The Museum of Speculative Automata
Stephen Spicer Untitled/Fast Food, 2020 Ink on tea-stained paper, 40 x 70cm, Artist collection, Bath.
Description/Operation: a traditional coin-op in some ways. Upon a coin insertion, the machine shows the manufacture, delivery and consumption of a hamburger. Going left to right, the first scene is a robot putting almost any old cow rubbish into the process (It’s 100% beef, but what bits?) that feeds into the manufacturing process where a zoetrope animates the burger building assembly line. Leaving the machine, the third scene shows bored robots putting lettuce, ketchup and other stuff onto the burgers. Finally in the last scene a group of fat blokes stuff their faces. As they do, air bladders inside them inflate and they grow fatter.
Speculative. Prospect of Build: 5/10.
My work is in the area of interactive sculpture. My interests are at that point where robots, puppets and art meet. Originally the plan was to exhibit three-four coin operated interactive machines in FaB 2020. Unfortunately the lock down has put plans on hold.
NEW: The Museum can visit you! Scroll to bottom
So this gallery is the two machines that have been built, and those that are speculative. The first machine, Untitled/Forest is shown alongside detail and a recording. Most of the images here are diagrams that illustrate successive planes in the three dimensional box, or workings.
More will be added over the course of the festival. It also includes the Portable Museum, which can be booked and presented during restrictions.
Why coin operated? Research and anecdotal evidence demonstrate that gallery visitors often only glance at work. The simple act of inserting a thing of value implies that the viewer is committed, if only for a short time, to seeing what that work has to offer. Additionally this type of mechanical entertainment has long been activated in this way. Other mechanisms for payment have been explored. I have permission for text messaging to activate machines, initially ignored due to costs, but now seen as an advantage when contactless is a requirement.
I am fascinated by the stories told in simple automata, especially those found in arcades and historically, seaside locations. These are often short social comment, or moralistic tales, sometimes told with British double entendre. That tradition continues today with the work of Tim Hunkin, Paul Spooner and others. Other influences include the Victorian peepshow, stage magic and a desire to engage an audience in things that inspire wonder, delight, and maybe horror…
Stephen Spicer Untitled/Forest, 2020 Wood, electronics, paint, 40 x 40 x 50cm, Artist collection, Bath.
Description/Operation: made from Laser cut plywood and using electronics this interactive piece contains a detailed forest. When the observer had looked inside for a short time and their eyes have adjusted, they will become aware of numerous small animals looking back at them. If the observer keeps very still, just if in a real forest; then the animals eyes slowly illuminate (see video) any movement however and they switch off and effectively go into hiding. They only return after a break and if no further movement is detected. Addressable LEDs, a PIR sensor and a Crumble Controller provide the operations. Click on the details below for more images. If you are using a phone, there’s a small dot, lower right that triggers a caption.
Built.
Stephen Spicer Untitled/Forest, 2020 Pencil, ink, paint on paper, 45 x 45 cm, Artist collection, Bath.
Description/Operation: This is the full-size illustration/diagram from the front showing the planes inside to give a three-dimensional effect. Front panel is to the left , rear of the machine to the right. Shown, but later built into the base, are the Controller board, and fibre optic paths. Note the circular cut-out for the PIR sensor, that was later moved to the base unit, behind the grill following criticism.
Stephen Spicer Untitled/Seascape peepshow 2020 Ink, paint, pencils on tea-stained paper, 40 x 70cm, Artist collection, Bath.
Description/Operation: in this peepshow, which is viewed through the small holes in the coral, the interior springs into life upon the insertion go a coin. Coloured fish swim around, and by using mirrors the box seems considerably larger on the inside. At then of the show an octopus appears and makes a grab for the viewer. The image here shows the planes in the machine from frto back. Not shown are mechanics and electronics.
Prospect of Build: 9/10. Stalled because of lockdown, but plans made for assembly later.
Stephen Spicer Untitled/Sky Machine 2020 Pencil, ink, paint on paper, 45 x 45 cm, Artist collection, Bath.
Description/Operation: This is the full-size illustration/diagram from the front showing the planes inside to give a three-dimensional effect. Front panel is to the left , rear of the machine to the right.
Operation: the machine is situated within a larger space where in idle mode it projects clouds and illusory birds on the walls and ceiling. When a coin is inserted, and the interior of the machine observed through the peephole, then the observer sees the clouds parting, the sun rising and getting brighter. Animated birds fly through the air. Slowly day turns to night and the moon rises. Shooting stars appear and then the machine goes to sleep, waiting for another coin to awaken it.
4/10
Stephen Spicer Untitled/Sky Machine in situ 2020 Pencil, ink, on paper, 28 x 28 cm, Artist collection, Bath.
Description/Operation: This is sketchbook rendition of the room where Sky is situated.
Operation: the sky machine is situated within a larger space where in idle mode it projects clouds and illusory birds on the walls and ceiling. When a coin is inserted, and the interior of the machine observed through the peephole, then the observer sees the clouds parting, the sun rising and getting brighter. Animated birds fly through the air. Slowly day turns to night and the moon rises. Shooting stars appear and then the machine goes to sleep, waiting for another coin to awaken it.
