Ever
since humanity has reasoned about the world these faculties have also been
turned inward for self-analysis. Understanding the body, the mind, and the self
is a process of accounting driven by intense seeing. The scientific revolution,
the industrial revolution and now the information revolution have each
developed new tools that augment our senses, allowing us to turn inward with
greater depth and ease. The result is a qualitative change in our ability to
see ourselves.
The
quantified self is concerned with works that explore both the process and
meaning of measurement. How do artists collect self-information; how is it
stored and communicated to others? Alternatively, how do artists react to the
collection of personal information by other groups such as commercial or
governmental interests; is this sharing or surveillance? How is this abundance
of abstract information transformed into something sensible and meaningful?
Some examples include: DNA profiles, psychographics, systems for self-monitoring
such as sleep patterns or purchasing activity, bio-feedback, daily
recordkeeping of eating and other behaviors, and obsessive collecting of
self-defining artifacts.
