Your Heart Specimen functions only with charging smartphone
Your Heart Specimen is an interactive installation by artist Joll that explores the relationship between the human body and digital devices in contemporary life. In the work, a sculpted heart is fixed inside a wooden frame and connected to a wireless charging system. When a smartphone is placed onto the heart and begins charging, the installation is activated. Only through the act of charging the device and observing the scene does the work become complete. The viewer is not a passive observer, but an essential participant.
the viewer’s hand completes the work, transforming observation into participation | all images courtesy of Joll
Installation by joll comments on digital dependency
In modern society, essential human activities such as communication, entertainment, work, and emotional exchange are increasingly mediated through a single glass screen. Along with information, emotions such as joy, anxiety, anger, and comfort are generated through smartphones. The artist visualizes this dependency by synchronizing the ‘heartbeat’ of the object with electrical power. The heart is modeled from epoxy putty and painted in red, while the surrounding structure is constructed from wood and a metal wire frame, finished in black lacquer spray. A wireless charger, charging cable, and wall outlet are intentionally exposed, emphasizing electricity as a contemporary form of lifeline alongside blood.
the heart is presented as a specimen, suspended within a frame
without a smartphone attached, the heart remains inactive
close-up view of the artificial heart, isolated from any power source
a smartphone initiates the act of connection
once connected, the heart begins to function through electrical power
the installation reveals the extended relationship between the heart and an external power source
project info:
name: Your Heart Specimen
designer: Joll
materials: wood fragments, epoxy putty, wood frame, metal wire support, wireless charger, charging cable, wall outlet, lacquer spray (black), water-based spray (red), clear coating
designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.
edited by: claire brodka | designboom
The post viewers activate this beating heart art installation by charging their smartphone appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

