 Subjective Object (1994)
Microcontroller, speech electronics, pencil box; 2x2x4"; 4
oz.
Status: collection of Bruce Bettinger
This is one of the world’s smallest computer-controlled sculptures.
Programmed in the BASIC language, it has a nine word vocabulary, of digitally recorded
natural speech. When the box is opened, the sculpture selects a subject, verb and
predicate from the following list and makes an existentialist statement: "I, you, we,
they, am, are, think, exist, therefore."
 A few of the deeply significant things it has come up with
recently are: "I think, therefore they exist," "You think you exist,
therefore I am" and "They are therefore they are." If the box is left
open, the piece will speak when it detects a significant change in light levels, if for
example a viewer picks it up, passes their hand over it, or leans over to look inside it.
This piece is battery operated, and rechargeable. The charge lasts for weeks, however.
As a freestanding sculpture, this piece is relatively easy to steal. If exhibited
publicly, it must be bolted down or vitrined.
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