JOMO – experimental textile knitted wall hanging series
👁 889 |
| 2024-12
The mini tapestry series JOMO is a LoRa training experiment inspired by Tristan Schulze’s earlier work TAPESTRY: double jacquard-knitted tapestries created using training data from actual traditional tapestries and rugs originating from specific regions.
Traditionally, wall hangings often depict religious motifs, historical events, or decorative patterns. By contrast, the JOMO series addresses contemporary issues such as the „joy of missing out“ (JOMO) and the appreciation of being OFF from digital media. The custom-designed AI toolchain employed in this work explores how these abstract, modern concepts can be visualized through hybrid textile patterns, motifs, and layouts, blending digital innovation with traditional craft.
This interplay between traditional, material-based textile wall hangings and contemporary societal concerns serves as a poignant reminder of how deeply the digital realm has permeated our understanding of the real world. By anchoring abstract digital-age ideas in the tangible medium of woven textiles, JOMO highlights the paradoxical nature of our time: the growing desire to disconnect from technology within a world increasingly shaped by it.
In its philosophical underpinnings, JOMO echoes ideas of Marshall McLuhan, who argued that media are extensions of ourselves, and that shifts in media alter societal consciousness. Similarly, the work relates to Hito Steyerl’s reflections on technology and its entanglements with materiality in her essay „A Sea of Data.“ The integration of AI and textile art also recalls the tradition of Anni Albers, whose writings on weaving positioned it as a medium connecting past and future technologies.
JOMO
Celebrates the joy of missing out on unnecessary news, updates, and the relentless stream of modern capitalist distractions. JOMO is about shedding the burdens of the digital age and finding happiness in focusing on what truly matters for personal, communal, and human well-being.
#1 – JOMO – The joy of missing out
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#1 – JOMO – The joy of missing out
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Prompt
bright monochrome frontal photo of a huge, detailed rug made from black and white textile. The textile patterns combine cellular automata, traditional rug weaving techniques, and quirky, fun motifs inspired by the joy of missing out (JOMO). Patterns include Perlin noise, irregular halftone gradients, and humorous, fragmented shapes that feel almost like memes woven into fabric. The rug features bold black fringes on the top and bottom edges.
Woven into the design is the text „JOMO“, repeatedly integrated in stylized, playful fonts—some exaggerated, some pixelated—hinting at a mix of relaxation and self-aware humor. The patterns depict whimsical, relatable symbols of missing out without regret: a figure lounging on a couch in pajamas holding popcorn, a calendar page with crossed-out events, a phone tossed into a laundry pile, and a „404 Event Not Found“ icon.
Other playful bitmap and ASCII-style elements are scattered throughout, like empty chairs, unread notifications in comical fonts, „zzz“ sleep icons, and disconnected Wi-Fi signals. The rug celebrates the psychology of choosing to step away with lighthearted designs—maybe even a “loading screen” motif subtly woven into the textile. The surface is highly detailed, emphasizing the texture of handwoven artistry while injecting a tongue-in-cheek nod to the imperfect reality of downtime.
The rug hangs on a plain white wall in a white void, its bold and quirky presence inviting viewers to smile at the absurd joy of not being involved in everything all the time.
OFF
Celebrates the appreciation of being offline and disconnected from digital media. It honors the joy of solitude or real-life community, engaging in physical activities, and enjoying authentic urban life, places, and experiences. OFF reminds us of the simple pleasure in being present and grounded in reality.
#2 – OFF – The joy of beeing off
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Prompt
bright monochrome frontal photo of a huge, detailed rug made from black and white textile. The textile patterns combine cellular automata, traditional rug weaving styles, and bold, internet-inspired motifs celebrating the joy of being offline. Patterns include irregular gradients, halftone effects, and glitchy, geometric designs interwoven with quirky and relatable offline-life icons. The rug features bold black fringes on the top and bottom edges.
The word „OFF“ is repeatedly woven into the design in bold, fragmented, glitch-inspired fonts that stand out within the overall pattern. The motifs incorporate playful, minimalist symbols of disconnection and real-life engagement: unplugged power cords, empty Wi-Fi bars, spinning loading icons, and stylized figures walking, biking, or sitting in relaxed poses. Monochrome ASCII art depicts urban moments like coffee cups, bicycles, streetlights, and open books, celebrating tactile, bodily experiences and real spaces.
