Where positivity is plugged in

Looking at the rhetoric of self-improvement, it seems that everything can be interpreted as having two sides: positive and negative. However, only the word "positive" is perceived positively. Common phrases such as "You can do it" and "Impossible is nothing" can help you be more productive than you ever imagined possible, as can having a positive frame of mind. At the same time though, these statements indicate that failure is undesirable, and that success is the sole goal we should pursue. The idea of emphasising only positivity in this way puts on us the burden of not being positive and may have the effect of being confronted with the limits of our ability, performance, and failures.

        ‘Where positivity is plugged in’ draws on the ideas of Philosopher Byung Chul Han that this ubiquitous positivity generates aggression that permits us to be exploited by the ideology of positive thinking and - ultimately - by ourselves. Positive phrases shared via social media or self-improvement content remind us of a prayer ritual undertaken in the hope that something will be accomplished. The project therefore includes a ritual that worships positivity and transforms it into a physical energy. Positive quotes spread via Twitter hashtag (#motivation) are printed in real-time on the printer. The printed material is burned in a fireplace that produces electrical energy for the printer. I utilise the mechanism of prayer and responds in circumstances when positivity becomes productive and where productivity again requires positivity. Through the cycle of energy produced by positivity, this installation poses the issue of how and where the demand for a positive mindset is heading, especially if we are the ones demanding it.

*Green ritual candles representing prosperity, money and success turn the propellers.

[KR]

Contributors

Eric Sprik
Jae Joon Kim
Min Kyung Seo