The DXARTS SoftLab is a studio and an online platform whose mission is to examine the role of workmanship in artistic research, to redefine the use of crafting in the post-digital era, and to explore the body as an interface of control and resistance. It is part of the Department of Digital Arts and Experimental Media (DXARTS) at the University of Washington in Seattle.

A Bulletproof Vest for Russkiy Mir by Adamska Elizaveta Rakhilkin

A Bulletproof Vest for Russkiy Mir by Adamska Elizaveta Rakhilkin

Adamska Rakhilkina

This bulletproof vest was created by Adamska Elizaveta Rakhilkina (2nd year grad student ath the photo+media program in the University of Washington) as part of the independent study with Afroditi Psarra with the help of Alí Meyer. Adamska's interest in tactical vests comes from the paradoxical function of such objects — a violent military setting they are used in + vests as a corporeal sight of shelter and self-defense. Adamska has printed the pattern of the Soviet-era rug on neoprene and used AI (Midjourney) to create apocalyptic imagery of pastoral deer against the bombed Ukrainian cities. Although, this is a non-functioning kevlar vest so far, there will be additions of the ceramic plates in the future.

Electronic Streetwear for Urban Justice by Brett A. Halperin et al.

Electronic Streetwear for Urban Justice by Brett A. Halperin et al.
Kirigami Antenna by Afroditi Psarra and Zoe Kaputa

Kirigami Antenna by Afroditi Psarra and Zoe Kaputa