Photo: David Vintiner
Photographer David Vintiner shares in his images the body modifications made by transhumanists, who believe that technology can be used to modify and enhance the human body.
By: Laura Puentes
Technology and science advance day by day, bringing with them changes in daily life from things as simple as cooking to aspects as complex as traveling in less time. But, without a doubt, the most surprising changes we see are those made to the human body.
Although our body is wonderful and complex at the same time, it also has failures, either due to an accident or some disease that does not allow it to develop one hundred percent. This is where transhumanists come in, who believe that technology can be used to modify and improve the human body.
Many people today live with implants that regulate their heartbeat or insulin levels and may not be visible. Other people use devices or prosthetics that help them improve something about their body.
However, transhumanists want to see how far they can go: they play with perception, the senses, and their own skin and bones as an art form.
Photographing the limits of the body
Photographer David Vintiner was fascinated by these and other types of body modifications made by advocates of transhumanism. Through a series of images, he shares the diversity that exists between these people and how fascinating it is to see the application of technology to the human body.
Vintiner through his lens allowed us to know the Eyesect helmet in which through a camera “eye” is channeled towards each of the person’s eyes so that each one has independent movement.
He also embodied the NeuroRex exoskeleton that uses a wearable electrode visor and reads the user’s brain waves and converts them into commands such as “Walk forward,” “Turn,” “Step back,” or “Stop.” The creators of NeuroRex hope that with this invention people who have lost the ability to walk can regain much of their mobility.
Other photos show bionic arms with USB ports and eyes with wireless video cameras.
The book project, on hiatus
Viniter’s images would be part of a joint book project with Gem Fletcher called I Want to Believe. An exploration of Transhumanism, which was seeking funding via Kickstarter.
However, on May 22, the project was postponed. According to its creators, “the world and its current problems do not make it appropriate to continue with this project. While creative work enriches our lives in many ways, our focus must be on the health and well-being of humanity. ”
What is clear is that scientists will continue working to find the best ways not only to save and improve lives through technology, but to improve the lifestyle of any human being, taking it to the limits of art.
Reference:
Transhumanism in images: journey to the future of cyborg people | MIT Technology Review in Spanish
