BIENSTAR
2019
Vinyl print on thermoformed acrilyc
52 inch round
A historical update using contemporary hieroglyphics

"BienStar" is a cross formed by four selfie emojis printed as a molded polystyrene lightbox. This sculpture proposes an update to the historical symbol configured by contemporary hieroglyphs to allude to the connections between perceptions of authoritarian states and current self-informed control systems, their dynamics of self-exploitation, and the intensive use of simulated freedom. In the ancient Sanskrit Indian language, “swastika” means “well-being.” This coincidence appears appropriate for a moment in which programs such as “Digital Well-being” are promoted by major Internet and technology corporations. This technocentric health focus revolves around using their products with greater intensity —from meditation apps and online testing to location and screen time reports. Thus, isolation and self-care appear as exemplary behaviors in this consumption, surveillance, and control ecosystem