Luke Blackstone Not to Code steel, found objects, video camera, video monitor, air compressor, pneumatic cylinders, preserving jar, electromechanical and electronic devices 3' X 1' X 8' 1993
When a sensor is triggered by a viewer’s motion, a sequence of events begins. Firstly, compressed air is directed to the pneumatic cylinders, which cause the hanging structure to swing back and forth in a semi-random fashion. At the same time, a miniature video camera mounted inside the preserving jar sends the image of the viewer to a small monitor that sits inside the control box, behind a glass window. After 30 seconds pass, The control circuitry causes the hanging structure to gyrate spasmodically, and the monitor turns off. Finally, when motion ceases, the compressor turns on to replenish spent air, and a dormant period of 10 minutes begins. The system then waits for the motion of the next viewer. This sculpture refers to the possible deviation of natural evolution because of our obsession with creating machines with intelligence levels that may soon compete with our own. It has been shown in several sites in the Seattle area as part of the Seattle Arts Commission Portable Collection.