4/10
Stephen Spicer I know you, 2020 Ink on tea-stained paper, 70 x 40cm, Artist collection, Bath.
Description/Operation: reminiscent of the arcade fortune teller. Upon a coin insertion, the machine stares intently at the forehead of the viewer. Various electronic and mechanical ds can be heard from within the rough rusted exterior. After a few moments the robot hands you an uncannily accurate description of your personality traits.
Prospect of Build: 7/10.
Stephen Spicer Looking, 2020 Ink on tea-stained paper, 30 x 50cm, Artist collection, Bath.
Description/Operation: a box full of little people, that invites curiosity. As the viewer gets closer, it will be noticed that their eyes/heads are slowly turning to look back at the viewer. After a short time they return and look elsewhere, like the audience their attention span is short. Picture shows what the audience sees, left hand; and on the right the stepper motors that make the movement,
Speculative. Prospect of Build: 3/10.
Stephen Spicer The true meaning of Christmas, 2020 60 x 40cm, Pencil and ink on paper, Artist collection, Bath.
Function: this is a coin operated machine. The machine invites you to insert a coin of any value. After insertion, it values your payment. If this small, Santa will call you a miser, or say “Bah Humbug”. Give a reasonable sum, and Santa will open his suit and show a myriad of consumer goods for your delight. If your donation is generous, Santa will glow and advise you in addition that you are supporting a Christmas charity.
Prospect of Build: 4/10 Since this is an item linked to Christmas (when it was drawn) it’s life may be limited without some kind of sponsorship.
Stephen Spicer Untitled/Cave, 2020 Perspex, paint, 12 x 12 x 12cm, Artist collection, Bath.
This is a stereoscopic illustration, derived from the plans for the Laser cutter. You will need Red/Cyan glasses to see it.
Description/Operation: made from Laser cut perspex this piece contains a detailed cave with stalactites and stalagmites. When the observer had looked inside for a short time and their eyes have adjusted, they will become aware of depth and detail. This small object is inspired by detailed paperweights and peepshows. a kit version is available for order.
Built.
Further speculation
These are large-scale installations that exist as sketches and ideas.
Stephen Spicer Column, 2020 Ink and tea stains on paper, 21 x 30cm, Artist collection, Bath.
Description/Operation: this is a walk-in zoetrope. The colour in the middle and the floor are covered in three-dimensional repeating objects. These have the property of appearing to move if observed through mirrors. UV light and strobes are used to vary the effect.
Speculative (Very).
Stephen Spicer Darkspace, 2020 Ink and tea stains on peper, 21 x 30cm, Artist collection, Bath.
Description/Operation: a dark space, but with some illumination. Walls, floor and objects covered in Vantablack or equivalent that does not reflect light at all. Upon entering the space visitors discover shape that are not visible and can only be discovered through touch.
Speculative (Very).
Stephen Spicer Untitled/Haunted House peepshow, 2020 Ink and tea stains on paper, 21 x 30cm, Artist collection, Bath.
Description/Operation: this automata asks a question, can a model be frightening? The peepshow, when activated is viewed through a porthole, which the viewer has to be close to. The house inside shows a sequence of ghosts/monsters, with accompanying noises. At the end, a ghost reaches out for the viewer. Simultaneously, five small air jets to the fore produce the effect of being touched.
Stephen Spicer Fairground, 2020 Ink and tea stains on paper, digital effects. 21 x 30cm, Artist collection, Bath.
Description/Operation: This is a proposal for a fairground/arcade to house the various machines. The idea was worked up as a drawing for FaB2020. Speculative (Very).
Stephen Spicer What will you trade? 2020 Ink and tea stains on paper, 21 x 30cm, Artist collection, Bath.
Description/Operation: this installation is in a large room, there is plasterboard or similar covering the walls. In places the walls have suffered damage and through the holes golden insect-like robots can be seen. Behind them is a bank of screens on which are displayed for all to see animate photographs and pieces of social data. To activate the robots you need to trade. They will take money, but what they really like is personal data. When the viewer sends some personal data it is evaluated for its value and then the robot will make a corresponding hole in the plasterboard and the data is displayed on the screens behind the wall. At the end of the day/week, all the data is erased ready for the next group of visitors.
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Dimensions variable, this is a Prototype.
The Travelling Museum of Speculative Automata
The image is a a mock up. You’ll be able to see working Forest and Caves, Icons of the Isolation and small people. There may be a steam engine to power it all. It’s being built, and as soon as Boris allows us to meet, which should be soon, you can book a viewing. Distance NO OBJECT - although you’ll be asked to pay expenses if it’s very far! Viewings are estimated to cost £5, or what you think it’s worth. Works are not for sale, although you can buy the forest in a non-working laser-cut kit form once manufacturing is available again.
It’s going to be great! An art gallery on you front path. To express interest, please email museum@stephenspicer.com