couchprojects

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• description: The diagram is based on eBay auctions for goods listed under the search query "error". After collecting one-hundred items and filtering out redundancies, they were categorized into the most common types of mistakes. From this small sampling, it can be concluded that Deceptikons disguised as Autobots and nickels disguised as pennies gain the most value in their flaws. Also, mail censored by Russians has more value than mail censored by Nazis at the time of this survey.

screen capture

• description: Installation with web site, slide show and overhead projection

  EBay Longing is a web site interface for engaging the desire for the “Other” through objects. The site connects visitors to Afghani, Iranian, or Iraqi objects, such as coins and jewelry, which are being auctioned online. The desire for authenticity in these objects can be found in the descriptions provided by sellers. These object descriptions are juxtaposed with writings from US soldiers (and their spouses), journalists, Baghdad bloggers and classic Orientalist travelogues. The two narratives side by side reinforce the notion that wanting the Other’s shoes is different from wanting to be in them.

Data Mining the Amazon, 2003; book (edition 500) ; 6.5″ x 9″, 60 pages

• description: Book, archival inkjet prints

  This project involved the collection and cross-referencing of a selection of Amazon.com recommendations, resulting in amusing lists of CD recommendations for political conservatives and liberals. The main section of the book is a set of colorful complex diagrams* linking politically “conservative” books with the most popular CDs bought by the same customers. This is juxtaposed with similar lists for a “liberal” audience. The final section of the book presents a direct sampling of Amazon’s “Purchase Circles” and shows items uniquely popular to the US Military, the UN, Arthur Andersen Consulting, Nike and others.