top of page
The Optical Mechanical (2019) Multi-channel Video Installation, 4 min, 800 x 450cm
The Optical Mechanical is an ensemble of animation, sound and factory transformations, exploring the temporal aspects of production. Using modulated voices and animation to explore the tempo and energy of each apparatus, the work recapitulates and evolves, simulating the syncronised spectacle of automation; The repetition of such, working as a catalyst, drawing parallels to the stretch of time between the industrial and post-industrial. Further exploring the relationship of both human and machine, the roles of both ‘conductor’ and ‘orchestra’ create iterative structures within the installation, parallel to the beating drum of the conveyor. The rhythmical energy of such, beating louder and stronger, pounding with the pulse of time itself.
The Optical Mechanical is the first completely digital art commission for 'Art In Manufacturing' - The headline commissioning programme for the National Festival of Making, supported by Arts Council England, Deco Publique, Super Slow Way and Creative Lancashire.
Photos by Lee Smilie // 2019
bottom of page