Resonance of Shadows by Adhitama Purbaya

Section of a container, ostensibly part of a global resource tracking system.

What if the promise of transparency masks a new, digital form of opacity?

Resonance of Shadows: An intricate exploration of a global, blockchain-based battery recycling system, revealing the hidden imbalances and unforeseen consequences masked by apparent transparency.

Purbaya_7151, Indonesia

Description

Global trade relies on complex systems, so, this project imagines a future where intricate interconnectedness may mask unforeseen consequences. Inspired by *wayang kulit*, "Resonance" visualizes the flow of materials through a hypothetical, blockchain-regulated EV battery recycling network. Intricate patterns, crafted with techniques reminiscent of batik, reveal and obscure data simultaneously. This installation invites contemplation on the potential for opacity within transparency, and power imbalances in a world striving for sustainable solutions. The project hopes to evokes contemplation, unease, and challenges viewers to move past complacency.

Context

The world is hyper-connected, outwardly committed to corporate social responsibility and circular economies. Beneath the surface of ubiquitous monitoring and algorithmic optimization, vast informal networks thrive. Resource scarcity is a constant undercurrent, especially access inequality of rare earth elements, as not everyone is treated equally. Control over data becomes as valuable as physical resources, creating new forms of power imbalance of haves and have-nots . Indonesian culture, influenced by centuries of trade and cultural exchange, navigates this tension between technological progress and inherent inequality.

Provocation

This project is a cautionary reflection. It encourages viewers to critically examine seemingly beneficial systems. The growth of global trade requires understanding potential downfalls. Viewers should question the true cost, and who benefits. Are we trading one problem for another hidden one?

Purbaya_7151's process

Purbaya draws inspiration from Indonesian literary traditions, surrealism, and sacred geometry. The design begins through analyzing global trade, focusing on the battery recycling marketplace. Cultural influences, Javanese shadow puppetry (Wayang Kulit) and batik, inspired using allegorical narratives and intricate patterns. The design process involved creating paper-model visualizations of the data flows within the recycling network, contrasting public blockchain data with “shadow” transactions. The project uses sacred geometry, and meticulous calculations that model potential imbalances, inviting viewers to reflect on hidden aspects of seemingly sustainable systems, using design as thought experiments.

More about Purbaya_7151

Events leading to ‘Resonance of Shadows’

2024: Global standards for EV battery recycling begin to emerge, driven by consumer demand and resource scarcity concerns.

2026: Pilot blockchain projects for tracking battery materials gain traction, promising increased transparency and efficiency.

2028: Major EV manufacturers integrate blockchain-based tracking into their supply chains, marketing it as a key sustainability feature.

2030: A global, decentralized marketplace for recycled battery materials emerges, facilitated by smart contracts and blockchain technology.

2031: Reports surface of discrepancies between reported recycling rates and actual material recovery, hinting at a growing shadow economy.

Imagined Future Scenarios Considered

Purbaya_7151 considered the following imagined future scenarios while working on this project

Factories integrate renewable energy sources (solar/wind) and smart grids decrease carbon footprint of EV productions.

Extrapolated from GM Wants To Sell More EVs Because They Aren't Losing Money On Them Anymore - Jalopnik

Hypothetical Product Ideas Considered

Purbaya_7151 considered the following hypothetical product ideas while working on this project

Renewable Energy Subscription Service for Factories

A service providing factories with easy and scalable access to renewable energy. This includes installation, maintenance, and optimization of solar and wind energy systems, bundled with smart grid integration for seamless energy management. Factories pay a monthly subscription fee based on their energy consumption and receive guaranteed renewable energy supply, reducing upfront costs and simplifying the transition to sustainability.

EV Battery Recycling Marketplace

A global online platform connecting EV battery manufacturers, recycling plants, and material suppliers to facilitate the efficient recycling and reuse of battery components. This marketplace provides transparent pricing, standardized quality checks, and logistics coordination, ensuring responsible resource management and closing the loop on battery materials. The platform would use blockchain technology for traceability and accountability.

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