“Polycycle 1” (self portrait) 2004
Steel, motors, wire, pens, electrics
1.5 x 10 x 0.3 m (size variable)

Installations
Exhibition Title
Gallery Name
15 January – 24 March 2021

Polycycle examines the way the seemingly predictable and cyclic movement of a spirograph can result in an image that is quite unexpected. The mechanisms become more interesting when their inaccuracies and flaws as machines introduce elements of chaos and confusion and suspend its universal order. The unpredictable nature of the materials used leave traces of disarray but also of chance in the structured frame of things.

Polycycle is installed onto large surfaces of the exhibition space – this can be windows or walls. The mechanism will work on the surface and will either draw or etch a slowly accumulating rhythm of patterns over the duration of the show. The size of the mechanism is variable and thus can be adapted to suit a specific space or site.

Polycycle is a giant 10m spirograph drawing machine. The piece examines the way the seemingly predictable and cyclic movements can create unexpected results. The mechanisms become more interesting when their inaccuracies and flaws as machines introduce elements of chaos and confusion and suspend its universal order. The system seems to rely on the traces left by accidents and serendipitous events to create a balance between machine perfection and the gestural human intervention. The drawing machine will run for the whole duration of the exhibition – accumulating miles and miles of linear composition.