Priscilla Benyahia: Ada&Linda Lovelace

“Ada&Linda Lovelace” is inspired by the lives of two women, Ada Lovelace and Linda Lovelace. Ada Lovelace was born in 1815 and wrote the very first computer program in 1843. Linda Lovelace, born in 1949, was one of the first two “stars” of pornographic cinema who later became one of the first anti-porno activists. These two women are not from the same family, but history knows them by this name, Lovelace, which means “to love lace.”

This project is an exploration of the historical and cultural context of lace weaving, alongside a critical examination of the intersecting worlds of technology and adult content. Lace becomes the formal language to weave their stories together and shed light on these two historical contexts. This material’s versatility is captivating, seamlessly embodying both sensuality and conservatism in a timeless manner.

I am deeply fascinated by the role weaving has played in data preservation and its influence on the structure of magnetic-core memories in computers. This intersection inspires my artistic research, which seeks to bridge the gap between tangible, tactile materials and the intangible world of coding and the Internet. By exploring traditional crafts within the context of contemporary issues, my project aims to reshape perceptions and to contribute to a more inclusive and progressive cultural narrative, both in Greece and internationally.