Erik Kessels' book 'Che sbaglio!' celebrates error as creative tool

Erik Kessels has published 'Che sbaglio!' (Phaidon, 2017), a book that argues for the creative potential of mistakes in an age of technological perfection. In an interview, Kessels explains that contemporary tools like computers, cameras, and 3D printers are no longer subject to errors, yet perfection is a poor starting point for creativity. He advocates embracing imperfection, drawing on vernacular photography and the work of artists such as Kurt Caviezel, who captures webcam disturbances like a bird's tail on the lens. Kessels also references Joachim Schmidt's fascination with discarded images. The book is intended as a guide for creative people blocked by the pursuit of perfection, encouraging them to use errors to generate new ideas. Kessels critiques social media's homogenizing effect, where Facebook and Instagram profiles all look alike, and contrasts the polished front garden with the messy backyard where true freedom and creativity emerge. The book costs €9.95 and is published by Phaidon in London.