The Thing Itself – Media Folly

The Thing Itself is a constantly evolving concept created by artist Joris Brouwers. It symbolizes the essence of the things we all search for but only seem to approach at best. Urban Matter served as a catalyst to help The Thing Itself shape shift into a new obscure embodiment of its own conceptual meaning.



Longitudinal section

With The Thing Itself being the phenomenon subject of theory and discussion several artists, philosophers and activists are being interviewed from within this new appearance of The Thing Itself. These interviews are broadcasted into the ethereal confines of is immediate surroundings as part of the ongoing evolution of The Thing Itself.



Scheme

Alike 2 single molecules of the element of oxygen embracing each other and turning into the type of oxygen we breathe (O2) this new appearance of The Thing Itself seems to have taken shape by the merging of 2 particular tetraspheres.



The Thing Itself can pop up anywhere


The geometrical complexity and the all sided appearance of The Ting Itself result in a form of self censorship. Not wanting to be revealed completely it shrouds itself in the same undetectable appearance as a stealth B2 bomber.



Form study model

The Thing Itself consists out of triangular surfaces and is completely dismountable; it could appear anywhere in public space. From the inside the object is accousticly  insulated and it is fitted with audiovisual installations. It can offer space to a small number of people and can be accessed by one of the triangular surfaces.

Project data:

Name: The Thing Itself
Team: Joris Brouwers in cooperation with Jasper Hermans
Program: Platform for art and discussion
Project year: 2006
Client: Joris Brouwers
Photographs and images: Urban Matter