DO YOU WANT to live in a world where privacy really means privacy? If so, then this project may appeal to you.
Though the ideas are a bit wacky, ‘The Republic of Privacy’ is a fictional nation where citizens can live in absolute privacy.
It was dreamed up by artists Soomi Park who looked at what kinds of new systems or drastic measures we would not need to take to guarantee a life that is one hundred percent private.
She is one of the artists showcasing her work at the Science Gallery’s ‘Secret’ exhibition.
Our favourite feature of The Republic of Privacy is the ATM system which is run by dogs.
In this society, your individual scent is your very own individual identifier. The dogs inside the ATMs have a bit of a sniff of your crotch (your most fragrant area). They then compare your scent to samples in the database and once they confirm it’s you they press a little button to release the money.
Dogs in this private world have become extremely important in society as they control the money and therefore are highly regarded.
In the Republic of Privacy weddings are about revealing private information to your lover – something that is not normally done in this world.
The ceremony involves the bride and groom whispering their real names (which they have never told anyone before) into a device and the names are revealed at the same time.
Dogs, of course, are an important part of weddings. They serve as national symbols of privacy and bring good fortune to the newlyweds.
While it all seems farfetched and bizarre, Park’s point is that we live in a society now where total privacy is a laughable concept.
And a world where dogs are in charge of the money doesn’t sound SO bad…
The Secret exhibition is running in the Science Gallery in Dublin until 1 November.
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