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Roto-Relief Project, 2006
This project was directly related to my interest in Marcel Duchamp's optical machines from the 20’s and 30’s. Having abandoned painting, Duchamp became fascinated in the existence and control of pulse and beat as they related to popular culture and visual spectacle. The artist went about constructing simple rotating machines, much like a turntable propped in a vertical position. Upon the face of these machines different spiraling discs could be mounted. Viewers were instructed to stand at a distance of 1 meter; at this position the spinning hemisphere achieved the desired effect. Intrigued by Duchamp’s investigations I decided to create my own optical machine and rotating discs. I printed many different spiraling discs using traditional stone lithography, many based on Duchamp’s own designs. I chose bright colors and printed on soft and seductive foam paper. The project went through several manifestations but ultimately I had a full set of nearly 50 different discs. This experience with mass production excited me and I felt a closeness to print media that I had never felt before. Once completed these discs could be “Played” on a turntable of my own design. For added effect I made a faceplate that fit over the spinning disc and installed a light to illuminate it from behind. The faceplates included the image of a television through which the rotating disc could be viewed. The whole piece was interactive and while installed in the gallery space the audience was free to “play” different discs and change the exterior faceplate.
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