Manus x Machina

Let's imagine that in the near future 90% of all work processes that were previously done by hand will be fully automated. Everything will be geared towards being manufactured with the highest precision and perfection. Craftsmanship, which involved heart and soul and imperfection, will be a thing of the past.

How will this affect us humans?

Will we remain completely indifferent to the great change and simply go with the flow, or will we strive to keep handicraft alive, thus preserving the individuality of the product? Will the digital revolution take on a scale that will lead humanity to its emotional demise or will it enrich our everyday lives without negative consequences? If one makes a product oneself, a kind of bond is created between the maker and the object. One is fulfilled and proud to have created something independently, which receives recognition and is admired. We are accompanied by emotions and are physically engaged.

The complete automation of manual processes robs us of the individuality of the individual product, our jobs and the enthusiasm for creating. The question here is: what will be left for us when we can no longer create independently? Certainly, new processes also bring advantages: financial economic advantages, speed, accuracy. On the other hand, automation encourages even more consumption, as larger quantities can be produced at smaller prices. And must be aware of how high the price of a complete digitalization will be.

Manus x Machina combines both ways of working, traditional and machine, to preserve the uniqueness of the product. In the future, we should also not disregard the craftsmanship and combine both. My concept thematizes the emotional state of a human being, which becomes "useless" in the digitalized world. The lack of movement already brings health risks. What will happen to us when we will no longer be able to make things ourselves? How will this affect our mental state?

The fabric selection consists of soft, transparent and delicately dyed textiles. The colors of the collection are restrained to bring the texture into focus. The tight cuffs around the neck, wrists and belly symbolize being trapped in the digital world. The opposite "arrow directions" on the top and skirt symbolize the communication problem or people living apart that the misuse of digital media can bring. The softness of the fabrics recreates our sensitivity.