Zero Day Patch (Misdirecting Weeping Angel) [workshop]

Part of Rietveld Studium Generale 2018—2019 - TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE, Fabulating Alternative Imaginaries in Art and Life - Stedelijk Museum Zero Day Patch Workshop (Misdirecting Weeping Angel) is a close proximity communication method between two people - cipher and receiver. The writing surface is any agreed upon area of the body, i.e. the back, an arm, forehead of the receiver, and the writing tool is any object i.e. a stick, a plant, jewellery, a finger of or held by the cipher. The language as it is written is simultaneously erased. This informs a basis for a communication model to counteract smart devices audio recording capability, but a more elusive system must be developed to counter the factory embed of cameras into most contemporary devices. The proposed system already offers a variety of complexity to address this; A. Pressure: the volume of pressure applied in the process of transference implies any number of meanings and is discreet enough to go undetected by consumer quality cameras. B. Location: The area on the receivers body. It is a similar practice to message systems devised by base coaches in baseball; They use ubiquitous but codified hand signals, nose wipes, belly rubs, etc. to openly communicate to their players on the field without the opposing team understanding the communication. The body through this example can be seen as a space for which a “key” agreed upon by the cipher and receiver is located, i.e. left arm = urgent, or back = null. C. Rhythm: Rhythm, pulsation, or timing of signal can amplify a message, for example, in regards to time sensitivity. It can also be used in conjunction with an object that has a sound component built into it (such as a rain stick) for amplification to those nearby with knowledge of the key. D. Texture: The textured surface of the chosen object that makes contact with the skin of the receiver adds meaning to the overall sentiment of the message and can be combined with alternative tools for multi-layered messaging. Structure of the workshop: • (Sensitivity) Participants take part in sensitivity exercise • (Encryption) Pairs are asked to devise a key system between the two of them to base an interpretation of the message • (Medium) They can choose from any of the objects made for the task of message transmission or use their finger, knuckle, etc. • (Transmission) One participant is asked to think of a message to transmit and the other is asked to focus on receiving it. They will have the opportunity to switch objects throughout the process. Then they will switch places. • (Translation) The message can then be used in exercise to carry out a conversation - so that each message is replied to. Workshop with Darío Dezfuli and Austin Redman. Studium Generale Rietveld Academie invited Kunstverein/Maxine Kopsa, Hypatia Vourloumis, Daniela Rosner and Tavia Nyong’o, to each inaugurate a discursive and performative programme concerning a practice of fabulation or confabulation to move into a ‘wild beyond’, welcoming alternative histories and other regimes of wanting, being and becoming.