Currently on display at the TechnoSensual exhibition in Vienna, the Lace Sensor Dresses by
by Anja Hertenberger and Meg Grant, tell stories — literally and metaphorically.
Each of the three garments produced is embroidered with a poem and embellished with custom-made conductive lace.
The decorative conductive lace, when pressed, triggers a recording of the poem played through tiny crocheted speakers.
The garments identity and behavior are inspired by poems sourced from antique embroidery samples.
Pat is embroidered with a poem about gaining independence and autonomy through acquisition of a craft/skill. To hear Pat’s story, the wearer is required to stand with her hands on her hips — a gesture of power and confidence.
Sian references a melancholy poem about death and remembrance. To trigger Sian’s poem, the wearer embraces herself by crossing her arms across her chest.
Lastly, Emma tells the story of aching bones caused by difficult work and inadequate tools. Emma’s tale of difficult physical labor is triggered by the wearer massaging her own neck while holding her right wrist.
The larger story here — at least to me — is how technology reinvents craft and craft inspires technology.
Perhaps William Morris from the Arts and Crafts movement was wrong. Machined-craft (ie here the conductive lace) in an artist’s hands is just as meaningful and expressive as that created entirely by hand. The quality and the beauty of machine fabricated work falls entirely in the hands of the craftsman.
Read more about the project and process here.
