mire.project

The mire.project, born in november 2005, is an approach of street art expression on the subject of television test pattern. Initially used to evaluate the quality of cathode ray tube displays, it is not for that reason that the test pattern owes its world-wide popularity. Until the beginning of 80's, the test pattern was broadcast after sign-off on most television channels, to fill the cathodic vacuum during the night. At this time, the television was stopping, like us, in order to sleep. Nowadays the test pattern is becoming more rare, channels are broadcasting programs day and night without interruption. If you were born before the 80's, you should already have seen a television test pattern. This multicoloured image, going with monotonous and hypnotic sound, is without a doubt engraved on your mind. In return, if you were born after, this emblematic image had probably not the same impact on you.

The test pattern is a very strong universal symbol, evoking the world of television and media. It summarizes itself, with a few strips of colors and grey gradations, the whole cathodic era, its consequences on the world and the ascendancy that the television can have over us, our life, our everyday life.

The test pattern is also, in a way, a logo, as famous as Mickey's ears or the «M» of Mc Donalds. But contrary to most logos, it does not have any commercial goal. The test pattern owes its celebrity to our thirst for images, to the screen addiction we developed in time.

The test pattern is also not so far from the famous slogan «Big Brother is watching you», taken from the novel 1984 by George Orwell. It has got in all homes, without being invited. Carried by a television erected as a totem, it has often been at the center of the main room.

The purpose of the mire.project is not to denounce or to criticize the world of television. Neither militant of something, nor anti anything, its purpose is mainly to send that subliminal image back to the eyes of people, in order to arouse, I hope, some reflection on what television has become, the powerful impact it has on populations and, more generally, on the phenomenon of screen addiction whatever they are (television, computer, phone, etc).

Stickers, posters, cathode ray tube displays and other mirotechnics shows coming soon...

For those who are interested, do not hesitate to contact me.