Tempe - Arizona
Bent Laminated Ash, Cocobolo, Steel, Copper, Plexiglass, LED’s Arduino, Sensors, Solenoids, Compressor, Human interaction.
The Emerge Grant project ‘Sirens’ for a Carnival of the Future, delves into the evolving relationship between art and automation. As part of this exploration, Sirens was conceptualized and built to examine how automation can redefine artistic experiences.
At the heart of Sirens lies an interactive dialogue between human and machine. As a participant approaches, the art-machine comes to life, detecting their presence through a network of sensors. Engaging in a dynamic exchange, the user must follow a series of specific commands. When these conditions—predefined by the system’s creator—are met, the machine rewards them with a captivating show.
Powered by an Arduino microcontroller, Sirens communicates through an LED array embedded within frosted plexiglass, forming a unique visual language. The system’s kinetic energy is driven by a built-in air compressor, which propels scoops that spin in opposite directions, creating a moiré effect. This hypnotic movement draws the viewer into a fully immersive, multi-sensory experience.
Sirens challenges the traditional perception of art as static objects displayed in sterile white rooms. Instead, it envisions art in the future as an evolving, automated sensory experience—one that provokes emotion and engagement in new ways.