Developing nations have a wealth distribution problem. The lack of resources or accurate policies for their distribution prevents millions from achieving welfare. I believe that this is because the definition of wealth is limited to the monetary dimension. The intention behind my work is to provide a framework for a separate, complementary welfare system, based on an inseparable dimension of the human condition: feelings. To be able to externalize and crystallize them could move us closer to a more understanding, empathetic society.

Technology is crucial to translate feelings into tangible objects. I dabbled in speech-to-text recognition, sentiment analysis, and data visualization software as means to obtain these physicalizations of feelings, or “myelins.” Myelins hold the power of feelings while overcoming their ephemerality. Thus far, the very process of deciphering the components through which this system would realize itself has advanced the project, more so than the technical process of determining which technology could produce myelins.

Despite scarce technological outcomes, I trust my work can provoke thought and hope in this system. If it were to be installed, every human in the world would be able to create wealth, passing it on to their community and likewise receiving it. This idea would contribute to an expanded and much purer state of human welfare.

“As a Latin American, I’m very concerned about the wealth distribution problem. That’s one of the reasons I majored in Economics years ago. I realized that, in the course of my life, it is unlikely that I will solve that problem. Nonetheless, through the work of extraordinary artists and technologists, I was inspired to approach it by reimagining a new value system in which the most human attribute - feelings - had a center stage. Most humans don’t have money, but most humans can feel. This is my attempt to create a more egalitarian world through this essential aspect of humanity.”

— Rodrigo Dyer