Otto von Busch to Speak on Designed Objects as Embodiments of Power

Otto von Busch, associate professor in integrated design at Parsons School of Design, will speak on “Historical Hackers: Cunning, Crafts and Material Manipulations” on Thursday, Nov. 29 at 3:30 p.m. in 145 Integrated Science Building.

The talk is part of the Resistance Studies Initiative Fall Speaker Series.

Von Busch has a background in arts, craft, design and theory, and many of his projects explore how design can mobilize community capabilities through collaborative craft and social activism in the support of social sustainability, peace, and justice.

According to Busch, designed objects are embodiments of power and are parts of negotiating the action spaces of people. Many form of citizen agency and resistance is based on using design to leverage the “thing-power” of objects, to use them for hands-on political transgressions and capacity building. This lecture will examine some of them as historical means of “hacking” the state-apparatus.

The talk is open to all. Refreshments will be served.