framework f5x5x5
2007-2009
Manuel Abendroth, Jerome Decock, Els Vermang
Size: 10 * 2 m
Technique: aluminium, LED, lexan, custom tailored electronics, 250 servomotors, 50 sensors, 5 computers, reactive software
The installation consists of 5 modules which, in its total length, forms a kinetic freestanding screen wall of 10 meters in length. Each module is subdivided into five horizontal and five vertical squares creating an overall grid of 5x5x5 = 125 frames. The modular nature of the installation is indicated in the title, derived from the compositional grid, its resolution.
Each frame contains another frame rotating around its central vertical axis, which itself contains a frame rotating around its central horizontal axis. This nested principle of a frame within a frame within a frame forms the kinetic structure.
On one side these frames are lacquered white, diffusing the light, while the other side is lacquered black, absorbing light. The motorized frames allow a black side to be turned on the white side and a white frame turned on the black side. In this manner the installation is based on a duality formed by binary states such as: black / white, open / closed and static / rotating frames. Each of the frames can be illuminated in red or white, adding further states: on / off and; red / white light. Their individual control enhances the installation with a dimension of light parallel to the dimension of movement. The description of the installation in form of binary states is the expression of digital logics through an artistic and sculptural vocabulary.
The static sequences follow the logic of a random order. These two different registers are constituted by putting the frames in a geometric or a random pattern. The geometric patterns outline the installation's architectural character, whereas the different random patterns underline the kinetic light play of the installation. The geometric patterns are pre-recorded sequences defined in relation to the architectural context, whereas the random positions follow a generative logic.
The dynamic sequences follow the logic of a motif described through the frames' motion. These motifs aren’t visible as such, but define each position of the frames during a motion sequence. However, when plotting step-by-step the positions of the frames on paper they reveal their notation, their formal order. These notations are based on a program relating formal patterns to kinetic instruction. These prints, called frameworkNotations, are exhibited parallel to the installation, allowing the viewer to discover the logic and composition behind the motion of the frames.
In actuality, both the static and dynamic sequences are small programs, combining the conceptual and programming logic of the installation, its framework. From the hardware side the installation can also be considered as a framework, being as much a modular sculpture, as a prototype for a light-based architecture, a second skin for a building façade. In this constellation the system operates as a light filter during the day. At night, it would flood the space with the reflections of its changing light, while integrating, in its kinetic play, the ability to be a flip-board screen wall.
For detailed documentation, please refer to Archive >
Framework 5x5x5 is realised with the financial support of Arcadi, Dicream and the Commission des Arts Numériques de la Communauté Française de Belgique. The installation has received an honorary mention at Ars Electronica festival in 2011.