Verstärker means amplifier in German. This interactive sculpture design by Olaf Val consist of a PSOne controller, a light bulb, a microcontroller and a pedestal.
As Val explains:
In the works "Rückkoppler", "Automatic Loop Unit", and "Bubbles", I focused on the development of instruments, which are able to generate light games in the tradition of Clavilux, Farborgel and Chormatops by using video projectors. These concepts are now continued without using video technology. The interaction between light and the designed interaction is at the fore in "Amplifier". In this way the daily use of electric light is the main topic of the work. The light bulb was a symbol of belief of the advance of technology at the turn of the century (1900). Also, the light bulb is just simply a symbol for light, spirit, and idea. In the work "Amplifier" a light bulb is used as a feedback media. The usual displays, like monitors or colorful flashing displays are reduced to a bulb, which turns on and off at one pixel, becoming lighter and darker. This reduction is effected with regard to the input media. The keyboard of the PlayStation becomes the real attraction, because of its tangible and sculptural qualities. The flashing lights, known from the world of computer games are not just follows the purpose to allure people into gambling halls as eye catchers, but most of all to enhance dramatic moments in the game. The flashing light/dark light therefore intensifies the sensuousness of the video game. By playing this work it becomes clear how much quality this effect has, at the same time, computer games are critically examined of their empty light games.
In 2013, Val produced a second version, aptly titledVerstärker-II, featuring a gamer mouse.
Olaf Val (born 1968) grew up in Hanau and Frankfurt, Germany. After his studies at the Academy of Art, Kassel, he was awarded his diploma at a postgraduate course at the Art Academy For Media in Cologne.
LINK: Olaf Val (all images and video courtesy of the artist)
