INTERFERENCE
Lightbulb, Mobile Detector, Custom Electronics. 25 x 15 x 15cm

Interference is an artwork that reacts to actual cell phone signals in the gallery space. A suspended lightbulb is responding to nearby mobile traffic by flickering and omitting subtle distorted noises, reminiscent of recorded phone conversations.

The light bulb, which turns invisible electrons into visible light, dramatically changed the patterns of society after its invention in 1879. No longer did we have to rely on the rising and setting of the sun. It’s an innovation that encapsulated the Enlightenment, both demystifying and romanticising our relationship with nature.

In our current age of communication, the electromagnetic waves used by our cell phones are simply light waves beyond the visible spectrum. This technology has allowed us to connect in previously inconceivable ways and continues to alter the way we behave. Will this shift also make us rethink our relationship with nature?

Both technologies, representing two different eras of progress, are based around light. Having them interfere with each other invites us to think of light as a vessel for innovation and societal change, both metaphorically and physically, while also being a prerequisite for life itself.

Interference has been shown in a range of different ways, from placed in an old school lamp to being suspended from the ceiling.


STOCKHOLM FRINGE FESTIVAL AT KONSTFACK, STOCKHOLM
During the exhibition the lighbulb was placed on a plinth.




PLACE DE GENIE, PARIS
In this exhibition the lightbulb was placed on an old tripod lamp.




THE NUNNERY, LONDON
In this exhibition the lightbulb was suspended from the ceiling.



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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Lightbulb, mobile phone detector, speaker, flicker machine


TECHNICAL REQUIREMENT

Electric Feed