IF I CAN’T TAKE A SELFIE, I DON’T WANT TO BE PART OF YOUR REVOLUTION

In collaboration with S†ëfan Schäfer


When visiting the current political demonstrations in Bangkok, the most striking part was the 'festive' atmosphere that was going on. The streets were filled with people wearing red, white and blue, the colors of the Thai flag; a symbol appropriated by the demonstrators. The colors of the flag appeared on T-Shirts, sleeves, glasses, hair accessories, gloves, face paint, and much more. These props were sold on the streets at merchandise stands, similar to the ones you come across at music festivals. And there were bands playing on stages. Though there were bombs exploding and gunfire in other parts of the city, the mood in central bangkok was generally fun.

It seems people were joining the demonstrations for different reasons: demonstrating against the government, or simply having a good time participating in the political festival. The latter also includes another reason: to be seen. A huge amount of people dressed up and took selfie after selfie to an extent that the Thai demonstrations hold the unofficial world record of selfie uploads per day. It almost shut down Instagram.

The revolution’s digital life takes place on Facebook and Instagram, partly protesting, partly posing in and with the mob. "Whether they were there to be seen and take selfies or seriously protest the government, there is - of course - now a Facebook page featuring the finest girls of the protest. ‘Mob Stars’ is now trending and has already collected over 26,000 likes for displaying cute girls and their nationalistic fashion statements." (1) 

References
(1) Political Passion: Cutest Protest Girls Compiled Online
(2) Thai Protesters Pause to Take ‘Selfies’ During Rallies
(3) ‘Nobody Liked My Selfie and Now the Country Is Going to Hell’

TYPE
Installation

YEAR
2014

PLACE
De Punt, Amsterdam

Installation at Third Floor Vision– The Retrospective Extravaganza in De Punt
21 February - 3 March 2014

GRAB PROPS AND TAKE SELFIES!!!
All photos taken by participants are streamed to the existing mobstar photo collection - shown on the screen, giving them a chance to shine.