Op Channel: User Manual
Contents
1- Unpacking & Setup
2- Basic Operation
3- Warnings
4- Exhibition Recommendations
5- Care & Support
6- Technical Specifications
7- Concept
Description
Machinima of generative 3D environment in Vintage TV
Artist: Nourathar Studio
Authors: Caen Botto & Marta Rupérez
Title: Op Channel
Date: 2019
Medium: Mixed media; micro-controller, LCD screen, electronics, lens, perspex.
Dimensions: 42,5 (h) x 54,5 (w) x 25 (d) cm
Loop duration: 12'18"
1- Unpacking & Setup
Crate contents
· Op Channel (artwork)
· Power cable
THE ARTWORK SHOULD BE UNPACKED AND TESTED WITHIN 30 DAYS OF RECEPTION.
In the event of damage or loss to the crate and its contents during shipment, a claim can be filed; however, all carriers and insurance policies have cutoff periods for filing.
1.1 Open the TOP of the box using a screwdriver where indicated:
1.3 Unpack the artwork:
Remove box containing power cable.
Remove extra padding
Hold 2 sides of the artwork and steadily pull upwards to lift it out of the box
Remove wrapping.
1.4 To move the artwork, lift by firmly holding from the bottom, front and back.
The use of cotton gloves is recommended to avoid leaving marks on artwork.
2- Basic operation
Turning ON:
- Plug piece to electric grid (100 - 240V)
- Press switch on.
- Wait 20 seconds
Turning OFF: *
- Press & release red button
- Wait 10 seconds
- Turn switch off
(see *WARNING below)
3- Warnings
* Warning:
Temperature:
To ensure the durability of the electronic components, it is VERY IMPORTANT that the piece is turned off following instructions (above)
Under 25ºC, recommended ambient temperature.
4- Exhibition Recommendations
Ambient light:
Stand:
The artwork will be best viewed under controlled lighting conditions.
For best viewing, stand (or shelf) should be between 120cm and 130cm high.
Width and depth should be slightly larger than artwork's
5- 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 a gentle cleaner to polish and protect the artwork's wooden box and front polymer.
Use brush and/or compressed air to clean the lens. Avoid touching lens with bare hands.
Purchase of replacement screen and Raspberry Pi are recommended (see Technical Specifications below)
nourathar_dot_m_at_gmail_dot_com
+34 687 049 717
6- Technical Specifications
Technology:
Warranty:
SXGA Screen 19", 5:4
Acer V196L Bbmd; LED, LCD.
Resolution: 1280 x 1024, DVI, VGA
Dimensions: 40.6 x 33.7 x 5.2 cm
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 with the piece is new.
The warranty of each component is provided by its supplier.
7- Concept
Op Channel is a tribute to opto-kinetic art, known as Op art, contained within a 1960's vintage TV set. Optical illusions in motion appear through the circular opening in the center of the screen, forming and deforming themselves in an unexpectedly deep space. The decomposition of light into spectra, caused by the front lens, reinforces the illusions. The movement of the observer determines the appreciation of the artwork.
Similarly to Op art, Op Channel investigates the perceptual aspects of art. As such, it requires an active vision, instead of a passive observer.
Op Channel inherits the formal concerns of artists of the mid-twentieth century and updates them through the use of contemporary technologies. In this way, the artwork presents a machinima of the study of linear shapes in motion, in a three-dimensional space - Machinima is the result of recording animation sequences generated in real time, in 3D environments such as video games.