 Evening (1996)
Computer, text display, iron cage, heavy lock and chain;
12x8x8"; 4 lbs.
Status: available
This sculpture tells time in the medieval canonical time system of eight three hour
periods per day, which originally marked the monk's cycle of devotions. Beginning at
midnight, the periods which were called hours, are matins, lauds, prime, terce, sext,
nones, vespers and compline.
A huge bronze lock secures the door to the cage. A glowing LED screen locked
inside names the current hour. The circuitry is surrounded by sand and small bones.
This piece makes reference to the fact that the secret of mechanical timekeeping, one
of the most powerful inventions in Western culture, existed for over two centuries within
the walls of the monasteries before filtering out into the world.
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