 Contract (1993)
Computer, distance sensor, speech electronics, spikes;
12x12x9"; 5lbs.
Status: collection of David Bermant
This small wall-mounted sculpture measures the viewer's proximity. A female voice
speaks phrases which correspond to this distance. These phrases are compliments,
declarations of love, admiration and fidelity, progressively more emphatic and effusive as
the viewer approaches. "I love you." "You're the best."
"We belong together."
At the closest increment of distance this tactic breaks down and the piece says "I
wish you were dead."
 In the
detail, you can see the LEDs indicating viewer distance in feet using the binary number
system, and the gold ultrasonic distance sensor disc. The large chip is a speech
storage chip, the smaller chip is the computer.
The sculpture is wall mounted and weighs seven pounds. It has two keyholes ten inches
apart for screw or hook hanging. It requires a 120v wall outlet at the floor within ten
feet, and at least ten feet of clear space directly in front of the piece. The current
drain is negligible.
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