TRONS ‘R’ US
Akwasi Bediako Afrane
A project that seeks to investigate and explore the relationship between humans, technology, and our environment.
Technological products are undoubtedly prosthetic extensions of human faculties. The accelerated production of these devices can be attributed to the fact that these technological contraptions are an attempt to perfect the human, thus bringing the human to a “god-like” state. Yet there is a paradox with technology, as it also serves to constrict the human environment. Even with its greatest promise of “salvation”, technology possesses a diabolical enhancement, like a double-edged sword supplementing the human environment while at the same time subtracting from it.
TRONS ‘R’ US reflects on this idea of extensions while also exploring the many facets of the lifecycle of technological consumer gadgets from their inception to their “conclusion”. It elaborates on the need to usher society into a state of “openness” with regard to consumer electronic gadgets and their effect on the environment. TRONS ‘R’ US presents an installation of TRONS, along with a short documentary that briefly touches on the lifecycle of consumer electronics as a way of stimulating critical discussion about the holistic picture and invisible processes behind the existence of these devices.
This project also aims to investigate the current “invisible prosthetic problem” by presenting hacking as a means to a sustainable future. This aforementioned problem emerges when these prosthetic extensions are not experienced and catered for as such which becomes heightened due to an alienation in the Marxist sense. This allows those who are able to control the technology of these prosthetic extensions to effectively dominate our society.
Akwasi Bediako Afrane (b. 1990) is a Ghanaian artist living and working in Kumasi, Ghana. His works explore the idea of augmentation and extensions between technological gadgets and humans. He works with discarded electronic gadgets which he refers to as “amputees”, refashioning and repurposing them into machines and micro-organisms he describes as “TRONS”. These TRONS become potential platforms and media for reflection, engagement and inter- actions. Stripped bare of their familiar housing, the TRONS become mechanical gizmos subsumed with the consciousness of previous owners of these gadgets and himself.
(photo: Afia Asare)
Listen to the form Design Podcast’s latest series, Driving the Human x form Design Podcast. In six episodes, participants from the Driving the Human initiative discuss the intersection of design and science.
We are excited to share four videos looking back at the Driving the Human festival, one for each day and an overall recap.
In 2022, the Driving the Human initiative met its ultimate goal of materializing the Seven Prototypes for Eco-social Renewal.
From November 25–27, 2022, Driving the Human: 7 Prototypes for Eco-social Renewal brought to Berlin a variety of formats exploring new ways of envisioning and inhabiting the world.
At the Foundation for Contemporary Art in Accra, Ghana, artist Akwasi Bediako Afrane held his workshop TRONSFORMATION – Sustainability through hacking. There, he lead conversations about our relationship with consumer electronics, and connected participants to collectively build and exhibit their own TRONS.
From November 25-27, 2022, Driving the Human hosts a three-day festival in Berlin marking the culmination of three years of collaboration, research and experimentation connecting disciplines between sciences and the arts.
In conversation with Akwasi Bediako Afrane, we discussed the circulation of electronic devices, their environmental impact and how he is tracing relationships between humans and machines through his TRONS.
Following our Berlin festival presenting 21 visions for eco-social renewal, the Driving the Human jury had the difficult task to select seven projects to be developed as prototypes throughout 2022.
The second day of our festival explored new approaches to AI and computation. Additionally, new ways of thinking about value and economy took over the stage. The broadcast of day 2 can be revisited here and on our Vimeo channel.
Akwasi Bediako Afrane discusses TRONS ‘R’ US, a project that investigates the relationship between humans, technology and our environment.
From October 15 – 17, 2021, Driving the Human presents 21 concepts proposing new visions for sustainable cohabitation on our planet.
We are thrilled to announce the 21 concepts chosen as a result of a successful Open Call.
Acknowledgments
Va-Bene Fiatsi, Emeka Ogboh, Oben-Fosu, Eyram Donkor, Sadat Mohammed, Frank Gyabeng, Morkporkpor, Afia Asare, Jacaob Danquah, Awilo, Ato Annan, Mr. Osei-Bonsu, Appiah Bilal
