Concept
Hertzian Explorer
Concept
Hertzian Explorer relates to the notion of “hertzian space”, a term
used by designers Anthony Dunne and Fiona Raby to refer to the invisible
physical space created by electromagnetic radiation radiating from
electronic objects. It is also a work that aims to combine art and science
by making the invisible more visible.
Electromagnetic field meters are used to measure the intensity of
radiation from electronic devices and generate unique visualizations of
hertzian space.
Different field strengths, their spatial arrangement,
and duration of radiation will influence the visual result. Celluar
automata and generative designs will reflect
the changing and diverse nature of hertzian space and
also explore the relations in this ecology of hertzian space and virtual
organisms. Inviting interaction is another key element of this installation.
A video feed of the user's face is distorted based on the intensity and
duration of exposure to mobile phone radiation. The user can choose to
continue to watch his or her "face" being transformed or stop the phone call.
To highlight the illusive and unconventional nature of hertzian space,
this project also incorporates a sculptural aspect consisting of an array of EMF
meters attached to webcams suspensed in midair. The unorthodox juxtaposition of
webcams to the emf meters reflects both the strangeness of hertzian space and
the difficulty of perceiving it. It reflects the fact that in order
to see hertzian space, we need to look at it indirectly through
instrumentation. These elements of sculptural interest gives clues as
to how the piece technially works, creating more involvement and interaction
with the piece.
By bringing to the human scale electronic signals and radiation, the
work hopes to help people discover a new perspective on this mysterious
but now permanent aspect of our contemporary world, a world immersed in
the fleeting and invisible waves of information flow.