HER OWN
DEVICES

Sculpture / Writing / Art Direction

The skies look gloomier today.

He always makes sure that his waste is seperated and categorized according to its composition. Material P72 goes in the uppermost bin. BT-054 should be discarded into a latched chamber-bin. G03 is nontoxic, so he puts it into Bin 5. He meticulously sorts out all the bits and pieces; our planet depends on it. However, he has a sneaking suspicion that they all end up in the same place, regardless.

This is a radar that informs the user of an appropriate time of interruption. It detects moments or pauses in the conversation when it is OK to interject. Some may see it as a crutch, but it is a learning tool that guides the user when navigating into uneven playing fields. The device defies projected anxiety stemming from the user, reassuring her that her chance to speak is just as equal as those who normally dominate.

“Your relationship may not be intact after this. Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure. I just want to know what he really thinks of me, regardless of whether we break up afterwards.”

“Fine. It’s your relationship, your decision. I’m not going to stop you.”

“I appreciate it. Now how should I do this?”

“Here is the patch. They will reduce his Fever over the course of a week. In order to be effective, you must adhere it as close to the scalp as possible, because the Fever is a psychological illness. The patch will blend into his natural hair, feeling seamless after application. I suggest you operate covertly. After waking up, if he still feels attraction for you, then you have nothing to worry about.”

“Thank you, doctor.”

Taking inspiration from a wicker diffuser, this machine helps you overcome your prejudices. It bottles up smells. The longer time spent with the smell, the less you notice it’s there. If it’s not there, it doesn’t smell bad. No stink, no hate, no one has to go away.

For those whose names are hard to remember, pronounced with hesitation and questioning, preceded with an apology and a I-am-about to butcher this

This robot will assign you a new name. A new name to fit in with a new home. It throws out the X’s, Z’s, and J’s. In turn, you’ll get a safer name. This name is easier for others to absorb, easier to remember, more modern, more civilized. Amy. Henry. Hannah. They are more palatable.

Over time, however, its users may miss their old names. They think about switching back, but the change is hard, and they doubt it will wear the same.

Photography by Heather Halbert and Robert Rusch
Photography Assistance from Steven He.

HANNAH LIN PROJECTS ABOUT / CONTACT

MAYA LIN, BOUNDARIES

A redesign of sculptor Maya Lin’s biography, Boundaries.

MAYA LIN,
BOUNDARIES