Description
"Reaction Diffusion" is a series of computer-controlled lightboxes that show satellite pictures of border regions that have a vector of economic disparity, a history of military conflict or heavy migratory traffic. Instead of using regular white fluorescent light tubes to illuminate the print, the pieces have over one hundred thousand light emitting diodes (LEDs), which can be independently controlled and highlight tiny features within the image. The first piece shows the Tijuana-San Diego border with Mexico illuminated red by default while the US is dark. Periodically, a random opening of the border lets a plume of red colour take-over the United States. Once both countries are red, the process starts over. The piece can be connected to the internet, in which case it automatically searches news sites for the words "Tijuana San Diego" and any matches will then be proportional to the number of plumes of smoke in the map.

Year of creation
2009.
Technique
Duratrans print, 110,000 light emitting diodes, circuitry, computer, internet connection.
Dimensions
200 x 150 x 30 cm.
Electrical details
2,000W peak consumption, 300W average, 110 to 240V.

 

Exhibitions
•ARCO Art Fair, Galerie Guy Bärtschi, Madrid 2010
•Pulse Art Fair, bitforms gallery, Miami, 2009
•"Transition States" Haunch of Venison Gallery, NYC, 2009

Photos
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Concept and direction: Rafael Lozano-Hemmer
Programming and hardware: Gideon May
Image: Karine Charbonneau
Frame: Pierre Fournier