The "Monitors/Monoliths" project by team Decay delves into the pervasive nature of screens in our lives, juxtaposing the physical presence and symbolic significance of ancient monoliths with modern digital displays. It engages with the critical issue of tech waste, highlighting the environmental and social repercussions of our relentless consumption and disposal of electronic devices. This multidisciplinary initiative, involving a collaborative team from diverse backgrounds, utilizes a blend of research, art, and design to explore and present its findings.
The project articulates a compelling narrative on the lifecycle of monitors, from their ubiquitous presence in every aspect of our lives to their final destinations as tech waste. It scrutinizes the corporate practices fueling planned obsolescence, contributing to an ever-growing mountain of discarded technology, and challenges consumers to reconsider their role in this cycle. Through a global lens, it also addresses the disproportionate impact of tech consumption and waste on developing countries, advocating for a more equitable and sustainable approach to electronic devices.
At the heart of the project are several innovative components designed to engage and educate. These include a short film documenting a detailed dissection of a monitor to understand its components, an interactive world map illustrating the global journey of tech waste, and a Top Trump game emphasizing the environmental footprint of electronic parts. Adding to this array, the UnDecay Repair Cafe, a collaboration between the Royal College of Art, Imperial College London and the Royal College of Music stands as a testament to practical sustainability, offering a space where devices find new life through repair, directly countering the throwaway culture. Furthermore, the initiative culminates in an exhibition that blends digital and analogue elements to provide a multisensory exploration of the themes. The exhibition serves as a platform for reflection, discussion, and action, inviting participants to confront the realities of tech waste and consider the changes necessary for a more sustainable future. Underpinning the project is a commitment to collaborative exploration and a dedication to fostering awareness and change. Through its multifaceted approach, "Monitors/Monoliths" provides a critical examination of the environmental and social challenges posed by our digital dependencies and offers a vision for a more responsible and conscious engagement with technology.
