Antoine Schmitt (FRA)
Vexation 1
2000
autonomous, infinite, non-interactive installation
240 x 180 cm video projection, computer, behavioral algorithm, surround sound
A ball wanders freely within a projected frame of four thin lines, successively bouncing off the four walls in a seemingly strict pattern. Each impact generates a gong-like sound, the intensity of the gong varying with the speed and intensity of the bounce. By obediently following the strict pattern between the four lines, it creates a melody, but as the ball seems to go astray each time it bounces off a wall, the melody never quite reaches its expected rhythm. Schmitt drew the title of the work from a Satie piece for piano called Vexations, where a single melody must be played 840 times in a row (lasting approximately 20 hours).
What is visualized here is an autonomous entity that wanders about freely yet at the same time seems to be under the influence of many invisible forces that do not necessarily work together. The tension arising out of this situation is highly confronting. We easily perceive this lost soul as a representation of an abstract being, acting and struggling in the same space and time as ourselves. We could be this other, and by that we become aware of our self, projecting ourselves into the frame, trying to cope with the multiple internal and opposing forces futilely attempting to influence the ball’s trajectory.
By becoming aware of oneself, and thus consequently becoming conscious of others, we find ourselves questioning whether or not we are looking at the emanations of another self, a stranger. Vexation 1 in this way deals directly with inter-subjectivity - the most complex form of interactivity.
Biography
The works of artist and programmer Antoine Schmitt (France, 1961) are situated somewhere between abstraction and dynamic simulation, using software programming to create installations, online exhibitions, performances and CD-ROMs. He is a founding member of Transitoire Observable, a group of artist-programmers based in Paris. His work has been awarded prizes at several international festivals including Transmediale ( Berlin, GER, 2001), Life 5.0 ( Madrid, ESP, 2002) and Machinista (RUS, 2003). His artworks have been featured in recent exhibitions such as Écoute… at the Centre Pompidou in Paris (FRA); a retrospective Sonar exhibition in Madrid (ESP), Ars Electronica in Linz (AUT) and the group exhibition Say Hello to Peace and Tranquility shown in both Amsterdam (NED) and Copenhagen (DEN). Many of his works are on display on his website www.gratin.org where there is also extensive information on the algorithmic basis of his work. Antoine Schmitt lives and works in Paris, France.