“Barcode Symphony: Sonification of Consumerism” presented by Jiang
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“Barcode Symphony” is an artwork that challenges contemporary consumerism placing a critique of our daily transactions and the commodification of goods. The artist collects everyday invoices, and transforms the mundane barcode numbers into an auditory experience using p5js. This datasonification process invites the audience to engage with the underlying rhythms and melodies hidden within the seemingly mundane aspects of consumer culture. “Barcode Symphony” prompts contemplation on the impact of consumerism on our lives, encouraging a deeper reflection on the significance of each transaction and its collective resonance in our society. Through the fusion of technology, data, and artistic expression, the artwork challenges viewers to reconsider their relationship with consumption in the modern world. As we navigate the intricate symphony of consumerism in the 21st century, this paper engages with Zygmunt Bauman’s insights on its contemporary dynamics, providing a creative lens through which to examine and critique the modern consumerist experience.