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Artificial Mesmerism

Series of sculptures & digital animations

“Here, We, Go”, Mansion of the Future, Lincoln (UK), 2019; “Biennale Internationale du Design”, Cité du design, Saint-Étienne (FR), 2017; “Plunc Festival”, Ginjal Terrasse, Almada (PT), 2016

Dimensions: ‘Arnova 10b clouds pushing actuator’: h.127 x w.70 x d.96 cm; ‘Lenovo K3 grass spinning cable’: h.119 x w.52 x d.114 cm; ‘iPhone 6 water rotating arm’: h.136 x w.65 x d.81 cm

Materials: ABS prints, powder coated steel, chromed aluminium, coated aluminium, acrylic, polyethylene, galvanised wire rope, polyurethane foam, faux leather, MDF, vinyl, rubber, arduinos, DC & stepper motors, smartphones & tablet

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Halfway between gymnastic equipment and hobbyist furniture, Artificial Mesmerism is a collection of three objects that subversively incorporate mobile electronic devices in order to create mesmeric experiences from the comfort of one’s living room. Each object invites the user to rest in front of a moving smartphone or tablet which displays computer generated images of natural elements. The motion of these images corresponds to the device’s physical movement, stimulating an out-of-body experience through the dissonance between vision and bodily sensation. The work uses virtuality as a substitute for physical mobility: the objects conveying alternative relationships with natural environments at a point in history where escapism has become a widely digital experience.