Peter William Holden / UK

2005

Umbrellas, Computers, Compressed Air Components

Giving a first impression of a simple commodity sculpture, AutoGene lures the viewer into a false sense of security, which is rapidly dispelled when the seemingly mundane umbrellas are transformed into magical, animated objects. The circular arrangement combined with the striking contrast produced as the umbrellas expand and contract engender the formation of abstract ephemeral patterns, which are seemingly governed by the accompanying music. The viewer is obliged to re-evaluate the sculpture, inviting comparisons with dance and animation as the mechanical pixels complete their choreographed movement through time and space.