My doctoral project “Engaging with e-static textiles” is exhibited at designtransfer showcase as part of Vorspeil Transmediale 2021 at Einsteinufer 43, Berlin from 22.01.2021 to 28.02.2021.
designtransfer presents in the context of Vorspiel transmediale (15.01–28.03) online projects by students and alumni of UdK and in the outside showcase Einsteinufer 43 the installation “Engaging with e-static textiles” by Ramyah Gowrishankar.
Static electricity is usually considered an annoying phenomenon often associated with door-knob shocks, hair risings or clingy clothes. But it is also a form of everyday electrical energy that is closely related to how our bodies interact with textiles, and when handled safely, presents an exciting opportunity to envision new forms and interactions for e-textiles.
This was the starting point for the research project- “Engaging with e-static textiles” by Ramyah Gowrishankar.Through the process of making, discovering and experimenting with the electrostatic generator circuit, the research explores the challenges and opportunities of using static electricity as a resource in design and development of e-textiles.
This installation for the Vorspiel transmediale 2021 at designtransfer gives a glimpse into the four year long research project. It shares examples of e-textile materials and interactions that make use of the electrostatic charges as a source of micro-energy or as a sensor input.
One of the key results presented here is the “e-static textiles prototyping board” developed during the project.The prototyping board is an educational tool that enables easy integration of high voltage inputs from electrostatic setups and can be sewn directly on textiles for designing and prototyping electrostatic energy-related interactions.
22 January – 28 February 2021, 24/7
Outside Showcase, Einsteinufer 43