The Distraction 5

is a speculative digitally fabricated boy band installation that explores the manufacturability of boy band archetypes and tropes, their effect within society and the popstar industrial complex. In which each band member embodies a contemporary pop-cultural trope.

My role

Concept development, 3D models, XR design, exhibition.

Residency time:

6 March 2023- 5 May 2023

The problem

Presented through a 2.5D "fan zone," The Distraction 5 debuted with a digitally created boy band and AI-composed pop track. The project bridged physical-digital gaps via posters and an album booklet, gradually revealing layers. It ventured further, fusing mediums into an immersive universe, employing VR for an exclusive "meet and greet." Yet, the VR also exposed the dark reality of boy band life, focusing on concealed toxic masculinity, corruption, exploitation, and human rights abuses. While female celebrities' treatment gains attention (e.g., "Free Britney"), parallel issues with male stars are overlooked. The rise of K-pop prompts reflection on idols' conditions. Another concern tackled is the acceptance of digital idols, offering solutions to controversies.A second pivotal contemplation sought to probe the philosophical query of how far society is willing to embrace digital idols. This avenue could potentially provide resolution to the conflicts and controversies surrounding their existence.

The Distraction 5 is a work by Studio Comrades (Nicol Colga & Edith Dingemans).

The project was supported by the European Union within the framework of the Realities in Transition residency at V2_Lab in Rotterdam.

Photo credits: Fenna de Jong

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The Distraction 5

is a speculative digitally fabricated boy band installation that explores the manufacturability of boy band archetypes and tropes, their effect within society and the popstar industrial complex. In which each band member embodies a contemporary pop-cultural trope.

My role

Concept development, 3D models, XR design, exhibition.

Residency time:

6 March 2023- 5 May 2023

The problem

Presented through a 2.5D "fan zone," The Distraction 5 debuted with a digitally created boy band and AI-composed pop track. The project bridged physical-digital gaps via posters and an album booklet, gradually revealing layers. It ventured further, fusing mediums into an immersive universe, employing VR for an exclusive "meet and greet." Yet, the VR also exposed the dark reality of boy band life, focusing on concealed toxic masculinity, corruption, exploitation, and human rights abuses. While female celebrities' treatment gains attention (e.g., "Free Britney"), parallel issues with male stars are overlooked. The rise of K-pop prompts reflection on idols' conditions. Another concern tackled is the acceptance of digital idols, offering solutions to controversies.A second pivotal contemplation sought to probe the philosophical query of how far society is willing to embrace digital idols. This avenue could potentially provide resolution to the conflicts and controversies surrounding their existence.

The Distraction 5 is a work by Studio Comrades (Nicol Colga & Edith Dingemans).

The project was supported by the European Union within the framework of the Realities in Transition residency at V2_Lab in Rotterdam.

Photo credits: Fenna de Jong

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