Shannon Swinburn
About
Shannon Swinburn is a Textile Practitioner specialising in Weave. Her practice investigates the intrinsic links between gender, textiles, and modern-day computing. Through the creation of a series of new interactive looms, sound, and textile outcomes, she aims to platform the untold stories of women in emergent technology.
Through her project ‘Give Me Guidance’ Shannon explores how skilled craftswomen contributed to the development of NASA’s Apollo Guidance Computer through the hand-weaving of Core Rope Computer Memory Modules. Through reweaving the narrative of the Apollo Missions using the same binary methods as the women, Shannon presents a counterfactual history in which the craftswomen are placed at the forefront of the mission’s news headlines. The project has resulted in the creation of a frame loom inspired by the Apollo Guidance Computer, this new guidance computer holds the binary woven memory of some of these counterfactual headlines, foregrounding the craftswomen who were integral to these missions.
Supported by The Haberdashers’ Scholarship.
Awarded The Robin and Lucienne Day Foundation Prize and The Textile Society Student Bursary.
Content Warning
The content on this website may contain themes and materials that some users find distressing or offensive. Further, the content on this website may not be suitable for individuals under the age of 18. User discretion is advised.
Any views and opinions expressed in this student profile represent the views and opinions of the student and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Royal College of Art or its employees or affiliates. The appearance of any views or opinions on this page do not constitute endorsement of those views by the Royal College of Art. This student profile has been made available for informational purposes only. The Royal College of Art does not make any representations or warranties with regard to the accuracy of any information provided in this student profile, nor does it warrant the performance, effectiveness or applicability of any listed or linked sites. The Royal College of Art is not responsible for the content submitted by any user, or for the defamatory, offensive or illegal conduct of any user. If you wish to report any errors or inappropriate material that may cause offence, please email feedback@rca.ac.uk