What Can Objects Do

Abstract

"In the world of objects, our understanding is often limited to their functionality. I view this as a critical oversight and seek to explore the intricate relationship between objects and ourselves. Throughout this thesis I ask the question, “What can objects do?” by examining its tonal duality. Initially, this question is posed neutrally, suggesting an inquiry into objects' capabilities beyond their prescribed roles. I challenge the notion of “usefulness,” advocating for uselessness as a means to deepen our understanding of objects. This approach imagines objects with the agency, transcending their conventional function. Subsequently, I pose the same question with a sense of rhetorical resignation, acknowledging limits of objects and prompting a more profound inquiry into failure. Drawing from Jack Halberstam's concept of failure, I explore how my objects embody aspects of failure, disrupting conventional engagement to invite a more meaningful relationship with their users. Through ambiguity, embracing failure, and challenging norms, I aim to reassess their inherent potential and their ability to narrate human experiences."