Waiting for death

Remote viewer

An experiment in removing control by separating an installations input and output.

The primary installation consists of an Electric Fly Zapper monitored by multiple video cameras connected to a computer. The computer is set-up to live stream the camera feeds for remote viewing. The installation is set running and the artist exits the location locking the building but leaving a door with security grill open. The location is left secure but free for the cemeteries wildlife and insects to enter.

Primary site Installation (behind locked doors, closed to the public), Waiting For Death, Michael Speechley
Photo: Secondary site Installation (behind locked doors, closed to the public)

The artist travels to the secondary location and installs the monitoring station. The station consists of a computer to receive the live video stream from the primary site. A video projector and multiple monitors are used to display the live video. When the secondary installation is running the room is locked and can be viewed through a window in the door.

Secondary site Installation (behind locked doors, viewable), Waiting For Death, Michael Speechley
Photo: Secondary site Installation (behind locked doors, viewable)

At this stage of the installation the artist leaves the secondary site leaving the viewer without details of where the primary site is located. The viewer can observe what happens at the remote location but cannot intervene. The artist is between locations and cannot intervene. A process has been started which neither the artist or viewer has control over until the artist returns to the primary site.

Sunday 26th June, 2016 – Primary location: Dissenters’ Chapel, Kensal Green Cemetery. Secondary location: Kindred Artists Studios, Ladbroke Grove.