Scan Yourself

RFID, or Radio Frequency Identification, identifies things - much like our clothing and accessories identify us. It has been used for the last 30 years as subdermal pet identification and in store anti-theft devices, but recent advances to the technology have allowed it to be used subdermally in humans. Likewise, recent international political issues have caused RFID to be included in passports, and credit card companies are adding it to their products, transforming the nature of these items. Security issues inherent in RFID have not been addressed, leaving individuals at risk for identity theft and unauthorized corporate data mining.

"Hidden Agenda" addresses these concerns. It is an open mesh collar constructed of small black RFID tags and sterling silver. Each of the 45 tags used in this piece is programmed to display an image, quote, or question about tracking, surveillance and projection of identity. These tags can be "read" with an RFID wand attached to a laptop.

One intriguing aspect of art jewelry is that it has two display possibilities. In the museum or gallery setting, pieces are presented as sculpture, yet on the body, they are presented as adornment.

When worn, "Hidden Agendas" acts as a reminder that we are being inundated with RFID technology. It is sewn into our clothes during production, integrated into the newest credit cards and passports, and if the company VeriChip has its way, we will have them subdermally implanted into our bodies.

Yet it's impossible to tell by looking at these small black disks that they contain computer chips. Though this is part of the concept of the piece, demonstrating how hidden the technology is in daily life, the piece exists independently as a beautiful object.