Never change a running system

This installation portraits a carousel or centrifuge of data. Thirty MacBooks are hanging from a custom-built motorized mechanism that never stops spinning. The circular movement is constant and hypnotizing, providing a sense of stillness and calm.

Creating this kinetic installation originated from thoughts about the connections between people and their computers. What does it mean when one single object like a computer is in one person's hand for 10 hours per day, for several years? The computer symbolizes some bottleneck of all the work and leisure activities that are happening on the same keyboard, touchpad screen. With time and energy going into the devices, do they become more special or banaler?

Apart from these questions, the installation is the documentation of a social experiment. It was an enriching experience to collect many old MacBooks from their previous owners. We discussed what the computers meant to the person, how long, and what they used them. In total, all computers that are part of the installation make up for about ~250 years of work (30 computers used for ~6 years each).

The title is a reflection and sarcastic take on the particular circumstances that begin in March of 2020.

Material: Custom steel construction incl. motor, various apple macbook models, steel wire, electronics
Dimensions: 500 x 500 x 500cm
Tech requirement: 230v power

The development of the mechanics was heavily supported by Constantin Engelmann