How it works / What it is
Each cell contains every possible combination of five variables. (1 2 3 4 5, 1 2 3 5 4, etc.) There are 120 possible combinations of five variables. These variables were handwritten, or individually considered, on 5x7" pieces of paper 120 times.
The variables in each cell are arranged in a specific way. All variable combinations that begin with the number 1 are in their own row, combinations that begin with the number 2 are in their own row, etc. The rows are rearranged in each cell. For example, the first cell arranges the rows in the order of 1 2 3 4 5. The next cell rearranges the rows in the order of 1 2 3 5 4. A unique cell was created for each of the 120 combinations, reordering the rows to represent each possible arrangement.
Each cell considers every possibility while also offering one demonstration of itself.
Handwritten paper cells. The cell on the left arranges rows in the order of 1 2 3 5 4. The cell on the right arranges rows in the order of 1 2 3 4 5.
Numbers mess.
Each handwritten paper was scanned, prepared for "print" and then laser-etched onto individual pieces of museum glass. Big thanks for the help (and patience!) of the good people at Innotech Laser.
Etched cell
Each row (or individual variable) was then color coded. 1 = Red. 2 = Gold. 3 = Light Yellow. 4 = Medium Yellow. 5 = White. These color assignments were then painted in acrylic bands on 120 individual pieces of masonite. The color rows correspond to the unique row order of each etched glass cell.
Painted cells. The cell on the left arranges rows Red - Gold - Light Yellow - Medium Yellow - White to correspond with the row order 1 2 3 4 5. The cell on the right arranges rows Red - Gold - Light Yellow - White - Medium Yellow to correspond with the row order 1 2 3 5 4.
The next step involved breaking apart a video into 120 still frames. The video is a clip of President Trump targeting the 'fake news' media during a rally. Each frame was then printed on pieces of semi-transparent silk organza.
Film still
Frame printed on organza
The final steps involved assembling the cell components and then re-animating the still frames. The final physical installation offers an overwhelming amount of information to consider. Every cell represents a unique, singular perspective or explanation of the arrangement of five variables through the lens of every possibility.
When the cells are reanimated in the accompanying video component, the context of every possibility turns into an unintelligible snow of information. The painted rows turn into a visual pulse beneath the video, or the medium of interpretation.
This piece seeks truth by process of deconstruction. Where is the end? Which moment can I trust? Which one should I believe? Which interpretation is right?
Ultimately the truth remains elusive. This piece offers its truth only within in a set, manipulated context; it doesn't process anything higher than 5 or lower than 0. It considers nothing outside of itself.
Detail of cells
