| Application to Spectropolis, 2004 |
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| Artist Statement |
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Bikes
Against Bush transforms ordinary bicycles into Internet-enabled,
tactical media
weapons for non-violent, creative resistance to the 2004 Republican
National Convention in NYC. Bikes Against Bush uses wireless
bicycles that incorporate a mechanical printing device consisting
of a series of spray-chalk aerosol cans. This mechanical ChalkWriter
can print text messages from web users to the street surfaces
upon which the bike cruises. Online users can send messages
to the bicycle in real-time through the project website, bikesagainstbush.com,
and the cyclist can decide when and where to print them. When
the cyclist prints a message, bikesagainstbush.com automatically
updates a live map marking the location of the message. A
webcam on the bike also documents this with a snapshot at
the moment of printing. The spraychalk text message remains
on the street for 4 to 5 days till the chalk biodegrades.
Thus, the goal of “Bikes Against Bush” is to serve
as an inspirational and working model for alternative, creative
political resistance.
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Bikes Against Bush art illustration |
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