ūnit-02 Headset
Construction of Found Objects, 2022
Filipino-born artist Yūn Mago borrows parts from “Gunpla”, or plastic Gundam models, to create a functional headset; a medium that tangibly expresses human attachment to electronic media. Using a component popular to the franchise— Freedom Wings— she references her given name, Laya, which translates to “freedom” in the artist’s native language.
//: Field Notes
The following log is a transcription of a conversation between ŪNIT-dymonmilk and ŪNIT-02. [Record 220712]
How long did this piece take?
About… 20? 22 hours? This was my second headset, and assembling the gunpla was so much more fun than the pieces I used in my first headset. What took the most time wasn’t even the assembly, but piecing it together onto the headset. Waiting for the parts to dry tested my patience.
How do the materials/medium used in this piece reflect the pilot?
As you know, the piece is made from Gundam plastic models, which is already a really popular franchise well known to audiences that enjoy mecha. I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, viewers would like it. It’s fun, familiar. It’s appealing without having to incorporate much literary depth or mechanical intricacies.
ūnit-02 is definitely a consumerist-based piece, and it’s easily received. You can enjoy it at face-value. Similar to my experience being online… it often lacks depth. I can describe ŪNIT-02 in the same way I describe this headset.
What word or emotion do you want to invoke through this piece, and how does the piece do that?
Hmmm… maybe “Resourceful”? Or “Creative”? Maybe even just “Cool”…
I haven’t found a word for it, but the ability to look at things from different perspectives. Like, divergent thinking or open-mindedness. ūnit-02 allowed me to use something familiar, something popular, and turn it into something completely different. From plastic robots to a functional headset.
I really wanted to make these types of headsets but lacked significant resources like a 3D printer, so I used what I had and got to work.
What was your mental state like when working on this piece? Do you think it hindered or aided the process/result?
I was SUPER excited during the entire process of creating this piece. Assembling the Gundam brought back a lot of nostalgia, specifically from the first time I saw Gundam kits in my 4th grade. I still remember being in awe at how people could make whole models out of those tiny plastic parts. Almost 11 years later, I find myself being able to complete what seemed like an impossible endeavour. Doing things that I wasn’t able to do as a kid and being able to make my inner child happy is motivating. It helped me find a renewed sense of purpose in my life and aided in my ability to create this piece.