I sought to explore media and data centers as contemporary archives. My research question emerged from this curiosity: What are the vulnerabilities and weaknesses of digital media archives?
Drawing significantly from Nicole Starosielski's book "Media Hot & Cold," which
introduces the concept of thermocultures and poetically discusses temperature, I
was able to perceive the cooling systems of data centers as critically vulnerable
points. This perspective shaped the foundation of my design proposal.
My installation delves into the fragility of digital media archives by highlighting their
thermal dependency. It showcases how temperature is deeply intertwined with
politics, cultural practices, thereby exposing the vulnerabilities within our digital
landscapes, which are often presumed secure. The project underscores that big
companies and data centers create an illusion of security, masking the reality that
decisions about data preservation are driven by corporate profits and political
agendas, ultimately shaping our collective memory.
Drawing significantly from Nicole Starosielski's book "Media Hot & Cold," which
introduces the concept of thermocultures and poetically discusses temperature, I
was able to perceive the cooling systems of data centers as critically vulnerable
points. This perspective shaped the foundation of my design proposal.
My installation delves into the fragility of digital media archives by highlighting their
thermal dependency. It showcases how temperature is deeply intertwined with
politics, cultural practices, thereby exposing the vulnerabilities within our digital
landscapes, which are often presumed secure. The project underscores that big
companies and data centers create an illusion of security, masking the reality that
decisions about data preservation are driven by corporate profits and political
agendas, ultimately shaping our collective memory.
The installation utilizes archival and found film footage from YouTube, combined with
live thermal imagery and personal footage. A key component of the project is a
research book printed with a thermal printer, demonstrating the impermanence of
digital information when not stored under optimal conditions; the information fades
away when exposed to heat and humidity. The book features a silkscreen-printed
cover with heat-sensitive ink.
Additionally, the installation includes a live thermal camera programmed with a Raspberry Pi, a heat lamp, and a ventilator controlled by Arduinos with a single-
channel relay.
