The colloquy of mobiles
Gordon Pask
A group of objects communicating with each other by means of simple flashing lights and sounds work together to create a dynamic artwork that is always changing. Amongst the group of objects there are two sorts called ‘males’ and ‘females’. Both sorts move around the installation competing with each other, trying to communicate with the opposite sort. They vary in the way that they are capable of communicating, the ‘males’ by projecting beams of light and the ‘females’ by reflecting those beams of light.
What initially caught my eye about this artwork is how early in time such an artwork was created. I feel like this same concept as this ever-changing artwork might well appear in an exhibition today, albeit with smaller objects and perhaps more sorts. I also love fact that the audience is encouraged to try to communicate with the mobiles, however futile it may be.