Maps

There are probably a dozen definitions of what an atlas means. It is a representation of an area with physical features and details. However, this week a map/atlas took a different approach. An atlas of "weak signals" is based on concepts. Ideas, that point towards critical areas that determine the present and can define opportunities for better futures.







All of them are determinant for understanding what is currently going in our world, and it depends on each one of us which areas we'd like to work with. Mariana Quintero asked us to choose the ones that characterized our intrigues the most. It was a hard task. In the beginning, it felt like all of them were too important for me, so I had to analyze quickly my passions, intrigues, what I read, and like to learn the most for then choosing the ones that represented me the most. After working with it for a while, it turned out to be...



Read a full reflection on this diagram, here.



Now I have a path, an area to focus and research for my thesis project. Until now, I don't have a clear idea of how-to guide all three in the same direction, but I'll figure it out.

During this week, we also got the chance to meet José Luis de Vicente. I found his work fascinating, very inspiring, and critical. He questions the present and future in a cultural/artistic point of view by connecting projects and people to then create and build new approaches. I learned a bit about the history of computers and art. And what interested me the most was the way he motivated us to continue reading from the past. Many artistic projects drift business, army, and political paths. Imagination and creativity are the seed for changes.

On the other hand, we also got the opportunity to meet Ernesto Oroza. When looking at his research, it somehow felt like home, although to another level. The ability Cubans have to reuse and build objects out of waste is impressive. Sometimes we don't realize that things can be reused for other purposes. Nowadays, what is valued the most is the software and coding; hardware is so cheap that it is easy to replace. We can start by analyzing objects to disassemble then and then rebuild new with new characteristics and functionalities.

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What did I learn?

I learned new concepts, new ways of approaching the present. There can be endless possibilities for a simple idea.

Learning process?

• See others' work
• Analyze, ask and reflect on how learning from them impacts my thoughts
• Start reading, sketching possible directions