NEW SURVIVALISM
SURVIVAL, BUG-OUT BAG, UNCERTAIN FUTURE, COMFORT BLANKET, 2014
PARSONS & CHARLESWORTH (GB)
Since the threat of nuclear cataclysm in the mid-twentieth century, survivalism has embedded itself in the public consciousness as an attitude for those intent on planning for the worst case scenario. In the face of recent financial, political and environmental turmoil, there has been increased interest in survivalism, but few progressive ideas as to what it might mean. Typically, survivalists focus on tried-and-tested means — rejecting new technology and going back to basics, and stockpiling food, medical supplies and possibly weapons. As an approach, it is generally insular and antisocial — yet, as a subject, it is universal when we consider what we would do in the face of disaster.
New Survivalism is a series of alternative survival kits, or bug-out bags, for three fictional protagonists: The Biophotovoltaics Hacktivist, The Re-Wilder, and The Object Guardian. Using designed objects and storytelling, the project reveals the survival strategies of a disparate set of protagonists, each with a very different take on what they ‘need’.
Bug-out bags are portable kits for short-term evacuation after a disaster. As a limited set of objects, the contents are an embodiment of the owner’s values and principles — a comfort blanket for their uncertain future. New Survivalism asks: What alternative scenarios of survival are there that avoid the bunker mentality, and respond to current research into technological change, environmental conditions and belief systems?
BIO
Working across a variety of media, Parsons & Charlesworth create objects, installations, texts and images that encourage reflection upon the current and future state of our designed culture. By employing objects and futures alongside narrative and speculation, new ways of living are prototyped, often proposing what does not exist yet and asking — what if it did?
Founded by designers Tim Parsons and Jessica Charlesworth, their studio became a grounding place to explore how issues like climate change, personal survival and happiness can be reconsidered using designed objects as agents of change, to generate meaning and comment on important issues.
Parsons & Charlesworth have presented and exhibited at Chicago Cultural Center; the Arts Club of Chicago; Istanbul Design Biennial; the Museum of Contemporary Art (Chicago); Fernwey Gallery (Chicago); WantedDesign (New York City); Aram Gallery (London); and the London Design Festival. Their work is featured in various private collections and in the permanent collection at the MAK Vienna
Tim Parsons is Associate Professor and Chair of the Designed Objects programmes and Jessica Charlesworth is a lecturer in Designed Objects in the Department of Architecture, Interior Architecture and Designed Objects, both at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.