gebhard sengmuller: parallel image

‘parallel image’

the technology of transmitting images with electricity was first introduced by french engineer maurice leblanc in 1880. now austrian artist gebhard sengmüller has collaborated with franz buchinger to create an installation project called ‘a parallel image’. it features 2500 copper wires which connect photo-conductors to small light-bulbs, transmitting real-time images in the same way that an electronic ‘camera obscura’ does.

this interactive sculpture is based on the fictive assumption that the principle of electronically transmitting moving images, namely by breaking them down into single images and image lines, was never discovered. the result is an apparatus that attempts a parallel transmission of every single pixel from sender to receiver. this is only possible by connecting camera and monitor using about 2,500 cables.

demonstration of ‘a parallel image’

projected ‘betty boop’ video transmitted via wires in real time

gebhard sengmüller is currently featured in the international bi-monthly graphic design publication IdN as part of the ‘retro graphics’ issue which looks at the creative counter-revolution against the ‘perfection’ of modern technology.

detail

copper wires

photo resistors

screen of small light bulbs

switches

copper wires

sketches of wires

schematics of ‘a parallel image’