Dead Drops: The Offline File-Sharing Network

Aram Bartholl, also known as the man behind Speed Show, has launched a new project in New York City which is part of his Eyebeam residency. Under the name of ‘Dead Drops’, he created an anomymous, offline, peer to peer file-sharing network in public space by ‘injecting’ USB flash drives into publicly accessible walls, buildings and curbs.

“Plug your laptop to a wall, house or pole to share your files and date. Each dead drop contains a readme.txt file explaining the project. ‘Dead Drops’ is still in progress, to be continued here and in more cities. Full documentation, movie, map and ‘How to make your own dead drop’ manual coming soon!”

Dead Drops by Aram Bartholl

Dead Drops by Aram Bartholl

Bartholl’s USB drives can be found at five spots in the Big Apple: 87 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn (Makerbot), Empire Fulton Ferry Park, Brooklyn (Dumbo), 235 Bowery (New Museum), Union Square (Subway Station 14th St), and West 21st Street (Eyebeam). Everyone is invited to go to these places to drop or find files.