Stephanie Rothenberg and Brooke Singer are pushing the barriers in transmedia to offer audiences an interactive and powerful view of the differences between reality and what Corporate America would like us think it is. Through interactive displays, alternate realities and social experimentation, they are able to investigate different principles in our societies in efforts to promote conversation around these topics. But the truth behind a lot of these artistic representations holds steadfast; we are colossally unaware of the truth behind most of the products we use.
One of Brooke Singer’s projects, The Counter Kitchen gives audiences and gullible americans alike the truth behind many of our household products and foods. “I create projects like The Counter Kitchen to provide platforms for instigating, supporting and promoting this type of dialogue and participation” says Brooke in her personal statement on the CK site.In their study of different chemicals and how they interact with our bodies, they studied fragrances, and among them, Febreze ( over a billion dollar industry). They found from the Environmental Working Group that it contains 89 air contaminants. Not only do many people use this in their homes everyday, but our schools do as well.
As far as overall usage of each website, I found that Stephanie Rothenberg’s webpage was more informative about the goal and purpose of each project. Rather than searching through the website in order to understand the premise behind each piece, there was a statement from the artist to communicate the implications of their ‘social experiment’. The summary of each artwork allowed me to fully understand the message behind the piece and get a feeling for how the exhibition would have felt.
Projects like the Counter Kitchen and other exhibitions from these artists are exemplary in exposing the truths to consumers that are not actively seeking it themselves. These women have created unique and artistic media projects; pushing the boundaries in the ways people utilize multimedia platforms to create provocative public interactions and conversation towards change.
Katelyn, you’ve peeked my interest and i’m going to have to check out Brooke Singer’s project The Counter Kitchen. It is scary to think about all the chemicals we come in contact with and not really knowing how these chemicals are going to effect our bodies long term. Since i’ve only just started looking into these sites, I’m interested to understand how women, like Brooke, are pushing the boundaries.
I thought The Counter Kitchen was pretty powerful. I remember I browsed through it right after I had brushed my teeth with Colgate…and then read they put pesticides (?!) in it. Went out and bought Tom’s toothpaste, hope it’s better at least.
Your writing not only informs but also inspires a deeper appreciation for the transformative power of multimedia platforms in fostering public interactions and driving conversations towards positive change.
Thank you once again for your insightful and thought-provoking article, Katelyn. Looking forward to more of your contributions!