Persone che camminano sopra l'insegna "Mind the gap"

In our first appointment, the main focus is on conceptualizing the definition of an obstacle in preventing an action.

This being the introductory moment to the theme, we wanted it to be explicit and conceptual so much that it didn’t need explanations. Upon entering, the visitor, although not aware of our general reasoning on the obstacle, found him/herself immersed in a paradoxical situation: an interactive installation, but at the same time not so interactive; an installation that communicates with the visitor, but blocks their response; an installation that invites to make a gesture, but without allowing to act freely.

The exhibition is therefore of impact since the visitor is encouraged to immediately experience the impediment. He/She is urged to carry out simple daily actions that have been randomly chosen from a multitude, but all of which can be traced back to common experience.

Drawing of a lamp on a wall with the words "Accendi"

ACCENDI (TURN IT ON) – The lamp being only a graphic reproduction of itself loses its function.

 

Stairs suspended with wires with the words "Sali"

SALI (GO UPSTAIRS) – The staircase, which by its nature connects two different heights, is materially inadequate.

 

Suspended chair with wires with the word "Siedi"

SIEDI (SIT DOWN) – The chair, by changing its position in space, is deprived of its usefulness.

 

Cover with the inscription Enter and Exit

ENTRA/ESCI (ENTER/GO OUT) – The opening, due to the presence of a physical element, does not allow the connection between the spaces.

 

The intention was to make the visitor collide with the obstacle itself by putting him/her in front of spatial paradoxes of different nature: the impression is that of being able to carry out the indicated action, but the characteristics of the vehicle oppose it.

Contrary to what one would expect, interactivity is not found in action, but in the intention to act. In an attempt to carry out the indicated action, one then becomes aware of the reason why one is hindered in acting, such as the material, the position and the absence or presence of a physical element.