The patterns also feature abstract yet recognizable internet culture icons: pixelated hourglasses, game-over screens, or retro “OFFLINE” indicators, seamlessly integrated into the textile. The overall design balances humorous nods to digital absence with symbols of the simple pleasures of urban and communal offline life, creating a vibrant yet grounded aesthetic.
The knitting surface is extremely detailed, showcasing a rich tactile structure that emphasizes the handmade craft. Displayed against a plain white wall in a white void, the rug boldly celebrates the joy of stepping offline to reconnect with the real world and its physical, tangible experiences.
EMPATHY
Focuses on the emotional rewards of empathy—understanding and connecting with others. It emphasizes being open to others‘ positions, embracing vulnerability, and fostering progressiveness. EMPATHY encourages the deep emotional exchanges that build human connection and mutual growth.
#3 – EMPATHY – The joy of switching perspective
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Prompt
bright monochrome frontal photo of a huge, intricately detailed rug made from black and white textile. The textile patterns blend cellular automata, traditional rug weaving styles, and bold, interconnected motifs inspired by the concept of empathy. Patterns flow seamlessly with halftone gradients, organic curves, and layered designs that symbolize openness, emotional connection, and mutual understanding. The rug features bold black fringes on the top and bottom edges.
The word „EMPATHY“ is repeatedly woven into the design in fragmented yet flowing fonts, symbolizing the delicate balance of vulnerability and strength in understanding others. Motifs include abstracted silhouettes of interconnected faces, hands reaching out, and layered waves that appear to flow toward and away from one another, representing shared emotional exchanges.
Monochrome ASCII art adds visual depth, with subtle icons like overlapping speech bubbles, hearts, and bridges symbolizing connection and dialogue. Internet-inspired patterns include looping arrows, open doors, and spiraling shapes, all emphasizing progressiveness and openness. Stylized shapes of tears, crescents, and open palms highlight the emotional depth and vulnerability inherent in empathy, while recurring circles and chains represent the strength found in shared experiences.
The rug’s surface is extremely detailed, with the textured knitting emphasizing the imperfections and rawness of human connection. Displayed on a plain white wall in a white void, the rug stands as a celebration of empathy’s transformative power, showing how openness to others brings emotional richness, social strength, and progressive understanding.
IRL
A reminder to value and appreciate the real world, where human existence is most authentic. IRL highlights the unique experiences and joys that can only be found in the physical, tangible world, encouraging a deeper connection to reality.
#4 – IRL – The joy of beeing in real life
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Prompt
bright monochrome frontal photo of a huge, intricately detailed rug made from black and white textile. The textile patterns are a creative fusion of cellular automata, traditional rug weaving patterns, and organic curving motifs inspired by real-life experiences. Patterns incorporate Perlin noise, halftone black-and-white gradients, and flowing designs reminiscent of human connections and sensory pleasures. The rug features black carpet fringes on the top and bottom edges.
The pattern integrates traditional symbols alongside fragmented, stylized text repeatedly woven into the design that says: „IRL“. The text blends seamlessly with the textile’s texture, reflecting the tactile beauty of physical reality. Within the patterns are elements celebrating life: stylized hands holding objects, simplified silhouettes of people in joyful moments (dancing, eating, hugging), and organic forms inspired by natural textures like leaves, waves, and clouds.
Subtle monochrome ASCII and bitmap art depict everyday joys: a shared meal, laughter, a sunrise, and personal human interactions. The knitting surface is extremely detailed, showing realistic tactile structure and reflecting the imperfections and richness of handwoven artistry. The rug is displayed on a plain white wall in a white void, emphasizing its presence as a celebration of IRL authenticity and sensory experience.
SHARE
Highlights the joy of sharing and receiving, emphasizing the relief and happiness found in giving and the appreciation of generosity. SHARE reflects on the emotional connections and mutual understanding created through acts of sharing.
#5 – IRL – The joy of sharing and recieving share
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Prompt
bright monochrome frontal photo of a huge, detailed rug made from black and white textile. The textile patterns combine cellular automata, traditional rug weaving styles, and bold, playful motifs inspired by the joy of sharing and receiving. Patterns include flowing gradients, geometric curves, and interconnected designs symbolizing exchange and connection. The rug features bold black fringes on the top and bottom edges.
