Persistence

Abstract

Persistence is a kinetic installation exploring the conflict between geologic and human timescales. The Anthropocene, a proposed geological epoch, is proceeding towards a formal 'golden spike' to mark it's beginning. The installation investigates the fundamental dissonance one encounters when holding the ideas of planetary memory and personal experience simultaneously. Will we be defined by radionuclides, mass extinctions, and irreparable damage to the planet, or by a golden spike marking our ability to recognize and reverse current trajectories. Persistence acts as a fiducial, a fixed point, a reminder of our limitations, and fleeting collective memory. By drawing attention to our own limitations we hope to offer a space to allow viewers to reflect on the collective frailty of our memory, and the dire need to preserve the valuable life on this planet. The imagery of recently extinct animals, natural resources, and forgotten life forms will be displayed using the persistence machine. As the six-foot robotic arm rotates across a phosphorescent canvas, ultraviolet lasers activate the underlying pigment - revealing a fleeting image. Each additional pass of the robotic arm, mimicking a clock, invites new opportunities to allow existing memories and images to fade - or to activate entirely new compositions. In this digital representation of the project. A video (or real-time simulation) of the kinetic installation will be installed in the gallery for visitors to interact with. Visitors can select from a tablet a selection of topics to remember. The memory will be recalled using the kinetic persistence system. The visitor is invited to explore the memory and learn more about the topic to give the memory a new life.