Video by Ivan Cash
The appearance of official-looking signs seemingly prohibiting cell phone use in Alamo Square caused a bit of a stir last month, but the Guardian has now revealed the signs were a form of art. Ivan Cash, a former Facebook employee and the creator of the signs, says they were meant to provoke introspection about how cell phone use interferes with the casual communication and the enjoyment of public spaces.
This week, the Guardian reports, the artist behind the first sign (which was quickly removed) tried to affix several more around the city, including at Dolores Park – though that sign appears to have been removed.
Cash told the Guardian that he doesn’t want to be seen as “hating on the Bay Area tech community,” which he could arguably be considered a part of. Though Cash now runs an art studio in San Francisco, his past clients include Facebook, Airbnb, and MTV.
Rather, his issue is with ignoring public space for the sake of a smartphone. He told the Guardian: “it feels especially paradoxical, being totally consumed by a screen in a place defined for its lack of modern technology.”
A New York native, Cash is now offering the 100 special edition “No Tech Zone” signs for $100 apiece, telling the Guardian others could create their own “no tech zones” in bars or at home.
This is the second time this year locals have been mystified by political art. Mission residents might remember the shiny silver door hangers that popped up around the neighborhood in May quoting Miranda rights. Those were created by artist Brian Singer to draw attention to privacy and how technology changes relationships between strangers.