New Faces, Old Eyebrows
2021
What makes a human face? From freckles to eyebrows, the attributes that define a human face play a major role in communication, facial recognition, and personal identity. By defining new prosthetics (New Faces, New Identities) we propose new interactions with our digital-selves. We are invited to use and replicate those features to expand on decisions about how to be perceived. Eyebrows, known as one of the most valued features of the face, should definitely be considered in the picture.
Over the last two decades, these hairy strips that sit on the ridge above a person's eye sockets have travelled a long way. From over plucked eyebrows that required laser treatments and needle-fine pencil drawings, to luscious power unibrows filled with nightly growth serum or hair grafts (plugs). Their impact in framing our look and expressing emotion on our faces seem to be just enough for the beauty industry to keep talking about them. Density, color, shape, and placement are just some of the variables that keep getting updated as we speak. Are we going in circles? Choose your fighter.
“New Faces, Old Eyebrows” is an evolution of “New Faces, New Identities”, a long-term research project focused on finding opportunities to use Apple Face ID software and infrastructure to build new hybrid identities, exploring its potential as a drag, queer, and trans technology design tool. The prostheses shown in this project are functional and allow users to train Apple Face ID software to design their own identities connected to their name, Apple ID Number, bank account, social networks, and any other data or online activity digitally associated with this persona. THIS IS DEFINITELY NOT A SPECULATIVE PROJECT.
Credits
Project coordination, art direction and photography by Arnau Anglada.
Eyebrows by DOES Salon.