Device for the Elimination of Wonder (here after Device) is a simple kinetic system that is obsessed with measurement. Quantification is its only concern. Through objective measurement it gains both self-assurance and a better understanding of its external world.
Device for the Elimination of Wonder -- Installed at Lively Objects, Isea 2015. Vancouver, BC
Ultimately Device is a feedback-loop manifesting itself as a machine. It is composed of an apparatus suspended by a pair of parallel cables that span the gallery space about 1.5m above the floor.
The apparatus can roll back and forth along the length of these cables and select any location to begin taking measures. A measurement is acquired by lowering a metallic bob until it comes in contact with a surface below it. This bob is both extremely sensitive and very precise. When the bob detects a surface the length of descent is recorded and stored. The bob retracts back to the base of the machine.
Device then draws this measurement as a grey scale swatch whose ink density is in proportion to the measurement. The slip of paper upon which the data are recorded is dropped to the floor immediately below the apparatus.
Through the slow sedimentary process in which the slips of paper accumulate, the system's function and purpose become readable. Layers of residue begin to build.
With the addition of each new record the distance between the Device and the pile of swatches decreases. With each reduction in this measured distance the printed record is drawn with slightly less ink. Initially the bob descends all the way to the floor and prints a swatch that is nearly all black. As the pile ascends, reaching about one meter tall, the printed records are drawn nearly all white. The result is a greyscale paper cone that maps its own changing height as it raises to its apex.
The apparatus now moves to a new location and begins the process again.
Device for the Elimination of Wonder installed at Lively Objects, ISEA2015.
This project was supported by the Ontario Arts Council