For this project, I wanted to approach technologies and communications in a different manner than previously explored. At the beginning of this semester, I was already set on the idea of using thermochromic dye as a medium, and wanted to implement that material into my project. This made coming up with a concept quite difficult, since usually I come up with the concept and themes first, then come up with the technology needed. This experience, and restriction in material, was quite refreshing, though, because it made me think about all kinds of interactions, messages and presentations.
My project consists of multiple pieces of underwear, all the same color, on a table. People are encouraged to touch the pieces and play around with them, and they will notice things appearing when they touch the fabric. Ideally, the project would be presented in pictures. When the underwear is worn by models, the dye changes color to make the true message appear.
On the more conceptual side, my inspiration is taken from the Yahoo! Answers website. This site appeals to a wide variety of people who can anonymously ask the world questions of every sort. Therefore, it attracts many teenagers who are troubled with their sexuality. The messages that appear on the underwear to be questions from some of these individuals. Here are some examples of the questions asked on the site.
Thermochromic underwear has been around for quite some time now. Contrary to the pieces out there, my project investigates lack of communication, insecurity and misinformation at a young age. It also takes a look at the impact of the internet on youth; instead of asking the questions to people you trust, you are asking a large number of people for their opinion.
**UPDATE**
I have been testing the dye on paper with different ways to make the message appear/disappear. The technique I wanted to use was to use a fabric paint a similar color as the original dye, and to silkscreen on the underwear the messages. This might be hard because of the difficulties in making a paint color the exact same shade as the dye. So I am testing other possibilities but none are satisfactory.
I was also looking at the possibility of embroidering the message unto the underwear with thread the same color as the dye. The issue with this is that from close the thread will create a texture that will make it legible even if it is the same color as the dye.