The word „SHARE“ is repeatedly woven into the textile in stylized, fragmented fonts, integrated harmoniously into the pattern. The motifs celebrate the act of giving and receiving: simplified hands reaching toward each other, abstracted gift-like shapes, and circles or chains symbolizing cycles of generosity. Monochrome ASCII art includes visual representations of shared items like books, bread, tools, or even stylized keys, emphasizing the communal nature of sharing.
Playful internet-culture-inspired icons are scattered throughout the rug: pixelated arrows looping into one another, open hands with dotted lines connecting them, and minimalist icons of baskets, bowls, or containers, symbolizing abundance and redistribution. The patterns also feature abstract figures exchanging objects or sitting together in circular arrangements, creating a sense of unity and balance.
The rug’s surface texture is deeply detailed, emphasizing the tactile beauty of craft, with interwoven lines and imperfections symbolizing the interconnectedness of shared experiences. Displayed against a plain white wall in a white void, the rug embodies the joy, relief, and humanity found in giving, receiving, and the shared appreciation of connection.
ACT
The power and satisfaction of taking intentional actions, whether small or big, to shape one’s life and community. ACT is about reclaiming agency, breaking passivity, and stepping into roles as active participants in personal and collective change. It acknowledges the joy and fulfillment in creating, deciding, and contributing, even amidst challenges.
This complements the existing themes by empowering individuals to move beyond reflection and connection into meaningful action. It aligns with the urgent need for agency in addressing social, emotional, and political challenges today.
#6 – ACT – The joy of deciding to act
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Prompt
bright monochrome frontal photo of a huge, playful, and detailed rug made from black and white textile. The patterns are inspired by cellular automata, traditional rug weaving, and quirky, energetic motifs celebrating the joy and satisfaction of taking action. The design bursts with dynamic, simple illustrations and flowing gradients, symbolizing motion and empowerment. Black fringes frame the rug at the top and bottom edges.
The word „ACT“ is repeatedly woven into the rug in bold, blocky, or exaggerated fonts, some bouncing or tilting as if in mid-motion. The patterns feature funny, joyful icons of action: cartoonish feet with speed lines, hands holding tools like hammers or paintbrushes, and dynamic arrows pointing in different directions. Stylized figures are shown jumping, running, or high-fiving, representing the excitement of making things happen.
Monochrome ASCII art adds humor and playfulness with icons like ticking checkboxes, „task complete“ badges, spinning gears, and „go“ buttons. Simplified shapes of rocket ships taking off, ladders being climbed, or paper planes flying emphasize forward movement and progress. Ripple effects and bursting stars scattered across the pattern symbolize the ripple of change and impact caused by even small actions.
The rug’s texture is richly detailed, with each symbol and line emphasizing the tactile joy of creation and the imperfections that make every effort meaningful. Displayed on a plain white wall in a white void, the rug serves as a lively and approachable representation of agency and joy, inspiring viewers to leap into action with humor and purpose.
The mini tapestry series JOMO is a LoRa training experiment inspired by Tristan Schulze’s earlier work TAPESTRY: double jacquard-knitted tapestries created using training data from actual traditional tapestries and rugs originating from specific regions.
Traditionally, wall hangings often depict religious motifs, historical events, or decorative patterns. By contrast, the JOMO series addresses contemporary issues such as the „joy of missing out“ (JOMO) and the appreciation of being OFF from digital media. The custom-designed AI toolchain employed in this work explores how these abstract, modern concepts can be visualized through hybrid textile patterns, motifs, and layouts, blending digital innovation with traditional craft.
This interplay between traditional, material-based textile wall hangings and contemporary societal concerns serves as a poignant reminder of how deeply the digital realm has permeated our understanding of the real world. By anchoring abstract digital-age ideas in the tangible medium of woven textiles, JOMO highlights the paradoxical nature of our time: the growing desire to disconnect from technology within a world increasingly shaped by it.
