SENSITIVE DEPENDENCE

1999-2004
Economist Plaza, London; University of Reading; University of Brighton

(Title derived from contemporary mathematics ‘chaos theory’ - sensitive dependence on initial conditions, or ‘butterfly effect’ - dealing with sets of chain reactions, starting with something very small and ending up as something monumental.)

The piece incorporates six wine glasses which ‘sing’ pitched ethereal bowed-wineglass tones. Each time a glass produces a sound, the paper butterfly trapped beneath it flaps its wings. Viewers are encouraged to walk within the circular installation, and so experience an enveloping ‘choral’ effect. For a permanent installation, the circle of sculptures would be made of concrete, with the glasses encapsulated in clear acrylic.

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