Obama and Steve, 2011

Place your thumbprint.

Obama and Steve invited viewers to cast a thumbprint vote between Barack Obama and Steve Jobs, setting formal political qualifications aside. Created as technology’s influence on daily life accelerated, the installation asks whether political leadership had kept pace with the systems reshaping communication and culture. Visitors cast their thumbprints in person and recorded their votes through an iPad connected to a dedicated website, where people around the world could participate. The combined votes became a public record of participation.

Obama and Steve was presented in 80/20, a group exhibition that included Banksy, Mr. Brainwash, and other notable artists of the period. The conversation extended beyond the exhibition through news coverage and online circulation. Thousands of votes were cast, carrying the work's questions about politics, technology, and influence into a broader public debate.

Wood, repurposed sink cabinets, paint, oil stick, thumbprint ink, iPad application, and website application.