Gadgets, Brands and DIY in the Age of “Take, Make and Dispose”

15.12.2011

With the hype around gadgets, consumerism has become no small player when it comes to electronic devices. What is pulling the trigger in the race for these short-lived products, which are able to stand at the finish line as fashion accessories through the workings of service innovation, processor capacity and design? And what happens when tinkerers and creative wizards respond to this hype and create their own clever little products, which anyone can put together? There are many good things to be said about DIY culture. Where can the balance be struck between the effort it takes to create a DIY gadget and its purpose? And what might more sustainable DIY projects entail?

The Museum für Kommunikation Frankfurt was hosting the event series DIY Art Active together with the Frankfurter Kunstverein from November 2011 to January 2012. Three artists who follow the DIY principle in their work have been invited to give a lecture and host a workshop. DIY is by far more than a home reno slogan: this was proven in the exhibition “Do It Yourself: Die Mitmach-Revolution” (Do It Yourself: A Hands-on Revolution) (until February 19, 2012) at the Museum für Kommunikation Frankfurt.

DIY Art Active is supported by the Dr. Marschner Stiftung.