Invisible Threads

January 27 2008

Invisible Threads is a mixed reality performance installation created by Eyebeam artists Jeff Crouse and Stephanie Rothenberg. The project explores the growing intersection between labor, emerging virtual economies and real life commodities through the creation of a designer jeans sweatshop in the metaverse Second Life. Simulating a real life manufacturing facility that includes hiring Second Life "workers" to produce real world jeans sold for profit, the project provides an insider's view into current modes of global, telematic production.

"Invisible Threads" premiered at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival at the New Frontier Theater in Park City, Utah and was exhibited in "FeedForward: Angel of History" at LABoral Center for Art & Industry in Gijon, Spain and at the symposium closing event for Synthetic Times Beijing Media Art Festival sponsored by MOMA and Parsons The New School.

Additional programming support: Andrew Mahon
SL Building contractor and design: "Nix Sands"
Second Life Machinima: Annie Ok
Pattern design: Morgan Cooper

Printer supplied by Hewlet Packard. Project supported by Eyebeam and the SUNY Buffalo 2020 Scholars Award.