Community Matters: The Future Fashion of Air Purification (BJDW), All Expenses Paid Art Residency

Kipp Whittaker | Oct 1, 2014 5:00 pm | Add a comment | 1422 reads

I hope the pollution here doesn't get so apocalyptic that we have to resort to this, but a group of Dutch designers have developed a wearable air purifier. Currently on exhibition at Beijing Design Week and invented by Borre Akkersdijk along with a team of tech and design heads, the BB.Suit 2.0 measures the concentration of carbon monoxide, methane and liquid petroleum gas in the air around you, and purifies it using cold plasma technology. This essentially zaps air particles with a very high voltage causing impurities to drop to the ground, and away from those precious lungs. 

Earlier this year at the SXSW (South by Southwest) festival in Austin, Texas, this team also developed a similar style onesie that contained a music library and doubled as a wifi hotspot. While onesies were a huge fad in the 70s, the BB.Suit 2.0 is a big upgrade from the butt hugging style of the past. Maybe the next model will incorporate a Dune style (stillsuit) moisture collector to combat the capital's growing water shortage. Welcome to Arrakis people. 

This week, Red Gate Gallery, together with China Residencies announced the inauguration of the Crystal Ruth Bell Residency. From 2009-2011 Crystal served as the program director of Red Gate's artist in residency program, here in Beijing while also slinging cupcakes on the side in exchange for things like stories and songs on a nifty mint green tricycle.

Unfortunately she passed away earlier this summer from melanoma, but her legacy will live on with this amazing opportunity organized by Red Gate Gallery and China Residencies. They will be choosing an artist from any discipline who proposes to make something new, exciting, and that's never been done in Beijing.

It's an open call, with no restrictions, so everyone is potentially qualified. The artist selected will receive a fully funded three-month residency, lasting from December 2014 until February 2015. All costs will be covered, including transportation and visa application, and there will be a stipend for additional living expenses. 

 

More great community events this week:

photos: http://www.want.nl/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/BBsuitThijs-5.3.jpeg