About Turn Tablets

A new generation of electronic devices entered the market, as I was growing up. Unlike any other device before, these gadgets were labelled as „smart“, designed with a high sensory perception. More than other consumer devices at the time, they were somewhat aware of their surroundings. Built-in technology allowed them to sense brightness, touches, noises, or tilting among others. Software made them react and adjust to the outside circumstances.

Smart devices took over by storm, and this body of work follows that whirlwind, asking what kind of habits that technology invites. A tablet computer acts as a screen, displaying an image and representing an object. Beyond that, the image can be interacted with: turning and zooming in along the movements of our fingers, as if the displayed object really lies in our hands. A rather subtle, automated animation smoothens the movement, facilitating the core idea of animation – bringing a still image to life.

By placing the devices in a world full of objects, where their physical presence becomes an object itself, the consequences of animation are put into question. As the tablets turn, move, rotate and touch other objects and materials, their multilayered role as an interface between analog and digital, between real and representation, becomes apparent. Perhaps this is only the beginning, but I find myself intrigued by devices which act as an extension of our senses, our body and further, our perception of reality.