DIARIES OF A DIGITAL NOMAD
SHANNON KLEIN
Cover Page: Fig 1. Shannon Klein, Present location pin within natural environment. (2024)
Fig 2. Shannon Klein, Diaries of a Digital Nomad Installation (2024)
INTRODUCTION
Diaries of a Digital Nomad is a personal and universal exploration of how we navigate our constantly shifting environments—physically, digitally, and emotionally—while grappling with the impermanence of our connections, memories, and identities. Through Augmented Reality (AR), this work blurs the boundaries between real and virtual, inviting viewers to reflect on how their own experiences shape who they are and how they understand the world around them.
This collection is inspired by my experiences as a digital nomad, navigating diverse environments from the modest suburbs of Mitchells Plain to the affluent estates of Sandton. Having lived in numerous houses and apartments, the only constant in my life was the belongings we could fit onto a truck. This transient nature of my surroundings prompted me to explore how our attachments to objects and places influence our sense of self and identity.
The idea that nomadic subjectivity is the “social branch of complexity theory”1 (Braidotti, 2013:87), connects directly with the themes of my work. My work illustrates the fluidity of identity, influenced by consumerism, isolation, and the transient nature of digital interactions. The AR and 3D elements represent our constantly evolving sense of self, as memories and experiences are redefined. Drawing on complexity theory, Diaries of a Digital Nomad portrays 21stcentury identity as emerging from the unpredictable interactions between our digital and physical environments, prompting viewers to reflect on how these forces shape their own identities.
At the core of this series are location pins, each representing significant stages of my life. Encapsulated within five out of seven bubbles, are digital 3D sculpted items that act as markers of specific moments, memories, and emotional states. Each pin is carefully textured and coloured to evoke the sensations and experiences of that particular time, inviting viewers to contemplate the fleeting and malleable nature of identity and memory.
1 Complexity Theory is the word that is generally used to describe a large class of intricate mathematical modelling techniques that have been created during the last century to comprehend intricate scientific phenomena (Melchert, 2011).
Right: Fig 3. Shannon Klein, Recent past, Present, Future pins placed in installation environment (2024)
THEMES AND INSPIRATION
In my research, I examined consumerism and its environmental impact, particularly the role of fast fashion in global landfills and how social media has transformed our pockets into shopping catalogues (Narayanan et al., 2012). This exploration led me to an illustration on the eoc.world website (South Africa (ZAF) exports, imports, and trade partners, n.d) which mapped South Africa’s trade statistics with hundreds of circles resembling bubbles (figure 4). Inspired by this imagery, I focused on bubbles as symbols of fleeting happiness and the illusion of joy from material possessions, highlighting the inevitable “pop” that follows. By using these visual metaphors, I aimed to expose the psychological tension between immediate gratification and long-term consequences in our consumption habits and their effects on our sense of self.
Fig 4. South Africa (ZAF) exports, imports, and trade partners (n.d)
Inspired by Jeff Koons’ use of reflective surfaces to blur the line between object and observer (Jeff Koons Art, bio, ideas, n.d) , my textured pins take a more introspective approach. For example, the Gold pin, with its rough texture, reflects the layered lessons of adulthood, contrasting Koons’ immaculate finishes in Balloon Dog (figure 5), which symbolize allure and superficiality. While Koons’ work examines external perception, my pins use texture and colour to convey the personal growth and complexity of life’s journey (figure 6).
Fig 5. Jeff Koons, Balloon Dog (Blue) (n.d)
Fig 6. Shannon Klein, Screenshot of 3D Sculpting in Nomad Sculpt (2024)
Inspired by Yayoi Kusama’s use of vibrant colours and repetitive patterns in her pumpkins (figure 7), my location pins reflect my life’s journey and the interconnection of objects and memories. While Kusama’s repetition evokes infinity (Torres, 2022), my transparent bubbles symbolize the fragility and impermanence of memory. Each pin captures moments in time, inviting viewers to contemplate their experiences and the delicate balance between the accessible and isolated aspects of our digital and physical worlds.
