interactive alpha rotator by fxstg draws complex encrypted messages
all images courtesy of françois xavier saint georges

 

 

 

following his fascination for creating experimental machinesfrançois xavier saint georges, otherwise known as fxstg, has built the ‘alpha rotator’. presented in amsterdam at the original dampkring gallery, the laser-cut steel construct is a suspended rotary vehicle with six ‘arms’. each one has a series of 26 holes associated with the alphabet. by inserting pegs, accordingly spelling a word or a personal message, the user generates an encrypted message that will be reproduced on a large roll of paper held to the ground. once force is exerted on either of three cylindrical handles above, the entire contraption begins to turn as pencils connected to the rods gently press their lead onto the surface through gravity. the outcome is a composition filled with thousands of layers, shades, lines and dots, a drawing that only its creator comprehends.

francois xavier saint georges alpha rotator six arm drawing machine
in the gallery

francois xavier saint georges alpha rotator six arm drawing machine
kids playing with the machine

francois xavier saint georges alpha rotator six arm drawing machine
detail of the circles

francois xavier saint georges alpha rotator six arm drawing machine
suspended contraption in the gallery 

francois xavier saint georges alpha rotator six arm drawing machine
each hole corresponds to a letter of the alphabet 

francois xavier saint georges alpha rotator six arm drawing machine
the exhibition also shows other works by the artist

francois xavier saint georges alpha rotator six arm drawing machine
looking up at the specially-designed hook 

francois xavier saint georges alpha rotator six arm drawing machine
unpacking the freshly laser-cut hook 

francois xavier saint georges alpha rotator six arm drawing machine
work in progress

 

 

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