994,138

994,138 is a reflection on the scale of the UK casualties (military and civilian) during World War 1.

Each pixel represents a single life, starting off as black when they are born; each year is represented by one second.  As they get older the pixel gets lighter until it is full white, at which point it turns red, which is the year of their death.

The age for each pixel is based on the average life span in the UK at that time.

The cycle then repeats – the act of remembrance.

994,138 was commissioned as the centrepiece of the Artificial Light festival in Bournemouth in 2010.

The soundtrack was created by Martin A. Smith

Format: real-time generative installation running on a single computer with video projection output accompanied by recorded soundtrack.

Size: variable (site-specific)

Available for exhibition: Yes



Discover more from Alex May

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.


Posted

in

by

Tags: