Apparatus for Non-destructive Transmission of Biological Visualisation
Apparatus · Public Art · Marine Parade, Redcliffe, Queensland
Invented in the early 19th century by the eccentric naturalist Franz Andriessen, this device is believed to be one of many such machines carried on his science vessel, which was lost at sea.
The machine locks onto a sea creature's life force and copies it, projecting a perfect image. It can be tuned to only one animal without harm, and long after the creature dies it can still project its likeness: a ghostly camera of sorts.
Winding the handle generates electricity that runs a projector, casting a mermaid's silhouette onto the underside of the umbrella, and powers high-output LEDs inside and out. A sterling silver mermaid, made by jeweller Rebecca Ward, turns on clockwork inside the machine, controlled by a second knob.
- Client
- Moreton Bay Regional Council
- Dimensions
- 2200 H × 1000 W × 2000 L mm
- Materials
- Stainless steel, bronze, copper, electro-mechanical components, sterling silver
- Power
- Hand-wound generator
- Completed
- 2011
- Client
- Moreton Bay Regional Council
- Location
- Marine Parade, Redcliffe, Queensland
- Dimensions
- 2200 H × 1000 W × 2000 L mm
- Materials
- Stainless steel, bronze, copper, electro-mechanical components, sterling silver
- Silverwork
- Rebecca Ward
- Power
- Hand-wound generator
- Completed
- 2011
- Photos
- Alan Warren