Fig 7. Noriko Takasugi, Yayoi Kusama: Contemporary Artist in Japan (n.d)
Fig 8. Shannon Klein, Screenshot of 3D Sculpting in Nomad Sculpt (2024)
Right: Fig 9. Shannon Klein, Birth Location Pin placed in the environment (2024)
DEVELOPMENT
Through experimentation with different materials, such as soap bubbles, gelatine, balloons, and plaster, I ultimately turned to digital art. Artist Ishaq Fahim’s digital method of creating transparent bubbles inspired the decision to transition from physical to digital mediums, reflecting my interest in how digital and physical realities intersect.
The process of creating Diaries of a Digital Nomad involved selecting significant objects from my reality and reconstructing them in AR (figure 10, 11). Using 3D sculpting software, I designed location icons with transparent bubbles at the centre, symbolizing the “You are here” sign I would often see on various maps along my journeys which played a part in infusing objects with a sense of identity. This interplay between physical and digital realms highlights the impermanence and illusionary nature of our experiences.
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Fig 10. Shannon Klein, Red pot used to 3D sculpt (2024)
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Shannon Klein, Screenshot of 3D sculpted pot (2024)
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Shannon Klein, Screenshot of Recent past pin untextured (2024)
Viewing AR objects through a cell phone screen highlights the separation between the physical and digital worlds, with bubbles symbolizing both isolation and exclusivity. While AR experiences can be accessed anywhere, they remain limited to those with the necessary QR code or link, reflecting the superficiality of digital connections (Singulart, 2024). Additionally, the appearance of these pins on different devices illustrates the unique ways individuals experience and remember moments. On iOS, the pins are vibrant and detailed, representing full, rich memories, while on Android, they appear as simple shapes, suggesting incomplete recollections. This contrast emphasizes the personal nature of memories and invites reflection on the relationship between technology, perception, and memory.
Rosi Braidotti’s (2013) idea that the digital revolution enables a shift towards virtual, globalized spaces aligns with the artwork’s examination of digital interactions and their influence on contemporary identity. Just as universities are becoming “hubs for localized knowledge production and global transmission” (Braidotti, 2013:162-163), my work reflects how digital technologies reshape our experiences, memories, and sense of self.
Fig 13. Shannon Klein, Screenshot of Recent past pin in Nomad Sculpt (2024)
Fig 14. Shannon Klein, Recent past pin without texture mepping in AR (2024)
Fig 15. Shannon Klein, Recent past pin with texture mapping on screen (2024)
7 LOCATION PINS
The silver location pin is untextured and uncoloured, symbolizing the beginning of life—an untouched canvas full of potential.
The pink pin, linked to my earliest memory, features a texture that mimics satin fabric, evoking a sensory connection to comfort. The bubble encapsulates a piece of satin, resembling and our reliance on familiar objects for solace.
Fig 16. Shannon Klein, Birth Pin (2024)
Fig 17. Shannon Klein, Toddler Pin (2024)
The purple pin represents exploration, with a swirled surface reflecting dynamic movement and creativity. It contains a ticket—symbolizing experiences like concerts and travels— emphasizing youthful curiosity.
As I entered adulthood, the gold pin, textured with uniform bumps, signifies the rough journey through materialism. Inside the bubble is a wax-sealed envelope, symbolizing personal milestones and the deeper truths often concealed by wealth and possessions.
Fig 18. Shannon Klein, Young Adult Pin (2024)
Fig 19. Shannon Klein, Adult Pin (2024)
The red pin marks a transitional period after returning to my home city, featuring a lumpy but solid surface. It holds a red pot gifted by my mother, representing resilience and the lessons learned in rebuilding my life.
The brown pin signifies my current phase of comfort and stability, with a smooth surface like a soft duvet.
Inside is a seedling, symbolizing the patience needed for growth and my journey toward self-care.
