Shiyue Wang
As part of the Grad Studio 1 project at RISD, we were tasked with selecting an object from the Providence Public Library to begin our project. I chose the cuneiform, an ancient writing system inscribed on clay tablets, as my starting point. Clay, as one of the most stable materials, can store information for thousands of years, much like ancient cuneiforms. Its durability prompts the question: What information is worth archiving? Under China's authoritarian government, sensitive or dissenting content posted by individuals is often censored and removed.
Speak the Unspeakable is a publication that highlights the struggle between Chinese digital citizens and government censorship, emphasizing the ongoing battle for free speech. This project provides readers, particularly Chinese netizens, with seven ways to bypass censorship on Chinese social media.
Both QR codes and clay are familiar materials. Engraving a QR code onto a clay tablet merges digital and physical elements, creating a new context that enduring materials and ephemeral data. This design choice highlights the project’s aim to preserve sensitive discussions that are often suppressed. However, it's important to note that worn or damaged engravings can increase the risk of the codes becoming unreadable, presenting a fascinating challenge that mirrors the fragility of digital information in the face of censorship.
To archive, and memorize the information, I designed a modern-day cuneiform by engraving QR code on it. Scanning the QR code grants access to the digital version of the publication. The pdf is downloadable and easy to share.
6.7 x 6.7 x 0.5 cm