Celestial Dependence by Awa Coulibaly

Remnants of a broken promise, encased in symbols of enduring hope.

What if the very technology meant to liberate us from addiction became a new form of enslavement?

Celestial Dependence: Celestial Dependence visualizes the societal collapse of brain implant technology, revealing personal and collective implications of dependence on flawed technological systems.

Coulibaly_12355, Mali

Description

Celestial Dependence explores a future where neuromodulation technology became a solution for severe addiction. Coulibaly combines Malian storytelling with visual symbolism to foretell the vulnerabilities of technological dependence. The project illuminates, through reminiscent projection, the personal struggles of individuals grappling with failing brain implants. The result offers a gripping narrative about fragility of technological advancement. It also explores the harsh realities of social collapse triggered by over-reliance on unsupported technology. The work highlights the struggle of being left behind.

Context

The world is marked by stark inequalities, where advanced medical technology is accessible only to a privileged few. Widespread economic disparity and environmental degradation set the stage for this reality. Struggling communities grapple with the effects of climate change and resource limitations. Cultural practices blend traditional healing methods with high-tech interventions, creating a unique tension. Citizens navigate a fragmented healthcare system, fostering dependence on readily available neural implants. Meanwhile, underground networks develop to support those abandoned by failing systems, showcasing resilience within a crumbling structure.

Provocation

This project is critical to view today; if we do not, we will be sleepwalking into potential problems in the future. Pay attention to the rush of technological solutions and its effects on social systems. Viewer, ask yourself, "What happens when those systems fail?".

Coulibaly_12355's process

Inspired by street art and mysticism, Coulibaly began this project with deep immersion in astrological texts and technological documents. Malian cultural influences are woven into the work by drawing from the oral storytelling traditions. The development of 'Celestial Dependence' began with the deep immersion of astrological texts and blueprints. Coulibaly’s unique process translated concepts into symbolc forms and intricate sketches. Coulibaly applies a blend of historical trends, projected future scenarios, and symbolic representation. The process involved creating allegorical and visual narratives, aiming to convey the message and provoke critical reflections on technology and human dependence.

More about Coulibaly_12355

Events leading to ‘Celestial Dependence’

2024: Brain implants for addiction treatment enter advanced clinical trials.

2026: Limited rollout of brain implants to select wealthy patients worldwide

2028: Global economic downturn impacts healthcare infrastructure and access

2029: Supply chain disruptions affect implant production and maintenance

2031: Rise of black market for implant repairs and modifications starts

2032: Reports emerge of widespread implant failures and health issues leading to the concept.

Imagined Future Scenarios Considered

Coulibaly_12355 considered the following imagined future scenarios while working on this project

Enabled by 'Enchantment,' architects design buildings that self-assemble from seed-like pods, reacting to the environment to create structures that blend seamlessly with nature.

Extrapolated from 7 global buzzwords for 2025: From 'techquity' to 'climate displacement' to 'belonging' - NPR

Brain implants deliver targeted neuromodulation to reduce cravings and improve cognitive function in individuals with severe addiction, offering a potential alternative to traditional therapies.

Extrapolated from Purdue Pharma and Sacklers settle opioid lawsuits for $7.4 billion - Quartz India

Autonomous robotic swarms 3D-print lunar habitats using in-situ resources, minimizing Earth-based material transport.

Extrapolated from 2 private lunar landers head toward the moon in a roundabout journey - NPR

Lunar landers are equipped with advanced 3D printing capabilities, allowing for in-situ construction of habitats and infrastructure using lunar regolith.

Extrapolated from SpaceX Launches Private Lunar Landers Toward the Moon For a Roundabout Journey - Time

AI manages a fully integrated smart grid, optimizing energy distribution and balancing supply and demand across the UK's power network.

Extrapolated from PM plans to 'unleash AI' across UK to boost growth - BBC News

Swarm robotics are deployed on the lunar surface, enabling coordinated exploration and construction tasks with multiple autonomous landers.

Extrapolated from SpaceX Launches Private Lunar Landers Toward the Moon For a Roundabout Journey - Time

Robotic expeditions will be launched using Starboat that will create detailed characterization of the Martian surface in preparation to set up bases.

Extrapolated from The Mars Dream Is Back — Here’s How to Make It Actually Happen - Thenewatlantis.com

Hypothetical Product Ideas Considered

Coulibaly_12355 considered the following hypothetical product ideas while working on this project

Open-Source Implant Repair & Modification Manuals

A collaborative, community-maintained open-source database with manuals and guides for basic brain implant repair, troubleshooting, and modification in the event of supply chain disruptions. A physical network of community workshops is established to facilitate dissemination and learning of these skills.

Emergency Lunar Shelter Network (ELSN)

A network of pre-fabricated, hardened emergency shelters, equipped with essential life support, communication, and resource regeneration systems. Designed for rapid deployment using limited resources, providing a safe haven during infrastructure failures or disasters on the Moon; modular design to fit diverse environments.

The 'Terrestrial Prioritization' Index Fund (TPIF)

An investment fund that focuses exclusively on companies developing solutions to pressing terrestrial challenges like climate change, poverty, and disease. Marketed as a direct alternative to space exploration investments, channeling resources back to Earth and highlighting the human cost of neglecting domestic issues for Martian dreams. Ticker symbol: TPIF.

Emergency Bio-Stabilization Units (EBSUs)

Rapidly deployable modular units containing specialized microbial and enzymatic agents designed to temporarily stabilize failing bio-building structures. They act as an ecological band-aid, providing immediate support to prevent collapse while more permanent solutions are developed.

Bio-Building Deconstruction & Remediation Service

A service dedicated to safely and efficiently deconstructing unstable or failed bio-buildings and remediating any ecological damage caused by genetic drift or bio-pollution. This includes containment strategies, safe removal protocols, and ecological rehabilitation.

Autonomous Lunar Repair Bots (ALRB)

Small robust robots designed to automatically survey, diagnose, and repair critical 3D-printed infrastructure using available resources. These bots self-replicate utilizing existing local resources, ensuring continuous maintenance capability and resource bootstrapping in even the direst of circumstances.

Mars Mission Post-Mortem Simulator

A virtual reality training program designed for future aerospace engineers and policymakers. Simulates various potential mission failure scenarios (technical malfunctions, budget cuts, political interference) associated with the robotic Mars expeditions. Users learn to identify vulnerabilities, anticipate risks, and develop robust fallback strategies for complex projects, ensuring a fail-safe engineering approach.

Emergency Implant Deactivation & Alternative Therapy Network

A network of mobile clinics and trained professionals equipped to safely deactivate brain implants during societal disruption. These centers would also provide emergency addiction therapy, withdrawal management, and support to help individuals transition off neuromodulation.

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