Fig 20. Shannon Klein, Recent Past Pin (2024)
Fig 21. Shannon Klein, Present Pin (2024)
Finally, the green pin embodies optimism and growth for the future. Its smooth surface, like the silver pin, represents new beginnings, while the transparent orb reflects the unknown, inviting a calm and confident approach to what lies ahead
Fig 22. Shannon Klein, Future Pin (2024)
Fig 23. Shannon Klein, Viewer scanning installation QR code (2024)
THE AR CARDS
The AR cards resemble collector’s character cards, each featuring a location pin with a close-up of its texture, the standalone 3D-molded item found inside the bubble, and a QR code to view the pin in AR. At the bottom, four criteria measure personal quality of life, letting viewers carry art in their pocket to scan and place globally. Scanning the QR code on the card’s reverse links to a portal with the Diaries of a Digital Nomad AR experience and future projects, offering an exclusive invite into my world that blends connection and disconnection.
At the Reve(!)ation group exhibition, I transformed the augmented reality experience into a tangible form through art prints and QR codes, creating a bridge between the physical and virtual realms. Visitors could scan the QR codes to access the AR content, engaging in a cycle of movement between reality and digital experiences within the gallery space. This interplay brought to life the theme of my work, emphasizing how we navigate and connect these two worlds, reinforcing the transient nature of our memories and identities as they shift from physical objects to digital representations.
Fig 24. Shannon Klein, AR Cards on a plinth during installation (2024)
Fig 25. Shannon Klein, Gold AR Card front and back (2024)
Fig 26. Shannon Klein, AR Card QR code interaction steps (2024)
Fig 27. Shannon Klein, AR Card’s front design (2024)
Fig 28. Shannon Klein, AR Card QR code (2024)
TEXTURE DETAIL
Fig 29. Shannon Klein, Location Pin texture detail (2024)
Fig 30. Shannon Klein, Birth Location Pin QR Code (2024)
INSTALLATION AR EXPERIENCE
Fig 31. Shannon Klein, Viewer Interaction with Location Pin Augmented Reality (2024)
CONCLUSION
Designing each pin allowed me to reflect on my life’s journey and the interconnection of objects and memories. Diaries of a Digital Nomad explores movement, identity, and the transient nature of experience through AR and 3D models, where bubbles symbolize the fragility, beauty, and impermanence of our memories, while the abstract location icon embodies nomadism, marking various places or moments in time. The digital medium emphasizes a unique interaction between physical and virtual spaces, highlighting how digital memories, like bubbles, are accessible yet isolated, fragile yet omnipresent. This work invites viewers to reflect on their journeys and identities, underscoring the illusory and transient nature of life.
Fig 31. Shannon Klein, Intallation Interaaction (2024)
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Figure 1: Shannon Klein. 2024. Present location pin within natural environment.
Figure 2: Shannon Klein. 2024. Diaries of a Digital Nomad Installation.
Figure 3: Shannon Klein. 2024. Recent past, Present, Future pins placed in installation environment.
Figure 4: South Africa (ZAF) exports, imports, and trade partners (n.d). Available at: https://oec.world/en/profile/ country/zaf (Accessed 20 October)
Figure 5: Jeff Koons, Balloon Dog (Blue) (n.d). Available at: httRs://www.bernardaud.com/en/us/balloondog-blueby.:-jeff-koons-edition-en-Rorcelaine (Accessed 20 October)
Figure 6: Shannon Klein. 2024. Screenshot of 3D Sculpting in Nomad Sculpt.
Figure 7: Takasugi, N. (no date) Yayoi Kusama: Contemporary Artist in Japan. Available at: httRs://hardiksartistlife.guora.com/YaY.oi-Kusama-ContemRorarY.-Artist-in-JaRan-Photo-bY.-Noriko-Takasugi (Accessed: 20 October 2024).
Figure 8: Shannon Klein. 2024. Screenshot of 3D Sculpting in Nomad Sculpt
Figure 9: Shannon Klein. 2024. Birth location pin placed in the environment.
Figure 10: Shannon Klein. 2024. Red pot used to 3D sculpt.
Figure 11: Shannon Klein. 2024. Screenshot of 3D sculpted pot.
Figure 12: Shannon Klein. 2024. Screenshot of Recent Past pin untextured.
Figure 13: Shannon Klein. 2024. Screenshot of Recent Past pin in Nomad Sculpt.
