Age of Bibitulit

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Age of Bibitulit

300 x 150 x 80 cm

Plastic Toys, Arduino, Stepper Motors, Plastic and Metal Horn Speakers

2018

Age of Bibitulit is an interactive installation that simulates social competition as a mechanically conditioned system, questioning how horizontal conflicts are often orchestrated for the benefit of power. The installation features a rectangular arena with five tracks for plastic toys—some shaped like turtles, others like toy cars—each equipped with mini horn speakers (TOA). Coin slots on the arena’s edges must be activated by audience input. Once a coin is inserted, the toys move forward only if they detect audience-generated noise; otherwise, they move backward. Other vehicles with TOA move independently of audience interaction. The system halts until another coin is inserted. This absurd, noisy cycle reflects a rigged social competition. Through symbols of paid voice (coins), mobilized social actors (toys), and dominating noise (mini TOA), this work invites reflection on public participation: are we consciously voicing opinions, or merely cheering a game designed by those in power.

"Until you realize how easily it is for your mind to be manipulated, you remain the puppet of someone else's game." Evita Ochel

This work was exhibited at Instrumenta Media Art Festival 2018: Sandbox, curated by Bob Edrian & Gesyada Siregar, at the National Gallery of Indonesia from November 11 to 30, 2018.