Kevin Spahija MFA

"The theoretical part of the research examines the historical and philosophical intersections of art, technology, and identity. It explores movements like Italian Futurismo, which championed the dynamism and transformative potential of machines, and Art Deco, which celebrated the integration of form and function with technological aesthetics. The study uses these movements as a lens to understand how technological advancements shape cultural expressions and individual identities.

I drew inspiration by philosophical frameworks such as transhumanism, which envisions the enhancement of human capabilities through technology, and the concept of "materialized identity," examining how materials and design processes reflect self-expression and societal values.

Influenced by nexialism, the study adopts an interdisciplinary approach, which integrates material science, technology, and design. Drawing on movements like Art Deco, Futurismo, and Cyberpunk, it examines how wearable designs can reflect contemporary identities and technological advancements. These movements, despite their temporal and aesthetic differences, share a common fascination with machines and the transformative power of technology. They draw parallels through their celebration of innovation, their response to industrial or digital revolutions, and their ability to reimagine the relationship between humanity and its creations.

Through these parallels, the research emphasizes the evolving role of materials as active participants in design, shaping how humans interact with and understand the objects they wear. It proposes a nuanced dialogue between past artistic ideals and contemporary technological possibilities, offering a richer perspective on wearable technology and its potential to redefine personal and cultural identities.

My aim was to explore the potential of reimagining jewelry design by examining the functional properties of gemstones and metals. I attempted to investigate how these materials can also serve as components in wearable technologies, blending aesthetics with functionality.

The aesthetic dimension of the research is deeply tied to historical movements that dove deep into the human-machine relationship. Art Deco's geometric elegance and synthesis of form and function resonate with Futurismo's bold embrace of speed and dynamism, as well as Cyberpunk's gritty interrogation of human-machine interfaces. Together, these influences provide a multitude of approaches through which the research explores how jewelry design can interpret the evolving relationship between art, technology, and identity."