During Science Week, Balbriggan became an intersection of art and science, exploring the fascinating and complex world of the Internet of Things (IoT). Through imaginative and thought-provoking representations, the event celebrated original technological innovations while also highlighting their potential impacts on humans and the environment.
Recognising that technology can often feel mysterious or disconnected from everyday life, Fingal County Council, Smart Balbriggan, and the CONNECT Centre collaborated with curator Valeria Ceregini, and the SCÉAL Arts Collective to bring the IoT story to life in a creative and engaging way.
The “Experience IoT” event offered an incredible variety of activities and exhibits, from hands-on workshops building air quality sensors, that detect and measure pollutants in the air, to video installations, comic strips, and paintings. There was even a specially designed cave where attendees could take a break from the digital world and reflect on the balance between tech and wellbeing.
The evolution of technology was also represented and historical and cutting-edge devices were on display, including one of the earliest punch-card machines used by Fingal County Council, alongside the lat
est in Virtual Reality technology. Visitors also interacted with water quality IoT sensors demonstrated by Urban Splash researchers from the DCU Water Institute, making the event both educational and interactive.
This blend of art and technology turned Science Week into an inspiring exploration of how innovation supports our lives—and the importance of considering its impact on society and the planet.
Exploring the Internet of Things Through Art
Throughout the week, Balbriggan became an artistic playground where venues showcased captivating artworks cantered around the theme of “The Internet of Things.” Artists employed a variety of materials and mediums to interpret the role of technology in the modern world, pushing creative boundaries and sparking conversations. Among the standout pieces was “Big Brother Is Watching You” by Anastasiia Kerdina.
Reflecting on the IoT, Kerdina grappled with themes of identity loss, constant surveillance, and the invasive nature of data collection. “When I thought about the Internet of Things, the first ideas that came to mind were losing our identity, disappearing, data collection, shadowing,” she shared.
Her work delves into the relationship between technology and human behaviour, particularly the addictive nature of mobile phones and social media. Using phone cases and mirrors as her materials, Kerdina created a powerful visual commentary on technology’s omnipresence. Drawing inspiration from Orwell’s 1984, she named the piece “Big Brother Is Watching You”—a stark reminder of how technology can dominate, observe, and shape our lives.