TELESTRON by GMUNK
TELESTRON is a light-driven theatrical performance, where two robotic arms control light rays to portray four different seasons with a day/night cycle.
The robots represent semi-autonomy through their interactions with each other. The performance is setup such that interactions between the light rays influence the motion of the robotic arms. However, the performer had to establish the general interactions that are possible for the arm and how to portray different seasons through light. The audience never sees the performer and only sees the machine. I would argue that the audience focuses on the light more than the actual motion of the robotic arms (machine) because of how the installation is setup to make it difficult to see the arms themselves.
The core features of the work were the usage of a simple medium, light, and the interactions that occur with that medium. In this performance, the focus on the light and color helps portray the story better. The performance also does a good job of showing how interaction with simple motion can produce very visually appealing work.
A subtle detail in the performance is the usage of color in the lighting. It helps with the portrayal of the seasonality and provides variation to keep the audience focused. This is also reinforced by the intentional cage around the arms that allow for interesting patterns to be casted from the light.
The work of light-driven installations is not uncommon, i.e. James Turrell, Robert Irwin, etc…
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