Telepresence & Recycled Spacetime

Derek Lerner Recycled Spacetime 2010 Multimedia

Driven to create public artworks that occupy mobile space, I decided to use QR Codes as a gateway. A QR Code (Quick Response Code) is a two-dimensional bar code that can be decrypted by camera-phones equipped with a reader application such as Barcodes for the iPhone. I am interested in using cell phones and other mobile devices as a venue for exhibiting art. I view this venue as a virtual space. This concept is eloquently described by Jonathan Steuer in his article “Defining virtual realities: Dimensions determining telepresence”.

How can one explain the seemingly bizarre ability to speak to someone who is not present by means of talking into a piece of plastic? Of course, this process can be conceived in terms of senders, receivers, and messages. However, such an explanation fails to account for the odd experience of speaking to someone who is not actually there. Where does such a conversation take place? The most plausible conceptual model is that both parties, by means of the telephone, are electronically present in the same virtual reality created by the telephone system.

Toying with the idea of artworks as virtual goods within virtual space that are digitally decaying, disposable and somewhat fictional objects which contain “value” in their instant-gratification experience, I chose in contrast to create QR codes printed on aluminum as more permanent tangible objects acting as a bridge between real and virtual spaces. The QR Codes are installed on street sign posts.

Conceptually these public mobile art pieces range in topic from mixed-reality, simulations, consciousness, and presence to the technological singularity, feedback loops, and black holes.

The first piece I have created for this “space” entitled Recycled Spacetime is a sound based artwork. Using a camera-phone “viewers” can take a photograph of the QR Code and then using a reader application, the QR Code resolves to a webpage with instructions on how to interact with the work. To listen to and interact with the piece “viewers” can call a Google Voice phone number to listen to mixed/layered field recordings comprised from all of the locations where the QR Codes have been installed. After listening to the current piece they are able to leave their own recording which will then be mixed into the artwork. Over time the sound will become compressed into a chaotic aural documentation of time and space.