Fernanda Trevellin

Perpetual Frequency is an electronically engineered sensitive system constructed in room 92 of the University of Arts Berlin (UdK).

An intricate net of transparent pipes weaves over the walls and ceiling of the large room. A silent pump is connected to the net, and circulates water with a natural blue pigment from the fruit ‘jenipapo’. The ramified net comes to an end over a golden funnel, into which the liquid from the pipes rhythmically drips – this sound resonates throughout the room.

As activity levels shift in the room, the system and the sound of dripping liquid changes accordingly: it increases speed, saving energy, when people are quiet or the room is empty, and retracts, decreasing speed, in response to movement in the space. As one circulates the room, the system therefore constantly adjusts. This whole body, which consists of visitors + space + a constructed system, thus follows the principles of conservation of energy.

25 handmade electric sensors are installed around the room sending and receiving infrared light that is invisible to human eyes. As material and energy, bodies interrupt the emission of this light. The senders and receivers then codify these variations and send them to the micro-control, which subsequently de-codifies the input and converts it to electric impulses that control the water pump.

Materials: Blue pigment of jenipapo's fruit, water, PVC tubes, glas taps, drums, tripod, sensor of movement.
2 ms x 3 ms x 7 ms.