Maverick Machines

-

Framed static machine – exhibition ready (+pir)

(12V)

In preparation for the exhibition, before building the real thing, I am creating a number of experimental prototype maverick machines. Some time ago, whilst building a high-voltage sculpture, I noticed the kinetic effect of static electricity attracting thin sheets of foil together, similar to the electroscope. Over the last few days I have been trying to re-create this effect, today I succeeded, and here it is harnessed in this prototype machine:

Static charge as data, capacitor memory plates storing the data, oscillating mechanical pendulums switching data through static forces, pulsing neon indicators glow, ebb and flow. Interdependent interactions, conversations between forces, sensitive to its environment, a hand subtly altering the pulsing.

Danger! high voltage shocks!!

The exhibition is being designed by architecture student Michael Whitfield as a self assembly, modular, evolvable structure able to grow and change organically, inspired by Pask’s quote on Architecture:

“The role of the architect here, I think, is not so much to design a building or city as to catalyse them: to act that they may evolve”
Gordon Pask in his foreword to the book An Evolutionary Architecture.

So we will be able to add, change and alter exhibits last-minute and on a daily basis…

Pask Inspired Exhibition, Sketch by Michael Whitfield

The website opens in the wonderful WordPress, site hosted by Layershift – an excellent service with a great interface and lots of hosting software options ~ including WordPress…