behind the screens is a series of works by Ludwig Dressler where he explores the transformative power of digital technologies – both on the individual and on society. Often using his own body as a starting point, the focus in these works is on the three most important smartphone gestures – swipe, twist, and zoom – as symbols of human interaction with technology.
The works presents these gestures simultaneously from two opposing perspectives: A glass pane placed between two cameras functions as an imaginary touchscreen. This setup allows the movements to later be reunited in a split-screen view. Within this setup, two perspectives merge: the user’s point of view from the back of the hand and the opposing view from the smartphone, looking at the palm. In doing so, Ludwig explores the ambivalence between control and loss of control in the digital age in relation to one’s own body.
behind the screen, 4k Video, 00:50 min loop, dimensions variable
zoomsculpture_raw, 3D print
behind the screens (modular), 9xHDVideo on monitors mounted to plywood, ADBK 2025
behind the screen (holographic version), historische Aula ADBK München
The three sculptures distributed throughout the space (zoomsculpture_raw3, swipesculpture_raw4, twistsculpture_raw5, from left to right) are also derived from smartphone gestures. Here, Dressler captured these fleeting movements and transformed them into physical shapes. By materializing them, he highlights their sculptural potential and thus closes the loop with his video work: To what extent does humanity shape technology – or does it ultimately shape us?
In pitch_inverted (below), he presents the “pinch” smartphone gesture against a black background. The hand appears to deform the glass front of the lightbox. Image and medium enter a mutual interaction: the deformation of the surface also affects the reflection of the surroundings in the artwork. This creates a dynamic interplay between the viewers and the motif on the surface of the work.
Project Page | Ludwig Dressler
