Kinetic Gallery

Overview

“Kinetic” is a term from the field of physics. It refers to energy that results from a body’s motion. In kinetic art objects, mechanical motion constitutes an aesthetic component of the installation.
The beginnings of this artform can be traced back to the kinetic light and motion objects created by Marcel Duchamp and Man Ray, as well as to the constructivist machines of Vladimir Tatlin, Naum Gabo, Alexander Rodchenko and László Moholy-Nagy. The further development of kinetics led to cybernetic art. Cybernetic art objects react to external influences such as manipulation by human beings.
A wide variety of motive forces such as wind, water and motors come into use in kinetic art. For instance, Theo Jansen’s “Strandbeesten” cavort about the beach powered by the wind and compressed air. Chico McMurtrie makes it a practice of integrating human beings into the operation of his kinetic artworks in that interactions with installation visitors trigger reactions by McMurtrie’s objects. Those partaking of “Conservation of Intimacy” can experience the transmission of kinetic energy right up close—from the rocking bench, it’s imparted to pneumatic drums, balls and springs.

The screens of Ars Electronica’s “Kinetic Gallery” feature prizewinning works of kinetic art.

Project List

Strandbeesten (work in progress)
Special Jury Prize in the 2005 Prix Ars Electronica’s Interactive Art category. Theo Jansen has been working on the creation of a new life form for the last 16 years. He conceptualizes his fantastic creatures on the computer and constructs them out of yellow pipes and wood. Born upon countless feet, these gigantic “strand beasts” move—driven by wind and air—across the sand. In their... more
Conservation of Intimacy
A couple is seated on a bench—they’re chatting, laughing and gesticulating. All their movements—manifestations of their close relationship—are captured by the complex machinery of “Conservation of Intimacy” and trigger reactions there. Pneumatic drums set balls into motion, and drive pens writing on rolls of paper (like those used for an electrocardiogram). Via bicycle, a third pe... more
Pipe Dream
First comes the instrument and then the sound. At least, that’s the normal sequence. But what happens when this principle gets turned around? To synthesize music, ANIMUSIC creates virtual instruments whose constructions correspond to the specified sounds. They’re all “played” by balls that jump from string to string, strike bars and run across keys, by a virtual orchestra full of fant... more
Totemobile
At first glance, “Totemobile” looks like a replica of the legendary Citroen DS. But the familiar form begins to dissolve. The individual components fit together into a new shape: the cult automobile morphs into a towering, 18-meter-high totem pole. The airbags now give the impression of being a biological organism. Honorary Mention in the 2008 Prix Ars Electronica’s Hybrid Art category.... more
The Tumbling Man
The interplay of two installation visitors breathes life into “Tumbling Man”. Via sensor linkups, they can set the robot into motion, though without knowing which of their own body parts’ movements are being imparted to which of „Tumbling Man’s” limbs. For instance, it might be Visitor 1’s arm motions and the movements of Visitor 2’s neck. It takes well-coordinated cooperation... more
Tsukuba Series
Tsukuba Series is Maywa Denki's original musical device played by physical movement of motors and/or electromagnets at 100V. It is not information but machine-music materially performed by electric-powered musical instrument.
Maywa Denki is an artists’ group headed by Nobumichi Tosa. The members playfully employ objects and concepts borrowed from the workaday world of small to midsize ... more