Uhh Here, Have Some Things? - Remix Culture

Remix Culture, or Read-Write Culture, is a term that describes a society that encourages the altering, customization, or combination of products by consumers to create a new product. It gives consumers more voice and agency over products. I like Remix Culture quite a bit more than the alternative, Read Only culture, because it encourages sharing and social collaboration, as opposed to solely competition.

I created 10 mashup objects to demonstrate. I do not own any of the original models, and I will link to where I found them on Thingiverse. 

Couch Potato

When thinking of mashups, visual puns are the fist thing that come to my mind. I chose the specific potato model for it’s slightly oblong shape which fits the couch, which I selected for its aesthetics. I think the overall effect this mashup creates is a playful one, and it shows that fun and humour are important parts of our lives.

links: couch, potato

Laptop Mimic

Another thing that comes to mind when I think of mashups is monsters. A monstrous mouth combined with a mundane, ordinary laptop reminds me of Mimics from Dungeons and Dragons, hence the name. This mashup comments on how technology is consuming our time and our lives, and the potential dangers that poses.

links: laptop, teeth, tongue

Teethbrush

I’m always fascinated by unsettling things, like this Teethbrush. I think the discomfort comes from the reversal of expectations. Maybe the fact that teeth are usually very orderly and hidden away, as opposed to jumbled and exposes, adds to the effect.

links: teeth, brush

Hatctus

Initially, I chose these objects for their similar shapes and for ease of combination. I’ve slowly come to realize the juxtaposition between objects from drastically different climates and the effect that gives. It’s interesting how our brains are meaning machines, justifying meaning and patterns where none were originally intended.

links: hat, cactus

Guitar Sword

This is probably my favourite mashup, I think it’s quite metal. Sorry for the bad pun. I love the way this one turned out, the similar shapes in the blade and neck help out tremendously. Swords may be used for resistance, but guitars can be too, in the form of punk music.

links: guitar, sword

Watching You (Eye Lamp)

As I said before, creepy ideas delight me. This object reminds me of the pressure of someone looking over your shoulder and watching you work, or the paranoia of that, as lamps like this are often used at desks. At first, I was more interested in different things we need to see, light and our eyes, but over time and the development of the lamp, the meaning shifted for me to the anxious impression above.

links: lamp, eye

Fantastic Books

As a kid, I loved reading. I loved being able to escape into fantasy worlds, as if the books contained magical doors. I don’t read as much anymore, but I still love the escape and perspectives they can bring.

links: book, door, window

Ear Ring

Similar to the Couch Potato, this is a visual pun. Beyond the fun in a play on words, I find this combination slightly ominous, and find myself asking, hypothetically, if this were a real object, who the ear belonged to, and what sick bastard put it on a ring as some strange trophy.

links: ear, ring

Table Legs

I think I have so many visual puns because I find humour really important, and value joy a tremendous amount. Maybe this is a comment on stability, or lack thereof, art is up for interpretation.

links: table, feet, chairs

Whale Brush

This creature definitely competes with the Sword Guitar for my favourite mashup. Nature is gorgeous, and should to treasured as much as Picassos, Van Goghs, or the Mona Lisa. I love the playful vibe this guy exudes. Immaculate.

links: whale, brush

I’ll see you next time

    - Pete