Beneath a giant sledge hammer, moving industrial images of frantic workers are visible through skylights on the ground, suggesting the enormous power turbines underneath the city need a “bump start”. Infinity mirror tunnels, whirling roof vents and a submerging conveyor belt further the illusion. Three regular-sized sledgehammers are the tools for interaction. When a participant slams one down on their target, a deep, audible “boom” shakes the ground, feet, ankles, etc. The more simultaneously the three hammers are struck, the higher the tongues of flame travel up the giant hammer itself. If the three participants get the flames all the way to the top, the hammerhead spins with liquid fire, unfolds, and reflects shafts of light downward like an infernal disco ball as the underground turbines audibly groan up to speed. Strength and accuracy matter not— it’s all in the timing. Ein Hammer is a tribute to workers as one. Graphic design by Lightnin’.
jellyfish, man, burning, installation, hammer, interactive, mister, ein, 2010
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