Absence is Signal is an installation visualizing present noise. Abstractly, we know that electromagnetic waves are passing through us at all times, with a much greater density of signal in densely populated, technologically-involved areas. These radio and microwaves, along several government-limited narrow bands, mean something on either end of the transmission but when literally observed are monotonous chaos. I will make a live display of this electromagnetic environment in an immersive, flickering, colorful, radial projection.

          My particular interest is in objectifying the contemporary staples of communication, which we know have meaning when interpreted by particular devices. Viewers should be able to make a cell phone call and see the spike of activity. Because the digital signal flickers too fast, the content can't be apparent as with analog radio signal. It illustrates the interchangeability of signal and noise by virtually converting signal into another signal. This suggests infinite interpretations of the same data, barring intention.

          We will create a direct analogy between the cell phone (824MHz to 894 MHz) and wireless (470MHz to 806 MHz) bands, to higher-energy visible light. Thus ideally the installation would look like several overlapping rainbows (one for each of the most-often-used chunks of bandwidth) projected onto the floor, extending in spikes from a singular point. The radiality could potentially used to indicate the original direction of a signal. Additional possibilities with the visuals, and an understanding of how much manipulation the data should undergo to appear interesting, waits on custom software development.

          Preliminary experiments with this project have used an Aaronia Spectran(r) HF, whose directional antenna behaves like a metal detector. I will be hiring a programmer to create an interface between USB input from one of these devices and custom graphics software on a computer devoted to the project, and may additionally require an electrical engineering consultant.

          Other venues for exhibition include Location One (for whom I've volunteered), Art in General, Eyebeam, and Apexart, although proposal to them is waiting on funding and scheduling.

Timeline:
          I aim to spend 3-5 weeks, either in New York City, Berkeley, or Los Angeles, to work with a graphics programmer (Alex Pretzlav has expressed an interest) figuring out first the hardware (1 week) and then the conversion between the standard graphical display and a custom live image. After this the project, including the analyzer, computer, and projector, will be easily portable.