Motion Detection, 2005
lamps, motion sensors, 250 feet of lamp cord
dimensions variable

For this installation, motion sensors were wired to lamps in different areas of the gallery. 250 feet of lamp cord extended the lamp's cord to where a lamp in the first room would be plugged into an outlet in a different room of the gallery. The cord was suspended from the ceiling by hooks that created random criss-cross patterns throughout the gallery. One motion sensor for each lamp was spliced into the cord at certain areas of the cord where there would be incidental participation from the viewers in the gallery and pedestrians outside. The motion sensors and cord were visible allowing a visitor to follow the cord to determine which motion sensor was activating which lamp. When activated the lamps were turned on for five seconds and then turn off.

For example, the motion sensor connected to the lamp in the second room with the plants was positioned above the toilet. When a visitor went into the bathroom the lamp would turn on for five seconds and continue to turn on whenever there was movement. This allowed to other visitors in the gallery to know that someone was using the bathroom.

Other locations where a motion sensor would be activated were in the front porch area as visitors approached the gallery, and a motion sensor located above the food and wine table during the opening.