Vitto Acconci, Virtual Intelligence mask, (1993) A conventional fencing mask is used as a support structure for electronics;…
Vitto Acconci, Virtual Intelligence mask, (1993)
A conventional fencing mask is used as a support structure for electronics; the electronics as a contact with the world outside.
On the front of the mask are three televisions: one larger television facing out and two miniature televisions facing in. The miniature televisions, facing in, cover the eyes of the person wearing the mask; from the outsider’s point of view, the person inside the mask is blindfolded by the two televisions. At one side of the mask is a small portable radio, positioned at the ear of the mask; the radio speaker is directed out.
On the top of the mask are two surveillance cameras, one on top of the other, one directed toward the front, one directed toward the rear. the cameras mechanically rotate side to side.
The person wearing the mask sees his/her environment the two television screens in front of his/her eyes: one screen shows what is going on in front of the person, the other shows whats going on behind.
In the meantime, the larger television and the radio are available for use by passers-by: a passer-by can switch the TV channels, change from one radio station to anotherLiterally “dial” the person wearing the mask. A passer-by can, literally, “turn” the person on.