+ma

+ma (Piuma), meaning "feather" in Italian, is an innovative wearable vest designed to explore the interplay between presence, temperature, and visual transformation. This vest is constructed from a layered polymer material that includes thermochromic pigment, tubiscreen (a vinyl-backed felt salvaged from a closing textile factory), and a cotton lining that conceals strips of nickel-chromium, a heating element. The embedded circuitry within the vest activates these heating elements whenever a sonar sensor detects a presence in front of it, causing the thermochromic pigment to disappear and creating a dynamic animation on the vest’s surface.

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The thermochromic pigment, now irreversibly blended with the tubiscreen medium, engages in a continuous dialogue with the heating elements underneath. Each time the vest is activated by the proximity of a person, the pigment responds to the heat, revealing and then hiding patterns on the vest. Over time, after many cycles of heating and cooling, the pigment will degrade and lose its ability to become invisible, highlighting the ephemeral nature of the gaze and its impact on interpersonal interactions.

+ma (Piuma) is an exploration of the delicate balance between technology and materiality, illustrating how invisible forces—like heat and presence—can leave visible marks over time. This wearable art piece encourages viewers to reflect on the transient nature of interactions and the lasting impact they can have on the world around us.

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The activation and subsequent degradation of the thermochromic pigment symbolize the fleeting and transformative nature of human presence. As the gaze triggers the heating circuit, it simultaneously initiates the gradual decay of the top material, serving as a tangible representation of the exchange between temperature and pigment. 

The technical features of +ma (Piuma) include:

- Heat-Triggered Wearable: The vest reacts to the presence of people through heat activation, creating visual changes.
- Strands with Heat Activation: Embedded nickel-chromium strips heat up to trigger color changes in the thermochromic pigment.
- Laminated Fabric: The layered construction integrates various materials for functionality and aesthetics.
- Compact Circuitry: The embedded electronic system controls the heating elements and sensor, ensuring smooth operation.