Lariat Chain
Lariat Chain
12 feet high x 5 feet x 6 feet
Originally developed as an Exploratorium A.I R.
Project in 1986
LARIAT CHAIN is a large interactive piece in which a loop of light chain passes over a motorized bicycle wheel. The chain is constantly moving and it reacts to hand contact by creating sinuous slow moving waves. You can send pulses through the chain or hold the chain in your open hands as it plays out.
This piece invites you to touch and feel a rapidly moving
chain which reacts with a mysterious serpentine
motion, demonstrating the “standing, traveling wave” phenomenon.
"From the top of a windmill-type construction, a bicycle
wheel whirs, fueled by electricity. A long, rotating chain hangs from the
wheel to the ground and dances into beautiful arabesques when moved gently
by hand."
Blue Greenberg, The Herald-Sun, Durham, N.C.
"uses a motorized chain - lightweight and safe in supervised
little hands - that moves continuously. A touch changes its regular pattern
of movement. A viewer can either appreciate that the piece represents 'the
phenomenon of the standing traveling wave' - or stand and enjoy the mesmerizing
visual treat of the dancing chain."
Genie Carr, The Winston-Salem Journal.