Techno absurdity

In September 2024, as a part of the Church of Ignorance festival, we explored what is absurd about our current technologies and what kind of (technological) futures we wish for.

Through old flea market objects, participants were encouraged to think about what absurd technology is and how it can be manifested in our devices or interactions.

Through absurdity, several important aspects of our world have been revealed, specifically the (lack of) availability and cleanliness of public bathrooms through a device that helps you find the nearest bathroom (by Lisa and Florian) and a device that helps you squat while you use it (by Kenny, Nas, and Barbara). Other ideas included commentaries on forgetting people’s names and an absurd device that whispers in your ear every time you pass a person regardless of whether you know them or not (by Thomas and Sara) and reimagined the process of falling asleep through floating, light technology, and breathwork (by Martin and Eleni).

Co-organizer: Thomas Kranabetter