Kehai (2010)
Interactive Installation

Collaborated with Garrett Baumgartner

: : Absence/Presence

Eastern philosophy adopts the idea of “Ma”, a negative space or space in between, to perceive empty space as presence. “Kehai” is a Japanese word for sense of presence. Recorded domestic sounds are fragments of a living room with an old chair, but they also leave negative space for what is not recorded – the chair. If space in between gains presence, sound in between, that is, silence also gains presence just like pauses between spoken words.

The act of hearing is not only to sense what is making sound, but also to define the silent presence. Space is full of sounds and silence. So, close your eyes and touch the chair to “listen” it.

By activating and layering sounds occurring around the chair, you will “touch” the chair’s memories, sculpting the presence of absence on the chair.

Video is coming soon!

CREDITS:

Processing Programming: Garrett Baumgartner

Photography&Videography: MADT201

Notes:

Software:
Processing

Hardware / Media:
Arduino Diecimila
GSR sensor
Conductive thred
Old Chair