In its philosophical underpinnings, JOMO echoes ideas of Marshall McLuhan, who argued that media are extensions of ourselves, and that shifts in media alter societal consciousness. Similarly, the work relates to Hito Steyerl’s reflections on technology and its entanglements with materiality in her essay „A Sea of Data.“ The integration of AI and textile art also recalls the tradition of Anni Albers, whose writings on weaving positioned it as a medium connecting past and future technologies.
JOMO
Celebrates the joy of missing out on unnecessary news, updates, and the relentless stream of modern capitalist distractions. JOMO is about shedding the burdens of the digital age and finding happiness in focusing on what truly matters for personal, communal, and human well-being.
#1 – JOMO – The joy of missing out
-
- #1 – JOMO – The joy of missing out
Woven into the design is the text „JOMO“, repeatedly integrated in stylized, playful fonts—some exaggerated, some pixelated—hinting at a mix of relaxation and self-aware humor. The patterns depict whimsical, relatable symbols of missing out without regret: a figure lounging on a couch in pajamas holding popcorn, a calendar page with crossed-out events, a phone tossed into a laundry pile, and a „404 Event Not Found“ icon.
Other playful bitmap and ASCII-style elements are scattered throughout, like empty chairs, unread notifications in comical fonts, „zzz“ sleep icons, and disconnected Wi-Fi signals. The rug celebrates the psychology of choosing to step away with lighthearted designs—maybe even a “loading screen” motif subtly woven into the textile. The surface is highly detailed, emphasizing the texture of handwoven artistry while injecting a tongue-in-cheek nod to the imperfect reality of downtime.
The rug hangs on a plain white wall in a white void, its bold and quirky presence inviting viewers to smile at the absurd joy of not being involved in everything all the time.
OFF
Celebrates the appreciation of being offline and disconnected from digital media. It honors the joy of solitude or real-life community, engaging in physical activities, and enjoying authentic urban life, places, and experiences. OFF reminds us of the simple pleasure in being present and grounded in reality.
#2 – OFF – The joy of beeing off
The word „OFF“ is repeatedly woven into the design in bold, fragmented, glitch-inspired fonts that stand out within the overall pattern. The motifs incorporate playful, minimalist symbols of disconnection and real-life engagement: unplugged power cords, empty Wi-Fi bars, spinning loading icons, and stylized figures walking, biking, or sitting in relaxed poses. Monochrome ASCII art depicts urban moments like coffee cups, bicycles, streetlights, and open books, celebrating tactile, bodily experiences and real spaces.
The patterns also feature abstract yet recognizable internet culture icons: pixelated hourglasses, game-over screens, or retro “OFFLINE” indicators, seamlessly integrated into the textile. The overall design balances humorous nods to digital absence with symbols of the simple pleasures of urban and communal offline life, creating a vibrant yet grounded aesthetic.
The knitting surface is extremely detailed, showcasing a rich tactile structure that emphasizes the handmade craft. Displayed against a plain white wall in a white void, the rug boldly celebrates the joy of stepping offline to reconnect with the real world and its physical, tangible experiences.
EMPATHY
Focuses on the emotional rewards of empathy—understanding and connecting with others. It emphasizes being open to others‘ positions, embracing vulnerability, and fostering progressiveness. EMPATHY encourages the deep emotional exchanges that build human connection and mutual growth.
#3 – EMPATHY – The joy of switching perspective
bright monochrome frontal photo of a huge, intricately detailed rug made from black and white textile. The textile patterns blend cellular automata, traditional rug weaving styles, and bold, interconnected motifs inspired by the concept of empathy. Patterns flow seamlessly with halftone gradients, organic curves, and layered designs that symbolize openness, emotional connection, and mutual understanding. The rug features bold black fringes on the top and bottom edges.
The word „EMPATHY“ is repeatedly woven into the design in fragmented yet flowing fonts, symbolizing the delicate balance of vulnerability and strength in understanding others. Motifs include abstracted silhouettes of interconnected faces, hands reaching out, and layered waves that appear to flow toward and away from one another, representing shared emotional exchanges.
Monochrome ASCII art adds visual depth, with subtle icons like overlapping speech bubbles, hearts, and bridges symbolizing connection and dialogue. Internet-inspired patterns include looping arrows, open doors, and spiraling shapes, all emphasizing progressiveness and openness. Stylized shapes of tears, crescents, and open palms highlight the emotional depth and vulnerability inherent in empathy, while recurring circles and chains represent the strength found in shared experiences.
