Art Application - Interactive "Magic 8-Ball Bust O'Lenin" This Project was submitted to Parallax by Patrick Lichty
The basic form for this sculpture was derived from a wooden stand and plaster Lenin bust. The concept was that Lenin placed in historical context with art movements like Dada proves that no one can predict the future, and the ridiculousness of such an endeavor. The final result was a combination of constructivism, Dada absurdism (not a recognized word), and the Zoltar machine from the movie, "Big" (starring Tom Hanks).
The user is instructed to approach the bust, rub its head, and make a wish while pressing the button on the forehead. Upon doing so, his eyes flash, mechanistic sounds issue forth from his ear-speakers, and either an actual "Magic 8-Ball" message or a quote from Lenin appears on the alphanumeric display in front.
Technically, the installation is straightforward. The technical infrastructure consists of a Parallax BS2-IC, Scott Edwards serial VFD fluorescent display, and external components (LEDs, speakers).
The program begins with a Button command that when executed, begins toggling the eye pins to drive the LED's and issuing sounds through a combination of Random and FreqOut commands. At the same time, the display is sending data to tell the user that he is considering your question.
Upon completing the "thinking" routine, the program cycles through a list of 40 answers, concluded with a beep from the Bell command to the VFD display. Since the Random routine would produce more repetitive answers, it was decided to cycle through a list, as this would provide more entertaining answers through less repetition.
On the night of its premiere in New Orleans, spectators were on average 5 people deep waiting to play with this sculpture. It was my hope that this piece was a straightforward way that technological art could be placed within the context of this exhibition in a fun, entertaining, and context-sensitive fashion.
Commissioned for "Lenin Bust-ed", Barristers' Gallery, New Orleans, LA. After June 2001, the piece will reside in the collection of the artist, Patrick Lichty. |