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Vito Acconci «Virtual Intelligence Mask»
Vito Acconci, «Virtual Intelligence Mask», 1993
Courtesy: Acconci Studio | © Vito Acconci
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Vito Acconci «Virtual Intelligence Mask»Vito Acconci «Virtual Intelligence Mask»
Fencing mask, televisions, radio, surveillance cameras | Participants: Luis Vera (design, engineering); Won, Chang
 

 Vito Acconci
«Virtual Intelligence Mask»

A conventional fencing mask is used as a support-structure-for electronics; the electronics are used as 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 an 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 person wearing the mask; the radio's speaker is directed out.
On top of the mask are two surveillance cameras, one on top of the other, one directed toward the front and one directed toward the rear. The cameras mechanically rotate, side to side.
The person wearing the mask sees his/her environment on the two television screens in front of his/her eyes: one—screen shows what's going on in front of the person, the other shows what's going on behind.
In the meantime, the larger television, and the radio, are available for use by passers-by: a passer-by can switch TV channels, a passer-by can change from one radio station to another. A passer-by can, literally, ‹dial› the person wearing the mask; a passer-by can, literally, ‹turn the person on.›

Vito Acconci