ICC
"Interactive Field"
1999
Martin RICHES
Interactive Field
photo: KIOKU Keizo

On a table-shaped stage, 36 rectangular panels, with black on one face and white on the other, stand straight in a grid array. As you approach the stage, the panels start to flip back and forth, rapidly or slowly. The panels' movements change according to the situation; sometimes they react directly to your movements, and sometimes all of the panels move as in a choreographed dance. There are 28 infrared sensors set around the stage, analyzing the number of viewers, their locations, their movements and direction. The results of this analysis becomes the basis of the panels' movements.

The work is an automatic sculpture, run by motors, flipping back and forth sometimes slowly, and programmed to exhibit behavioral variations. When the panels move, it provokes you to react, causing a chain of user-machine interaction. If the machine fails to sense changes in its environment, the piece remains static. If the machine senses too many changes in its environment, it switches into a pre-programmed set of movements. Occasionally, the panels move all at once when you move away from the piece. In this manner, the piece takes on unexpected movements, provoking us to reflect on the relationship between ourselves and the piece's reactions. The sounds made by the motors are also part of the artwork.
*This work received a Runner-Up mention at the ICC Biennale '99

Martin RICHES Profile

In 1978, following his career as an architect, Martin RICHES began producing automatic machines which mimic human activities such as walking and talking. Since 1980 he has produced many music machines for sound installations, including his "Flute Playing Machine." He is also interested in clock-making technology, and produces sophisticated hand-made clocks. RICHES currently resides in Berlin.

Past Exhibition / Event
Keyword: Automata

Automata is a word commonly used for Western wind-up dolls from the 18th and 19th centuries. Linguistically, "automata" (or "automaton," in singular) means "self-operating machine." We can therefore presume that the origin of robotics is the study of automata, devices cleverly combining a given era's technology, such as clock-making technology. Robots of today, apart from their physical bodies, have sensors and complicated programs that run on computers, which probably makes them more like automatos, the Greek root for automata, meaning: "acting of one's own will." Related event Artists' Talk
Date: April 20 (Sun.),2008 4:00pm-[FInished]| >Details |