This publication is part of the eponymous series by Moritz Riesenbeck (*1991), which examines the latest generation of biomechanical crash-test dummies from both a sculptural and sociological perspective. It documents Riesenbeck’s artistic and scientific research, his collaboration with the dummy manufacturer CTS, and the temporary exhibition setups that emerged from this work. The dummy PRIMUS breakable, developed by CTS, has been designed to mirror the proportions, weight, and mobility of an average (male) body. It simulates bone fractures and injuries to internal organs and soft tissues when “in use”. By incorporating parts of these dummies into his installations, Riesenbeck highlights the numerical representation of the human body, its physical dependence on technology, and the projection of body images and gender. Riesenbeck used a cast of his face to create a copy of his own body as a dummy. He then “sacrificed” himself in an accident. The resulting self-portrait has an ambivalent effect: it serves as a contribution to heightening individual safety and reminds us of the fragility of the human body.

The publication also features an interview with Swedish engineer Astrid Linder, whose achievements includethedevelopment of thefirst female crash-test dummy.

Graphic design: George Popov