2003 Rockefeller New Media Foundation Proposal

Abstract

I propose a new corpus of kinetic artworks and related performances to be developed around highly miniaturized robotic machinery. My objective is to produce a series of seemingly-organic optomechanical systems that are small enough, and flat enough, to fit within standard 35-millimeter slide cases. The tiny motors, ligatures and optical components of these machines will be programmed to exhibit an expressive variety of lively audiovisual behaviors under both autonomous (independent) and remote (interactive) control. The machines will be projected large by a conventional slide projector, while the nearly inaudible sounds of their moving joints will be greatly amplified using special microphones and optoelectronic transducers.