TV_BLANKET (2022)

To be able to fall asleep, a feeling of relative safety is necessary. With ever increasing political and cultural tension in the united states and globally, 24/7 information connectivity, and manipulative media commentary, our devices circulate, amplify, and create feelings of fear and anxiety.

Further, as social safeguards and other infrastructure deteriorate, individuals are forced to fend for themselves while also becoming more and more isolated from their communities and support. Turning to our devices when we can't sleep provides a synthetic replacement for a feeling of community and security.


TV_BLANKET explores how we use devices and media to cope with worry. I made a blanket with a custom made slip inside holding 1024 LEDs, creating a low resolution and diffused display. Playing on the blanket is a looped, 10 minute video composed of the opening credits to various TV shows.

The bed becomes the site of conflict between stress and rest. Screens demand our attention, and what happens behind them often consume or surveil our behaviors. We are coerced to give up more of our private lives in hopes of alleviating our anxiety. One can fully wrap themselves in the media, creating a security blanket from the shows that deal with and generate feelings of fear and worry.

Tools and Materials
Electronics, MadMapper, Blender, LED strips, sewing machine

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This project was for my thesis project for the ITP program at NYU, Tisch in 2022. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, I had to present my piece remotely. To stand in for people not being able to actually touch the blanket, I created a short video, in which I performed interacting with the blanket.