Please Use Text Message Only is an extended communication requiring three volunteers. The interaction takes place in real time, each participant is supplied with a pre-paid mobile phone and a profile of each person they are in contact with. The interactive piece aims to explore the interplay of mediated communication and human empathy. The interaction is unscripted and unfolds as a natural consequence of participation. Volunteers will be required to commit to communicate for a period of ten days.

Please Use Text Message Only is part of an ongoing body of work by artist Debbie Lewis. The work explores the theme of mediated communication and seeks to put the participant at the centre of a rich interactive experience lasting for a period of ten days. Three players are required to interact using text messaging; as such players will experience a degree of anonymity and freedom from identity as their relationship develops. 

Prior to the event participants will be required to submit a profile that is evocative of their lives, personalities, concerns, passions etc. These profiles will be mediated by the artist and submitted to each player. The profile is intended to give an evocation or impression only enabling players to create imaginary avatars of their fellow communicators.

Players will also receive a pre-paid mobile phone which they can use to send and receive messages.

The resulting communications will form the basis of new artwork with the permission of each participant.