Wavefunction

Subsculpture 9

“Wavefunction” (Subsculpture 9) is a kinetic sculpture comprised of fifty to one hundred Charles and Ray Eames moulded chairs (designed in 1948) and placed in a regular array of rows, facing the entrance to the exhibition space. When someone approaches the work, a computerized surveillance system detects their presence and the closest chairs automatically begin to lift off the ground, creating the crest of a wave that then spreads over the whole room. A system of electromechanical pistons raises each chair forty centimetres from the ground. The pistons are controlled by a computer that runs the mathematics of fluid dynamics, thus making the waves interfere with each other, creating turbulence or becoming calm, just like real water.

The idea of a 'function' as a field for artistic experimentation is a motivation for this piece. Other references include: the mathematics of dynamic systems, capable of generating complex non-linear, behaviours, the materialization of surveillance and turbulence and the anti-modular reinterpretation of the work of modern designers such as Charles and Ray Eames.ibition space. When someone approaches the work, a computerized surveillance system detects their presence and the closest chairs automatically begin to lift off the ground, creating the crest of a wave that then spreads over the whole room. A system of electromechanical pistons raises each chair forty centimetres from the ground. The pistons are controlled by a computer that runs the mathematics of fluid dynamics, thus making the waves interfere with each other, creating turbulence or becoming calm, just like real water.
The idea of a 'function' as a field for artistic experimentation is a motivation for this piece. Other references include: the mathematics of dynamic systems, capable of generating complex non-linear, behaviours, the materialization of surveillance and turbulence and the anti-modular reinterpretation of the work of modern designers such as Charles and Ray Eames.

General info

Spanish name:
Función de Onda
Year of creation:
2007

100 chairs version

Technique:
electromechanical pistons, computers, chairs, surveillance cameras and circuits
Room conditions:
covers about 40 to 50 square meters
Edition:
1 Edition, 1 AP

Fifty chairs version

Technique:
electromechanical pistons, computers, chairs, surveillance cameras and circuits
Room conditions:
covers about 40 to 50 square meters
Edition:
3 Editions, 1 AP
Collectors:
Borusan Contemporary and private collector

Exhibitions


Credits

  • Programming: Conroy Badger
  • Simulation: Gideon May
  • Production: Pierre Fournier, David Lemieux, Natalie Bouchard, Boris Dempsey, Paul Duchaine, Sandra Badger, Stephan Schulz, Olfa Driss, Guy Bärtschi, Justine Durrett
  • Production Assistance: Vitra
  • Commissioned for: Mexican Pavilion, 52nd Biennale di Venezia, 2007

Bibliography