Stupa

Stupa is a robotised audio and kinetic installation that is based on my research (as part of practical art training) on such topics as gravitation, the stability of systems, chaos and self-organisation. The actual object may be described as a composite pendulum, with two main phases – stabilisation and resonance. The object is equipped with several motors ensuring balance/imbalance at several axes, a digital gyroscope/accelerometer and single-channel sound system. In the “stabilisation” phase, the motors use the data from the gyroscope to balance and stop the object, while in the “resonance” phase the data are inverted and compel the object to swing around all the axes. In this case the amplitude constantly rises until it attains peak level. Then the object transitions to the “stabilisation” regime, and as soon as balance is attained – the object again transitions to the phase of mechanical self-oscillation.

In addition, the data from the gyroscope on positions on the axes have a direct impact on the generation of sound, thereby contributing an additional “dimension” to the work, and illustrating the inherent processes. Initially contemplated as a test project for the development of a number of systems and principles, the object was transformed in the end into a standalone work, which resembles more the test bench of a flying machine developing its own choreography (which it is in part). To a large extent, my personal expectations vested in the system were misplaced. At the same time, however, I discovered a number of fascinating phenomena that appeared even more interesting than the ones that I had initially contemplated. It is also impossible to ignore the evident tendencies of the project for “resonant” self-destruction – observing the object’s behaviour triggers all manner of fears in its creator. Dmitry Morozov ::vtol::