In contemporary society, machines have seamlessly integrated into our daily lives, becoming almost an extension of ourselves. We name our cars, rely on smart refrigerators, and let autonomous vacuum cleaners work with minimal human interaction. But as machines become more intertwined with our existence, we must ask: do we, in turn, become a part of the machine? Do we sync with their vibrations, or become one with them on a subconscious level? And is there a specific state of mind required for humans to fully “align” with machines, or does this synchronization occur naturally?
The installation “Portaal”, created by Renzo van Steenbergen and Kristjan Pütsep, explores this evolving relationship. It presents a dynamic environment where a series of independent sculptures control the vibrations of both sound and light within the space. Together, these vibrations form an intricate interplay of harmony and disharmony, enveloping the entire room.
Each sculpture functions as both a projector and a percussion instrument, specifically a snare. The projections cast by these machines are shadows of the snare in motion, evoking the texture of early analogue film. This effect is enhanced by the use of lightbulbs from vintage slide projectors, bridging the digital control mechanisms with a fundamentally analogue design. The visible mechanics of the machines—each part moving in its own rhythm—highlight the tension between the digital and the mechanical.
“Portaal” has been exhibited at several prominent venues, including the Balto Scandal Festival in Rakvere, Estonia, the Von Krahl Theater black box in Tallinn, Estonia, Aavistus Festival in Helsinki, Finland, and Conflux Festival in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Each installation is uniquely tailored to its location and context, with a new setup and composition created for every space, making it highly site-specific and responsive to its environment.
