The project Democracy Speaks shows how language can block political participation. In a recreated living room, visitors see news clips in different languages. With a remote, they can switch topics and subtitles. AI translations show how language becomes a barrier. The installation presents an everyday situation: watching the news—and sometimes not understanding. For many people in Austria, this is a reality. The project shows that political information is not equally accessible. It addresses current issues like integration, multilingualism, and digital barriers—and asks how political communication can become more inclusive.
Democracy Speaks / Viktoriia Chagarina, Xu Wang - Photo: Viktoriia Chagarina
Democracy Speaks
Viktoriia Chagarina (UA), Xu Wang (AT)
Democracy Speaks / Viktoriia Chagarina & Xu Wang - Photo: Viktoriia Chagarina
Democracy Speaks / Viktoriia Chagarina & Xu Wang - Photo: Viktoriia Chagarina
Credits
This project was developed by Viktoriia Chagarina and Xu Wang at die Graphische in Vienna. It is a vocational higher education school specializing in visual communication and media technology in Austria. With its focus on practical training and innovation, die Graphische supports creative projects that combine design, technology, and social issues. This work addresses language barriers in political participation through an immersive installation, highlighting themes of accessibility, multilingualism, and digital inclusion. Special thanks to die Graphische for their support and resources.
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