Emmer Winder
NumberSix
A golden
opportunity
Hands can symbolise protection, help and unity. They can gesture, point and direct. Their actions provide, build and assist. All of this is a form of communication, but how many of us can say we know a word of sign language, and what does that suggest about our cultural inclusivity? I am interested in using this to explore our behavioural bias.
idle hands
The moral obligation to find evidence or answers to the true social challenges we face has weakened. Apathy and the need to belong to a group has increased which has led to a rise in people simply agreeing with others’ opinions in an effort to appear engaged and part of an established community. Social media and the attention deficit this breeds, alongside the subconscious revolt against isolation, seems to fuel this herd mentality: offering an easy way to feel powerful and authentic, joining the unified pulsing mind set of others. Surrounding yourself with these repetitive, negative false idols normalises the language and behaviour, creating a dangerous echo chamber of false, toxic mantras that can ultimately turn rational people into vitriolic nationalists who follow fascist ideologies. It is never us against them, and not nostalgia versus progression. These are distractions from the real issues: the culture of dishonesty, cronyism and the lack of ethical responsibility that festers in governments of all colours. The only way to fight it is through knowledge, but that takes effort, commitment and focus. These values have been systematically damaged through the conflict of questioning who and what sources we can actually trust. Yet, many of those who consider themselves on the right side of history are doing little to help. They also find their version of reality in an alternative online echo chamber, watching the world transform into a dystopian manifestation they no longer fully understand. They like and share posts of others that take the time and energy to protest, to create, to be physically heard and seen in opposition to this negativity. But those red pixels are just a token, and are no match for beating heart. Using this symbol does not mean by default that they are part of, or included in this defiance. By not being present, not asking questions, not finding common ground, not physically signalling that they are part of the resistance to this amplifying volume of hate, they are silent. Idle hands are the devils playthings, so recognising our own virtue signalling is an inconvenient truth on which we must reflect.
They don't want you to figure it out
​
The ‘Tees’ exhibition takes Article 19 as its point of reference, but proposes the question ‘Protest / Self-expression what is the difference?’ In a climate of both apathy and encroached rights - what can be done? In response to this, a series of designs have been created, 2 of which are on display.
Each t-shirt uses sign language in place of the traditional universal slogan space that symbolises the wearers opinion. As most viewers will not be able to read the words, it forces the question: will anyone actually decipher the message? This emphasises the apathy and lethargic behaviour we have towards issues that do not offer immediate, or digestible information. The effort involved in researching these symbols will rule out the inclusion that could be developed, and even agreed with.
Alongside this point, the 2023 Policing Act introduced a ‘noise trigger’ restricting how protest can sound. The use of sign language in this instance gives immense power to silence, enabling users to communicate whatever they want, without technically causing disruption. The irony of channels such as GB News and talk TV being having the right by law to broadcast vile right wing rhetoric unchallenged, whilst protesters are monitored by volume is a sign of how draconian and autocratic the UK government have become.
idle
Door sign made of wood, mirror and safety glass.
The use of sign language acts as a reminder that current political behaviour is being normalised and tolerated because many are unwilling to find what these decisions really mean.
The mirrored surface is an attempt to place the viewer inside this issue, confronting the idea that they are potentially part of the problem.
The reinforced glass secured in front of the sign shows the physical barrier between those in power and the people they represent. Although the message is stated clearly and transparently, the protection felt by this fortification renders it untouchable.
When translated, the sign reads as- silent reflection.
MP's should mirror the needs, opinions and concerns of their constituents. If they do not, who are they working for? What are we allowing to go on behind closed doors?