Sachiko Kodama & Minako Takeno’s “Protrude, Flow” // 2001
This work is an interactive installation that expresses a man’s desire and passion for life, and moves like our instinctual feelings – unlike machines, this installation reminds us of the energy pulsating in our own body. It was created using a black magnetic fluid that is manipulated through sound. The fluid’s movements are due to changes in a magnetic fluid produced by several electromagnets installed above and below. Each electromagnet’s voltage is controlled according to the sound input of the spectators’ voices in the exhibition space by computer processing, making the fluid pulsate like a living being. Specifically, the sounds are captured by microphones hanging from the ceiling, then a computer converts the sound amplitude into electromagnetic voltage, determining the strength of the magnetic field.
What I found interesting about this project were the forms that were created through people’s voices. Although the artists said it was supposed to mimic the energy pulses of a living being and express man’s desires, I didn’t really get that feeling from watching the videos and seeing the images. To me, it seems like particles and individual parts forming into one whole individual being/form – focusing on creating societies, one together form. The installation is really mesmerizing and the landscapes formed are so interesting to watch. The fluid forms spikes but the multitude of spikes throughout the work end up being super organic and fluid.
Still image of the installation