The empowerment amulet series reflects the beauty and resilience of people.
Crafted from stories about empowerment and personal strength, I render unique elements of the stories in Augmented Reality, which are activated by the custom hand-made amulets.
I hope that wearing the amulet serves as a reminder of their power in times of adversity.
Tonii began with a specific question: “what does it mean to use sister as a verb?” The teachings of Toni Cade Bambara describes “sister” not just as an identity but as an action. This is a powerful concept. It implies that different relationships regardless of gender and background are premises for “sister”ing.I've experienced racial and gender trauma in my various professional journeys, and realized that what helped me survive were the many acts of "sister"ing I experienced. I learnt that although it was important to advocate for myself, it was even more important to advocate for others, to hold space, share knowledge and give credit to those around us, making sure they’re seen. I've experienced this from my female, trans, non-binary and male counterparts alike. These acts, although gentle, are acts of strength. They are multiplicative, empowering many, not just one. What types of “sister”ing acts do you perform?
Amulets are an ancient technology, imbued with magical powers and are symbols of aid and protection. These amulets incorporate augmented reality extensions, giving them their own powers of protection.
Each unique amulet begins with a survey I developed, asking a series of questions about a relationship of empowerment you share with someone. Traits and elements within the stories then inform the design of amulets and augmentations. The amulets are composed of various symbology that represent some of the traits that make you and your relationship special. They comprise different materials and are created through a mix of digital fabrication and hand crafting techniques.
Using augmented reality, I've created digital body suits that are a meld of story, fashion, sculpture, armor and costumery. They consist of elements that fit on the body but also extend beyond. Inspired by details within the relationships of the participants, these larger-than-life digital extensions are given symbolic meaning that the wearer can embody. It celebrates how their qualities may be rendered visible, serving as a reminder of their power in times of adversity. To activate them, hold your smart device to the amulet to see them mapped onto the person who wears the amulet.
You can complete the survey linked below and I will follow up with further questions, or reach out to me directly to discuss. The amulet we create together may then be gifted to that person or you may hold onto as a keepsake.
Yes, we can do this together within a workshop context. Reach out to me to further discuss.
email: tonii.amulets@gmail.com
socialmedia: @adellelin instagram twitter tiktok discord: adellelin#6591
www: adelleninja.com
To uncover the powers within the amulets, hold your smartphone or tablet up to the amulet to see them mapped onto the person who wears it, creating a larger than life avatar that the wearer can embody. The augmentations reflect stories of connection, serving as a reminder of our powers in times of adversity. Right now I am using Lens studio to map the extensions to the body. Steps for activation are below.
To record, hold down the lens button and release when you want to stop the recording. Send the video to me on snap chat or other social media @adellelin. You are special and I can't wait to see your glory!
Tonii is a follow up project to Liisa (2016), where I created a set of amulets reflecting the strength and bonds I experienced running a non-profit. However, the way we all relate and connect to each other is different and unique in itself and cannot be comprehended by my own lived experience. To honor the multitude of relationships, Tonii enacts a ritual of co-creation. This survey is the start of our conversation and co-creation. I hope that these questions help capture some of the essence in your rich relationships. which will inspire a new series of amulets and other digital artifacts that can serve as a reminder of the positivity that exists in this world.