Life Force
- Mediumacrylic, balloon, beans, grains, silicon, electronics, software
- Year2024—
- VenuesCarnation Contemporary - Portland, Oregon
Concept
Life Force explores the compounding effects of minor environmental disruptions. The artwork consists of two air pumps that alternate to mimic a slow breathing pattern, inflating a solitary balloon. The mechanics of the pumps are directly influenced by the presence of seeds, beans, and grains at the base of the artwork. Even small changes in the quantity of these foods can diminish the inflation patterns, causing the balloon to deflate and lose its shape.
In Life Force, the interdependency of elements mirrors the delicate balance of our ecological environment, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of seemingly insignificant changes. The artwork explores the hidden relationships between minor environmental changes and their broader systemic impacts. It draws inspiration from the works of anthropologist Gregory Bateson and mathematician Edward Lorenz. Bateson emphasizes the interconnectedness within ecological systems in his book Steps to an Ecology of Mind. On the other hand, Lorenz’s concept of the butterfly effect demonstrates how tiny fluctuations in initial conditions can lead to significant and unpredictable outcomes in complex systems.
