it's easy to stare into a fire

Generative, interactive audiovisual installation for eight speakers, four projectors, and one hallway.

Concept, Sound & Idea: Simon Walker

Visuals and Projections: Michael Bernauer

Photos: Tim Rod

Imagine a camping fire. Its easy to stare into it and watch it burn down. Maybe you put some logs in from time to time. It’s soothing, relaxing, and almost meditative to lose yourself in thoughts while observing the process. Something about the burning wood keeps you entertained, and yet there is nothing crazy and unexpected about to happen. Of course, the little crackles may vary in intensity, but the slightly bigger popping sound from 5 minutes ago was definitely the highlight of the show. Anyways, you don’t stare into it because you’re about the experience the most exciting thing in your life... It’s just... nice. The inspiration for this audiovisual installation comes exactly from a phenomenon like fire. Nevertheless, there are many others, for example, rain. What connects them are certain qualities of chaos, and randomness but also recognizable patterns, repetitions, and similarities, which allow us to feel entertained in a very unconventional way. This work is an attempt to translate these qualities into an interactive artistic experience.