Mechanit Project: Koneistos
A synthetical nature experience, 2021
Koneistos is a synthetical nature experience performed by climbing lamps and mechanical sounding machines. The installation consisting of mechanical machinery and metal pipes takes over the 100-square-meter space.
Facilitator and media artist Atte Olsonen’s art explores the interaction between mechanical and organic organisms. “As it plays, this orchestra of inanimate machines springs to life.” Light artist Teo Lanerva is fascinated by subtle manipulation of the viewer’s perception. “I’m inspired by the interplay between light and shadow often seen in digital art. In Koneistos, the pipe climbing lamps create an enchanting parallel world where the shadows dance among the real-life audience.”
The audience is invited to join the immersive and meditative journey that will blur their sense of time and place. Join us to witness the vivid dialogue of the machines and the spellbinding movements of the living shadows.
The installation accommodates only 50 people at a time and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Please note that this show contains theatre smoke, strobe lights and loud sound effects.
Master of Arts, formed in 2015, Helsinki-based
Information
Artwork finished in:
2021
Which kind of light sources and what other materials and equipment are used?
Led, solenoids, stepper motors.
Please provide the dimensions of the work. Approximate size will do. Please mention if the work can be adjusted. (width-height-depth):
10x10x5m / 100m2 / dimensions can be adjusted
Electricity consumption:
Power current (specification)
Does the artwork use sound?
Ambient sound, loud sound.
Support and other structures:
The work needs support structures, hanging points, or similar.
Please state which structures, hardware or other equipment is needed from the
client:
50mm pipes in the ceiling are helpful but not absolutely necessary. Rental equipment includes theatre lights, dimmers, fans, sound system, cables etc. Please check our rider for detailed lists.
Minimum height of the space:
The highest parts of the structure are almost 5m, but it’s possible to build it to a space with for example air conditioning pipes at lower heights. In that case need a precise floor plan including the obstructions to plan the setup.
Minimum square meters of the space:
100
Requirements for the space: darkness, temperature, colouring (light / dark / specific colour / other) etc.:
Theatrical conditions are required and a complete black-out and silence must be possible. All emergency lights must be and replaced with photoluminescent signs. We use atmospheric effects and the air conditioning must be off or at low setting. If it’s not possible we require at least one extra smoke machine. The performance can work in many kind of environments, but a space with white walls is preferred. Moving shadows are integral part of the performance and they are not visible on a dark surface.
Building time and people required (estimate):
Four days (42 hours). First show on the evening of the fourth day. With one local technician and our crew (4).
Artist's presence:
Artist or their representative must be present during building.
Seen before at:
Private presentation for curators (due to covid), Lux Helsinki 2023.