Figure 14: Shannon Klein. 2024. Recent past pin within texture mapping in AR.
Figure 15: Shannon Klein. 2024. Recent past pin with texture mapping on screen.
Figure 16: Shannon Klein. 2024. Birth Pin. Digital Image. Dimensions Variable
Figure 17: Shannon Klein. 2024. Toddler Pin. Digital Image. Dimensions Variable
Figure 18: Shannon Klein. 2024. Young Adult Pin. Digital Image. Dimensions Variable
Figure 19: Shannon Klein. 2024. Adult Pin. Digital Image. Dimensions Variable
Figure 20: Shannon Klein. 2024. Recent Past Pin. Digital Image. Dimensions Variable
Figure 21: Shannon Klein. 2024. Present Pin. Digital Image. Dimensions Variable
Figure 22: Shannon Klein. 2024. Future Pin. Digital Image. Dimensions Variable
Figure 23: Shannon Klein. 2024. Viewer scanning installation QR code.
Figure 24: Shannon Klein. 2024. AR Cards on a plinth during installation.
Figure 25: Shannon Klein. 2024. Adult AR card front and back.
Figure 26: Shannon Klein. 2024. AR Card QR code interaction steps.
Figure 27: Shannon Klein. 2024. AR cards front design.
Figure 28: Shannon Klein. 2024. AR Card QR code.
Figure 29: Shannon Klein. 2024. Location Pin texture detail
Figure 30: Shannon Klein. 2024. Birth Location pin QR code.
Figure 31: Shannon Klein. 2024. Viewer interaction with location pin Augmented Reality.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Braidotti, R. (2013) The posthuman. Oxford: Polity Press.
Bridget Riley Paintings, bio, ideas (no date) The Art Story. Available at: https://www.theartstory.org/artist/rileybridget/ (Accessed: 08 August 2024).
Eaves, E. (2013) This is your brain on shopping, Forbes. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/2007/01/05/ neuroeconomics-buying-decisions-biz_cx_ee_0105papers.html?sh=7af7f0956ca0 (Accessed: 17 May 2024)
Jeff Koons Art, bio, ideas (no date) The Art Story. Available at: https://www.theartstory.org/artist/koons-jeff/ (Accessed: 27 October 2024).
South Africa (ZAF) exports, imports, and trade partners (n.d) The Observatory of Economic Complexity. Available at: https://oec.world/en/profile/country/zaf (Accessed: 26 October 2024).
Melchert, T. P. (2011). The Need for a Unified Conceptual Framework in Professional Psychology. In Elsevier eBooks (pp. 3–13). https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-385079-9.00001-1
Narayanan, M. et al. (2012) Social Media and Business Vol 37. Sage Journals (4). Available at: https://journals. sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0256090920120406(Accessed: 08 August 2024).
Singulart (2024) Exploring”movement in Squares” by Bridget Riley, Singulart Magazine. Available at: https://www. singulart.com/en/blog/2024/04/03/movement-in-squares-bybridgetriley/#:~:text=But%20how%20does%20 Bridget%20Riley,movement%20where%20none%20actually%20exists (Accessed: 08 August 2024).
Sollins, S. (2014) Art changes every day, Art21. Edited by M. Sollins and N.J. Caruth. Available at: https://art21.org/ read/jeff-koons-art-changes-every-day/ (Accessed: 08 August 2024).
Torres, M.F. (2022) Yayoi Kusama: The visionary who used art to deal with mental illness, Arts Help. Available at: https://www.artshelp.com/yayoi-kusama/#:~:text=%E2%80%9COur%20earth%20is%20only%20one,Net%20 paintings%20by%20David%20Zwirner (Accessed: 17 May 2024).
ARTIST CV
2022
Assisted with de-installation of exhibition by Emma Willemse at Spier Wine Farm
2024
“Reve(!)ation” - Group Exhibition. Art B Gallery. Cape Town
Bachelor of Art in Visual Multimedia Art - Unisa 2020 - present
Email: ataraxy.artist@gmail.com
Website: www.shannonataraxy.com
lnstagram: @shannon.ataraxy
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-klein-2021/
