This interactive artwork uses embedded technologies and online services to explore and unite the rich mythology of Aphrodite with the safety and advertising concerns of contemporary sex workers on the street.

The prototype of a silver leather platform sandal with integrated LCD screen, speakers, internet connection and GPS tracking system will be on view in Eyebeam’s galleries alongside project documentation. On May 13 visitors to the gallery will be able to track a model in real-time as she traverses the city wearing the platform prototype and join in a panel discussion between artists, technologists and sex work advocates. This event will conclude with a reading by Tracy Quan, performance by Ana Voog, Echo Transgression and Melissa Gira, followed by live music from Natural Sphere. The exhibition and event are open to the public free of charge with a suggested donation.

Platforms is the latest work in Leddy’s ongoing Aphrodite Project, which explores the cult of Aphrodite in both antiquity and present-day contexts. Leddy intendeds the work to question moral attitudes and value judgments in relation to new technologies and a specifically marginalized section of the population: Who gets new technology and when? What is the true value of sexual services? Using an archetypal model, is it possible to reclaim the profession for modern women? What are the ethics of surveillance and tracking? Is it possible to ensure that this information will empower and not endanger sex workers? Is it ever possible to guarantee that knowledge will stay within the hands of those who it is intended for?

Saturday, May 13 4-5:30 pm Platforms panel discussion: Sovereign Whores and Seditious Technology: featuring Krzysztof Wodiczko, Tracy Quan, Natalie Jeremijenko, and Melissa Gira. 4-6 pm Live demo of Platforms shoes 6 pm Reading and book signing by Tracy Quan. Melissa Gira presents 30 Second Sex, a webcam performance with Ana Voog, Echo Transgression. Music by DJ Natural Spheres.

Sexy GPS Hoes The Aphrodite Project