2023 Merit Scholarship Recipient: Hollie Leggett

Describe the work you submitted for merits.

As Long as the Server is Runs is a multimedia installation exploring the world of site responsive work. As an extension based off a project that explored earlier in the Spring 2023 Semester. I sent out a variety of QR codes to my friends all around the school, city, and country. Each card had a prompt asking them to leave the sticker somewhere that may need a voice to speak. I asked for the sticker to be placed primarily outside of MCAD. I wanted people to explore the city; I also wanted to hear different voices. I asked everyone to share their photos with me through #asLongasTheServerRuns.

When the QR code is scanned, a screen brings up a form that is based on the techy aesthetic. There is a statement saying “tap the screen.” When the screen is tapped, there are a series of personal questions that ask the user about their feelings. The responses from this form are shared on a separate page which is not directly shared with the user.

In the installation, there is immediate feedback, projecting this screen on the wall. But after it was taken down in March 2023, the information was no longer immediately given to any particular user. Adjacent to the responses in the installation, there is a little television with a motion tracking script using PoseNet. Here, a web cam is hooked up. The words "don’t leave me" follow each installation visitor throughout the experience. On the other corner of the installation, sits a television against a wall where the words As Long as the Server Runs is duplicated filling up the entire screen with the phrase until it is no longer legible. 

Do you have a favorite piece you've made? Describe it!

My favorite performance piece is the life that I have created for myself. 

Why did you decide to come to MCAD?

I decided to come to MCAD because, simply, I wanted to be around more artists. I often forget how talented all of the students at MCAD are. It is exciting to be around others who are passionate about what I am passionate about. 

Favorite thing about college life (so far)?

My favorite thing about college life is the amount of resources that are provided. I am a huge fan of testing out new technologies in my practice. MCAD has a wonderful Media Center that allows me the opportunity to explore these technologies. I also appreciate having inspiring professors such as Ben Moren and Piotr Szyhalski. Having working artists to guide me in the ideation process has allowed me the chance to relearn how to think about my projects in their beginnings.

What are your plans for your senior year? And beyond?

During my senior year, I hope to set more of a research basis to my practice. There are constant innovations when working in a tech environment and I hope to create work in response to this. I feel that it is my job as a young, female, multimedia artist to respond to certain policies that are currently occurring in the tech industry. 

Anything you're obsessed with at the moment? 

Podcasts. I listen to hours upon hours of podcasts every week. Currently, I am listening to one from Radiotopia called Bot Love. In this podcast, there are stories of people who form close companionships with their AI chatbots. Very interesting. 

What inspires you? 

I am inspired by women, I am inspired by our experiences. In one of my classes, we are reading a book called Broad Band written by Claire L. Evans. This book describes the untold stories of the women who created the internet. This book has opened my eyes to the history surrounding women, not only in tech but also in many other related fields. Reading about these amazing women has inspired me to push to make a change of my own in the field.