Your Anonymous Sins Online Take Center Stage.
This installation brings social media confessions to life.
Motivation
The confessional, once an essential feature of Catholic churches, provided a private space for believers to confess their sins. These often ornate pieces of furniture typically consist of two compartments separated by a latticed screen, ensuring the anonymity of the penitent before the priest. The obligation of clerical secrecy—protecting the confidentiality of confessions—was enshrined in canon law as early as the 13th century, marking a milestone in the history of Christian pastoral care. In a way, it represents the oldest data protection regulation in legal history.
Implementation
The installation “Dampf ablassen” (Engl. “Let Off Steam”) reveals the confessions of users on the social media platform Twitter. An algorithm filters tweets based on specific keywords, and each time someone confesses online, their anonymized sins are displayed on a screen. As a final act, the installation releases a cloud of steam—symbolizing the confession—while offering the penitent the chance to seek absolution through the gaze of the audience.
