A multi-purpose guerilla messaging device, derived from the idea to place hidden critical messages within the abundant christmas decoration in the city.
The original idea was to build self-powered christmas tree balls with a chain of LEDs underneath enabling them to display typography and symbols using the „persistence of vision“ effect only in case of eye movement or long-exposure shots with cameras.
Soon the true potential became obvious; a neutrally-shaped device with the ability to display images can be used everywhere in public space. Where the eyes follow movements or Objects are moving through the field of Vision.
attached next to a highway, crosses become visible for speeding drivers
at a racetrack, the letters "CO2" remind of the air-polluting nature of motor sports
As a critical comment.
Since the saccades of the human eye also reveal the content displayed on the device, it creates an irritating moment motivating the observer to deal with the object, finally making him shake his head in front of the device in order to see the content.
Because headshaking is a gesture of negation, it underlines the critical context of the application. So not only the symbol itself shows criticism in the given context, but also the gesture, which becomes again visible to other people.
used at the headquarters of a supplier of nuclear energy, the object makes the observer become a means of protest himself; employees of the company looking out of the window will see people shaking their heads in their direction
The Prototype consists of 32 ultrabright LEDs in an aluminium casing controlled by an Arduino NG board and powered by a 9V battery.
square holes and milky plexi glass give the image a "pixel" look
