
Ok, so…. Mobile Lovers.
Painted in August, Bristol on a dark night, outside Mr Stinchcombe’s youth club on Clement Street.
The piece was confiscated by the police and Bristol’s city council and displayed in a gallery until April, until Banksy sent a letter to the youth club stating that he could indeed own it. That was more than the council had to offer, so all rights went to Mr.Stinchcombe – He then sold this piece at auction for £400,000 – Not bad for a mornings work eh? ( Taking a door off of its hinges)
I believe this piece was intended for everybody to see. I say everybody, but I have become custom to believing the whole world has the internet… I shall correct myself then, I believe this piece was intended for everyone who can access the internet to see.
Banksy is obviously well aware of his reputation both online and offline.
He knew ironically this would be posted on the internet and viewed world wide the next day.
Doesn’t that say something?
I have been pulling information from The Independent News website, an article by 
Wednesday 27 August 2014
– http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/news/banksy-mobile-lovers-sold-owner-of-youth-club-where-artwork-appeared-in-bristol-received-death-threats-9695327.html
This article reports on the death threats and the general reaction that Mr.Stinchcombe received. (Which is in it’s own right news worthy)
Although I am not so much interested in this, I am interested in why it was painted and what the public thought of it… Obviously we know that so far, it is very valuable to the public.
In the article above I have pulled this extract:
Mr Stinchcombe told Sky News that he received death threats over his decision to sell the work.
“It did get silly. There were a couple of death threats that I had, people were offering silly sums of money,” he told the broadcaster after it emerged he had received bids of £2million.
As I said, the general public saw this piece and could smell money straight away. This report does not actually say anything about the artwork itself which I find a little ironic as the piece is about our societies modern ignorance and obsession with the internet. All the paper cared about was getting this message out, about the money and the death threats. Not about the art.
It almost seems like it went right over the worlds head.
I have found a Youtube video, depicting the same meaning of this work ( to me ) presented in another way:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OINa46HeWg8 – ‘I forgot my phone’ by charstarleneTV.
I have also been reading a book by Larry Rosen, Ph.D. called iDisorder.
– A book in which he explains iDisorder, something he has underlined in our society, but also on the contrary talks about technologies advantages if used in the right way. Using a range of sciences and techniques.
– Written by Rosen, with help from: Dominquez Hills – A psychologist and computer educator, and is recognised as an international expert in the ‘psychology of technology’ and Nancy Cheever, Ph.D. an associate professor and chair of communication at California state university.
– Published by Palgrave Macmillan in 2012 U.S
This has been a very good read so far and I do suggest you pick up a copy or have a look for a copy in your local library:
http://drlarryrosen.com/2011/03/idisorder/
I have pulled this extract from his website which quite frankly explains the book better than I:
“iDisorder: changes to your brain´s ability to process information and your ability to relate to the world due to your daily use of media and technology resulting in signs and symptoms of psychological disorders – such as stress, sleeplessness, and a compulsive need to check in with all of your technology. Based on decades of research and expertise in the “psychology of technology,” Dr. Larry Rosen offers clear, down-to-earth explanations for why many of us are suffering from an “iDisorder.”
Here is an advert on youtube for Dr.Rosens book, by Cohen, a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EDBpNm9-Kw&feature=youtu.be
I believe this kind of book is the right step into the internet users future, we have never been in the position we are today, where things are blown out of proportion and also when we ignore/over look the simplicity of real life leaving us feeling generally unfulfilled.
I have found something fairly interesting in Dr.Rosen’s book iDisorder, chapter ‘We like to watch’ page 196…
A checklist – One he thinks defines wether you have a problem or not:
1. I spend a lot of time viewing peoples posts and profiles online.
2. I highly enjoy watching reality television
3. The time that I spend viewing other peoples information online or watching reality television gets in the way of doing other things, like house work or socialising with family or friends.
4. I scored very high on my reactions to viewing other peoples personal and private information in Figure 11.1 (above 19 points).
5. I have sent and/or received “sexts”.
6. I have strong urges to go online and view pictures of unsuspecting persons who are naked, in the process of disrobing, or en-gaged in sexual activity.
7. I like to view online content containing gossip, nudity, and/or private or semi-private settings of individuals.
“Of course, not all of these checklist items are equal. Some items particularly items 3,4,5 and 6 – are more worrisome than others and you should pay more attention to those items that the others. If you experience just one of these items, then you should consider how your everyday life and activities might be affected by your voyeuristic behaviours.” – Rosen
I feel this is important to pull from his book because I know it is relevant to many people I know, including myself as well as people I do not know.
Since reading through his findings I have definitely used the internet differently. I no longer check it every 10 minutes or so, in fact I no longer even pay for the internet tariff on my phone. I use it purely as a phone. I have a laptop for that, I even have an ipad, which is just a smaller laptop or a bigger phone. Makes you think doesn’t it? We are abusing the internet.
I feel we are really neglecting real life as a species. Which is strange.
Mitch SMith 