NGC Karen
Totally Disabled, 2024
Kinetic sculpture
5' x 8.4' x 8.4'
Materials supplied through generous donations by Automation Direct and THERABAND
Materials supplied through generous donations by Automation Direct and THERABAND
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Visual Description
A kinetic sculpture placed on the floor with an open, black metal square-shaped frame as the base. The base rests on wheels at each of its four corners and there is a gray metal electrical box, with a large red button on the back edge. Within the frame is a network of silver pistons that move to control a set of nine hiking poles protruding upwards. At the bottom of the poles green and blue rubber exercise bands are tied to clips that attach the poles to the base. There are yellow and red bands tied to the tops of the poles that create a web-like woven design. On the left side of the base a blue yoga mat is attached with handwritten text that reads, “A totaled car can have many functional parts.” On the ride side of the base is another blue yoga mat with handwritten text that reads, “I am unable to do my job with ‘reasonable’ accommodations.” At the front of the base a small sheet of plexiglass is attached with handwritten text that reads, “I am totally disabled.” When the red button is flipped upwards the poles move and expand in various ways, stretching the bands and expanding the sculpture to a total width of 8.4.’ The artist has programmed different sets of movements for the poles and the sculpture makes a breathing sound as compressed air enters through a clear tube and controls the pistons. In between each programmed set of movements the poles return to a straight, upright position.
Visual Description
A kinetic sculpture placed on the floor with an open, black metal square-shaped frame as the base. The base rests on wheels at each of its four corners and there is a gray metal electrical box, with a large red button on the back edge. Within the frame is a network of silver pistons that move to control a set of nine hiking poles protruding upwards. At the bottom of the poles green and blue rubber exercise bands are tied to clips that attach the poles to the base. There are yellow and red bands tied to the tops of the poles that create a web-like woven design. On the left side of the base a blue yoga mat is attached with handwritten text that reads, “A totaled car can have many functional parts.” On the ride side of the base is another blue yoga mat with handwritten text that reads, “I am unable to do my job with ‘reasonable’ accommodations.” At the front of the base a small sheet of plexiglass is attached with handwritten text that reads, “I am totally disabled.” When the red button is flipped upwards the poles move and expand in various ways, stretching the bands and expanding the sculpture to a total width of 8.4.’ The artist has programmed different sets of movements for the poles and the sculpture makes a breathing sound as compressed air enters through a clear tube and controls the pistons. In between each programmed set of movements the poles return to a straight, upright position.
