The concept is radical in its simplicity. An email or text is circulated among friends, friends of friends, or strangers. Participants flock to a designated public place, where they spontaneously engage in something out of the ordinary and, in doing so, astound onlookers: A Michael Jackson dance tribute, a lightsaber battle, a pillow fight. It’s systematized, attention-grabbing, and over in minutes. In the decade following the first Manhattan flash mobs in 2003, these random acts of weirdness seemed a fun way to engage with the internet and mobile technology at a point when their value and purpose were still largely undefined. This story is from Kinfolk Issue Thirty-Nine Buy Now Related Stories Arts & Culture Issue 51 Emily Gernild The Danish painter breathing new life into an old medium. Arts & Culture Food Issue 51 Imogen Kwok The artist takes food styling quite literally, creating accessories out of fruits and vegetables. Arts & Culture Design Issue 51 How to Make a Chair And do it on a tiny budget. Arts & Culture Issue 51 Odd Jobs The comedian with strong opinions about your home décor. Arts & Culture Issue 51 Tall Order The hidden depths of height. Arts & Culture Films Issue 51 Vicky Krieps An interview with the actor.
Arts & Culture Food Issue 51 Imogen Kwok The artist takes food styling quite literally, creating accessories out of fruits and vegetables.
