What inspired Momentum?
Momentum was inspired by scientific instruments like the Foucault pendulum, objects that visualise invisible forces at scales much larger than us. Momentum continues a path set out by our previous work, Chorus (2009), creating a spatial instrument to explore our notions of perception, physics and the relation between the two.
How does it work?
Momentum plays on our expectations of how objects behave in our world to create an experience that makes us question the way we perceive. The installation is made up of an array of pendulums that are suspended from the ceiling, allowing visitors to walk freely underneath. Without giving everything away, a lot of technology is working in the background to make the different mediums of physical movement, light and sound alter your perception of the gallery.
Your commissions seem to interact with different social concerns – like Origin in New York, or High Arctic in London. Does Momentum focus on anything in particular?
One of the main ideas fuelling this work is the concept of perception; how what you see is determined by what you have learned – in many respects. How things that don’t conform to our expectations make us feel uncomfortable and tend to be rejected. Momentum is meant as a metaphor for the way we process and filter information in general, but deals with more immediate information: that of how we perceive our surroundings.
It’s hard to predict how people will individually experience ‘Momentum’, but we imagine their emotions will range from feeling ever so slightly strange to a meditative experience
What materials will you use to create the installation?
We are using steel and aluminium to create a custom mechanical assembly wired with custom electronics, a 3-D printed speaker chamber with driver and lensed LED. The installation is controlled by our d3 software, running modules specifically programmed for this project. Complicated as it is, Momentum is a result of thorough testing of all aspects using rapid prototyping techniques and experimenting with more than a few electronic and control solutions.
Your work seems to take a lot of influence from its environment. What particular characteristics of The Curve gallery will be drawn out?
The geometry of The Curve allows us to use it as a continuous canvas. The walls are where much of the action will take place, as light is projected and sound reflected off them. The space itself merges everything together.
How did you all meet?
The group has evolved over the years. UVA was founded in 2003 by Matt, Chris and Ash who met on a project that combined their individual expertise. Ever since, the team has grown to encompass an even greater eclectic assortment of talents.
Can you tell us about the significance of sound in the installation?
Sound was an integral part of Momentum from its very conception, just as important as the physical movement and the light. All three aspects are orchestrated to generate the overall installation. Sound is an incredibly important medium when determining an object’s position, size and speed.
What excites you about the commission?
The commission offers a unique opportunity to respond to The Curve’s architecture and exhibit something to the Barbican’s diverse audience. As a project, it has been an exciting challenge for everyone involved, pushing the boundaries of many different disciplines.
What materials will you use to create the installation?
We are using steel and aluminium to create a custom mechanical assembly wired with custom electronics, a 3-D printed speaker chamber with driver and lensed LED. The installation is controlled by our d3 software, running modules specifically programmed for this project. Complicated as it is, Momentum is a result of thorough testing of all aspects using rapid prototyping techniques and experimenting with more than a few electronic and control solutions.
Your work seems to take a lot of influence from its environment. What particular characteristics of The Curve gallery will be drawn out?
The geometry of The Curve allows us to use it as a continuous canvas. The walls are where much of the action will take place, as light is projected and sound reflected off them. The space itself merges everything together.
How did you all meet?
The group has evolved over the years. UVA was founded in 2003 by Matt, Chris and Ash who met on a project that combined their individual expertise. Ever since, the team has grown to encompass an even greater eclectic assortment of talents.