The rug’s surface is extremely detailed, with the textured knitting emphasizing the imperfections and rawness of human connection. Displayed on a plain white wall in a white void, the rug stands as a celebration of empathy’s transformative power, showing how openness to others brings emotional richness, social strength, and progressive understanding.
IRL
A reminder to value and appreciate the real world, where human existence is most authentic. IRL highlights the unique experiences and joys that can only be found in the physical, tangible world, encouraging a deeper connection to reality.
#4 – IRL – The joy of beeing in real life
The pattern integrates traditional symbols alongside fragmented, stylized text repeatedly woven into the design that says: „IRL“. The text blends seamlessly with the textile’s texture, reflecting the tactile beauty of physical reality. Within the patterns are elements celebrating life: stylized hands holding objects, simplified silhouettes of people in joyful moments (dancing, eating, hugging), and organic forms inspired by natural textures like leaves, waves, and clouds.
Subtle monochrome ASCII and bitmap art depict everyday joys: a shared meal, laughter, a sunrise, and personal human interactions. The knitting surface is extremely detailed, showing realistic tactile structure and reflecting the imperfections and richness of handwoven artistry. The rug is displayed on a plain white wall in a white void, emphasizing its presence as a celebration of IRL authenticity and sensory experience.
SHARE
Highlights the joy of sharing and receiving, emphasizing the relief and happiness found in giving and the appreciation of generosity. SHARE reflects on the emotional connections and mutual understanding created through acts of sharing.
#5 – IRL – The joy of sharing and recieving share
The word „SHARE“ is repeatedly woven into the textile in stylized, fragmented fonts, integrated harmoniously into the pattern. The motifs celebrate the act of giving and receiving: simplified hands reaching toward each other, abstracted gift-like shapes, and circles or chains symbolizing cycles of generosity. Monochrome ASCII art includes visual representations of shared items like books, bread, tools, or even stylized keys, emphasizing the communal nature of sharing.
Playful internet-culture-inspired icons are scattered throughout the rug: pixelated arrows looping into one another, open hands with dotted lines connecting them, and minimalist icons of baskets, bowls, or containers, symbolizing abundance and redistribution. The patterns also feature abstract figures exchanging objects or sitting together in circular arrangements, creating a sense of unity and balance.
The rug’s surface texture is deeply detailed, emphasizing the tactile beauty of craft, with interwoven lines and imperfections symbolizing the interconnectedness of shared experiences. Displayed against a plain white wall in a white void, the rug embodies the joy, relief, and humanity found in giving, receiving, and the shared appreciation of connection.
ACT
The power and satisfaction of taking intentional actions, whether small or big, to shape one’s life and community. ACT is about reclaiming agency, breaking passivity, and stepping into roles as active participants in personal and collective change. It acknowledges the joy and fulfillment in creating, deciding, and contributing, even amidst challenges.
This complements the existing themes by empowering individuals to move beyond reflection and connection into meaningful action. It aligns with the urgent need for agency in addressing social, emotional, and political challenges today.
#6 – ACT – The joy of deciding to act
The word „ACT“ is repeatedly woven into the rug in bold, blocky, or exaggerated fonts, some bouncing or tilting as if in mid-motion. The patterns feature funny, joyful icons of action: cartoonish feet with speed lines, hands holding tools like hammers or paintbrushes, and dynamic arrows pointing in different directions. Stylized figures are shown jumping, running, or high-fiving, representing the excitement of making things happen.
Monochrome ASCII art adds humor and playfulness with icons like ticking checkboxes, „task complete“ badges, spinning gears, and „go“ buttons. Simplified shapes of rocket ships taking off, ladders being climbed, or paper planes flying emphasize forward movement and progress. Ripple effects and bursting stars scattered across the pattern symbolize the ripple of change and impact caused by even small actions.
The rug’s texture is richly detailed, with each symbol and line emphasizing the tactile joy of creation and the imperfections that make every effort meaningful. Displayed on a plain white wall in a white void, the rug serves as a lively and approachable representation of agency and joy, inspiring viewers to leap into action with humor and purpose.