Auto-perception électronique

CAYC - Centre d’art et de communication, Buenos Aires - Janvier 1974

Fred Forest has set up a closed-circuit television in the performance room, and has chalked out on the floor the position to be occupied by the person taking part in the experiment. This person is given a Polaroid instant camera with which to take a photo of his or her portrait, which appears on the TV monitor opposite using a closed circuit television. Nearby, a time and date stamp has been installed, allowing a specially-edited document to be slid in, with the photo immediately affixed. This is inserted into the time stamp, which marks the date and time of the operation, authenticating the document... And everyone who plays the game can leave with their own self-perception in their pocket!

Concept

This installation was created at the invitation of Jorge Glusberg. A circular space was marked out on the gallery floor. When visitors occupy this space, their own image appears in close-up on a television set facing them. A Polaroid camera is used to capture this image on the spot, as instructed on a scrolling strip. A parking meter on the wall to his right allows him to insert a specially printed card bearing the title "auto perception électronique" into the meter. On this card, a space is reserved for immediately sticking the Polaroid. Visitors to the exhibition leave with this document in their pocket.

Device

• a closed circuit TV set (one camera + one monitor),
• a Polaroid,
• a time stamp,
• a special card printed for the occasion with the appropriate boxes,
• a pot of glue and a pair of scissors.

• " La dimension de la ludico ", Panorama, n°349 p.51, Buenos Aires, janvier 1974
• " Autoperception electronica en los salonnes del CAYC ", P.15, La Opinion, Buenos Aires, 18 janvier 1974