METAKINETICS
Kinetic sculpture:
typewriter, custom-made pneumatic, cylinders, metal, construction, electromagnetic, valves, plastic tube, electronics, software, wooden, box, paper, air, compressor; variable dimensions
Statement A (2018–2022) is a typewriter powered by custom-made pneumatic cylinders created in collaboration with engineers. The mechanics are complex, with 48 cylinders connected to valves, relays, and an air compressor that powers the sculpture. In Scraping for Gold, the typewriter counts down from one ton (one million grams of ore) to a single gram of gold, typing out the numbers in words.
The process needs to be revised. The machine malfunctions—sticking, running out of ink or paper—and resets, starting again with the words, “From a ton to a gram, I was wrong again.” This repetitive cycle reflects the frustration and waste inherent in the creative process. No matter how much I plan, the journey never unfolds as expected.
The immense task of counting down from one million grams to one gram seems impossible. To complete it would require 4,000 meters of paper. Yet, the struggle to overcome obstacles and return to the starting point drives discovery. Despite setbacks, repetition and exploration are essential to finding meaning and ultimately achieving success.
Credits:
Photo: Damjan Švarc, Blaž Gutman
Construction of mechanisms: France Petač
Electrotechnical works: Davor Glavič, Martin Podlogar