AN AMALAGAM LOOP

2023-24
By creating a self regulating system, An Amalgam Loop challanges the dichotomy between active and inert matter and brings the animacy of geologic entities between human perceptual thresholds. The project proposes a more empathic approach to inorganic matter challenging Western sciences analytical way of relating to it. ELEMENTS

Components
Limestone, Aluminum Panels, Vinegar, Arduino Circuit, Sound Exciters, Subwoofer Set, LEDs, Amplifier

Softwares
Arduino IDE, VCV Racks
COLLABORATORS

Mentoring
Geo-Design department, Metahaven

Photo credits
Miguel Teodoro

A block of limestone lies in a pool of vinegar. The chemical reaction between the calcium carbonate contained in the limestone and the vinegar allows the calcium atoms to crystallize and slowly take over the whole structure. In the meanwhile, an Arduino catches over time the electrical conductivity variations of the pool and feed them into a sound software, giving to the chemical reaction the directorship of a real time soundscape. By bringing the vibrancy of unalive matter within human perceptual thresholds, the project aims to challenge the hierarchy between what is considerate animate and what, instead is considered inert. 

The vibrations of the sound performance are used to feed the chemical reaction itself of new limestone powder, closing the loop and letting the chemical reaction taking over the whole structure under the directorship of itself.
An Amalgam Loop proposes an alternative to the analytical way of relating to inorganic matter, raising the question: what means to establish an empathic relationship with something not even considered alive? And, will a shift in our way of relating to dead matter contribute to a shift of perceiving ourselves within the world?