D.S.E.D. - Digital Simulated Explosive Device
Size:: 6' x 4'
Materials:: MDF cabinet, powered subwoofer, computer, infrared motion detector, digital projector, bass sound, digitized woodcut imagery, software
Description: D.S.E.D. consists of a monolithic MDF cabinet whose only distinguishing feature is an infrared motion sensor mounted top center. When a viewer enters the range of the sensor, an "explosion" is detonated. This includes a projected animation of various shrapnel items spinning and moving outward from the high middle of the cabinet while a loud bass sound clip is played. The power and volume of the subwoofer ensure that the sound is felt, more than heard. The shrapnel pieces were origanlly rendered as woodcuts prints.
This installation is a harmless abstraction of a modern day I.E.D. (improvised explosive device) - the ubiquitous hazard for soldiers operating Iraq or Afghanistan. I was interested in the kinds of interactions people would have with the booby trap. D.S.E.D. is installed in a corridor that requires people to pass it to reach a stairway and restroom.
Click below to play the animation. For best results, be sure a large, powered subwoofer is connected and turned up to a high volume.