Post-Industrial Oneiric Archaeology: User Manual
Description
Artist: Nourathar Studio
Authors: Caen Botto & Marta Rupérez
Title: Essence of Light
Date: 2017
Medium: Augmented Reality
Dimensions: 43,5 (h) x 96 (w) x 32,5 (d) cm
Loop duration: 2'15"
Requirements:
- Measuring tape
- Phillips screwdriver
- Level
- 6 screws and 6 wall anchors suitable for the kind of exhibition wall
1- Unpacking & Setup
Box Contents:
- Essence of Light (artwork)
- Spare lamps & fuse
- Power cable
- Hanging mounts (metal plates)
- 2 x Authenticity certificate
1.1 Open the top of the box using a screwdriver where indicated:
1.3 Unpack the artwork:
2 people required
There are 2 belts, one under each side of the artwork.
Each person should hold both ends of a belt and steadily pull to lift the artwork out of the box.
NOTE: The artwork sits tightly in the box. The box should be held down while the artwork is lifted.
The artwork should remain horizontal while it is pulled up
Remove wrapping.
1.4 To move the artwork, lift by firmly holding from the bottom, front and back:
1.5 Remove interior protections:
- Place artwork on an elevated, flat surface (i.e.: table).
- Remove all 4 screws from the hanging mounts on the back (2 screws per mount):
- Remove 12 screws to open the back of the artwork.
Remove back cover.
- Carefully remove the polystyrene protection between the interior elements.
Proceed with caution to avoid damaging interior elements and reflecting glass.
Cotton gloves are recommended.
- Replace back with 12 screws.
Replace hanging mounts.
2- Hanging
2.1 The centre of both wall mounts should be screwed to the wall at approximately 1.60m high. The distance between both plates should be equal to the distance between the centre of the mounts on the back of the artwork.
2.2 Two people should lift the artwork and carry it towards the wall. The mounts on the back of the artwork will sit on top of the mounts on the wall.
2.3 The artwork can be leveled by adjusting the bolt on the top of each mount.
3- Basic operation
NOTE: Electric socket, switch and off button are placed on the underside of the artwork
Turning ON:
- Plug piece to electric grid (100 - 240V)
- Press switch on.
- Wait 20 seconds
Turning OFF: *
- Press & release white button
- Wait 10 seconds
- Turn switch off
(see *WARNING below)
4- Warnings
* Warning:
Temperature:
To ensure the durability of the electronic components, it is VERY IMPORTANT that the piece is turned off following instructions (above)
Recommended ambient temperature is under 25ºC
The artwork is designed to be hung.
If placed over a surface, the artwork should remain elevated to allow access to electric & operation elements and to ensure the free flow of air from the vent at the bottom.
5- Exhibition Recommendations
Ambient light:
The artwork will be best viewed under controlled lighting conditions.
6- Care & Support
This User Manual can be accessed using the QR code on the back of the artwork (QR reader app necessary; these can be found for android or iPhone).
This online version will include further additions, details and updates.
Maintenance:
Preservation:
Support:
Use compressed air cleaner and / or dry cloth for both sides of reflecting glass.
Use wax to polish and protect the artwork's wooden box.
Purchase of replacement screen and Raspberry Pi are recommended (see Technical Specifications below)
nourathar_dot_m_at_gmail_dot_com
skype: universomente
+34 687 049 717
7- Technical Specifications
Technology:
Warranty:
Ultrawide HD Screen 25", 21:9
LG 25UM58-P
LCD / LED. Resolution: 2560 x 1080, HDMI
Dimensions: 28.7 x 61 x 5.6 cm
Spec sheet (pdf)
Barebone computer:
Raspberry Pi 3 model B
1.2 GHz Quad-core ARM Cortex A53, 1GB RAM, USB 2.0)
Technical specs (pdf)
All technology included in the piece is new.
The warranty of each component is provided by its supplier.
Spare lamps & fuse are provided.
8- Concept
A still life of obsolete technologies virtually re-animated; brought back to life through the combination of augmented reality with antique magic tricks.
The title, Essence of (athar) Light (nour), refers to Mary-Elizabeth Hallock Greenewalt's adaptation from arabic which gives name to the dúo. As in other works of the series, the animated composition is approached with a musical sense of rhythm and balance; both music and light can appear as abstract artforms which need to be appreciated over time.
In parallel to the combination of the physical and virtual scenographies, the work suggests a meeting of past and future in the constantly mutating instant.
Other nods to history include iconography which reminds of the Dutch and Flemish Vanitas, still life paintings from 16th & 17th centuries, aimed at capturing the passage of ephemeral elements, such as time and light. Symbolism includes: skulls, clocks, bubbles and even a distorted reflection of the artists.