Semillas de Silicio by Sofia Cuenca

A whisper of the source, amidst the noise.

What if the antidote to hyper-consumerism is not less, but *curated* scarcity?

Semillas de Silicio: Semillas de Silicio explores a future where AI-curated holographic scarcity within food advertising reveals our complex relationship with consumption and authenticity.

Cuenca_11140, Ecuador

Description

In a world saturated with holographic projections, consumer choices, especially regarding food, are constantly influenced. 'Semillas de Silicio' presents a speculative scenario where AI-driven systems don't just filter ads, but curate experiences of scarcity. Reflecting Cuenca's Ecuadorian roots and interest on Andean cosmology, it considers the geometry patterns of interconnectedness in nature. This project questions what happens when algorithms, designed to maximize consumption, are repurposed to simulate a connection to the source of our sustenance, providing reflective non-fictional insights into the marketing strategies shaping our diets and, ultimately, our future.

Context

The world is one of seamless technological integration, where the once-novel holographic projections are entirely commonplace. Homes are bathed in the constant shimmer of personalized advertisements. Nature, once a refuge, is now a curated experience, accessible primarily through digital interfaces. Inhabitants, particularly in urban centers, grapple with an overabundance of synthetic choices, leading to a yearning for a simplicity that’s become a luxury. They find themselves nostalgic for tactile, authentic interactions. A culture of 'digital gardening' has emerged, where individuals cultivate virtual and limited physical representations of nature, yearning for a connection they feel they have lost.

Provocation

This project probes our increasingly complex relationship with food and technology. It's a reflection on how marketing shapes our desires, urging you to consider the subtle forces influencing your choices. Be mindful of the growing prevalence of immersive advertising. Question the true cost of convenience and the authenticity of 'curated' realities.

Cuenca_11140's process

Cuenca's work is born from the vibrant intellectual energy of urban Ecuador and a fascination with Andean cosmology. The structure of Andean cosmovision informs Cuenca’s understanding of systems. This project began with research into holographic advertising's impact, merging it with the logistical challenges of space-based food production. Algorithms modeled potential food system disruptions. The resulting narrative, Semillas de Silicio, illuminates how ancient wisdom and future tech intersect, revealing a world where access to 'real' food experiences is mediated by algorithms, forcing us to question the authenticity of our choices.

More about Cuenca_11140

Events leading to ‘Semillas de Silicio’

2024: Holographic projection technology becomes commercially viable for home entertainment systems.

2026: Advertisers begin experimenting with personalized holographic ads in living spaces.

2028: Widespread adoption of holographic advertising leads to concerns about information overload and consumer manipulation.

2030: First generation of holographic ad-blockers emerges, employing basic filtering algorithms.

2032: AI-powered ad-blockers evolve, offering curated content replacement and 'experience design'.

Imagined Future Scenarios Considered

Cuenca_11140 considered the following imagined future scenarios while working on this project

Holographic advertising becomes prevalent, projecting 3D ads from TVs into living rooms, creating extremely immersive and engaging experiences.

Extrapolated from Sizing Up Your Next TV: Here's Where Big Screens Are Taking Us - CNET

Hypothetical Product Ideas Considered

Cuenca_11140 considered the following hypothetical product ideas while working on this project

Ad-Blocker Pro Max

A premium holographic ad-blocking service using advanced AI to identify and remove intrusive holographic ads, replacing them with user-curated content like nature scenes or personal photos. Offers tiered pricing based on blocking aggressiveness and content replacement features.

Holo-Life Curator Subscription

A personalized AI assistant that analyzes user consumption patterns and provides curated lists of aspirational holographic experiences (travel, fashion, gadgets). The service helps filter through the overwhelming wave of advertising and suggests experiences aligned with the user's 'best self' and goals.

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