Cyborg freak 01
2022

Cyborg technology challenges the distinction between nature and culture, physical and non-physical, subject and object.

 

N. Katherine Hayles, in her book "How We Become Human," wrote that cyborg technology challenges the boundaries between nature and culture, the physical and the non-physical, subject and object. She argues that cyborgs are associated with capitalism and advocates for the liberating potential of subjectivity dispersed among diverse desiring machines. In the post-human era, the specific image of humanity becomes less important. The idealized human image of humanism may be dismantled. Perhaps one day, cyborg technology will transform humanity into something monstrous.

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"Cyborg Freak 01" is the first piece in the "Cyborg Freak" series. Xiangyu designed a cyborg elephant nose based on the anatomical structure of an elephant. It possesses functions such as drinking water and grasping objects. Additionally, sensors are installed at the tip of the elephant nose, connected to a vibrating motor that can be attached to the user's nose. When the nose makes contact with objects, it begins to vibrate, simulating the sense of touch.

Xiangyu attempts to use this device to turn humans into "freaks," employing a satirical approach to challenge the idealized image defined by humanism.