Melissa Sarris
At the University of Albany Museum, May 2013.
Enjoying a kinder, gentler automated phone system.
When the phone rings, it's for you!
At the University of Albany Museum, May 2013.
Dialogical Phone Installation
This piece is both participatory and collaborative. When the viewer gets within 5 feet of the installation the phones begin to ring via a motion sensor. The chalkboard signs guide the viewer to answer the phone. When the phone receiver is lifted from the base, the viewer enters into an automated phone system menu. One can select to listen to ten different mp3 files. The audio selections on Dialogical Phone one include discussions on and about socially engaged art, and found sound that use the form of the automated phone system in a kinder, gentler, and humorous way. The audio selections on Dialogical Phone two include a range of found/edited sound that allows the viewer to create their own narrative. The # key activates a speaker allowing a small group to listen together.
The Talk Back Phone also has a motion sensor and when the receiver is lifted from the base the viewer is prompted to leave a message or listen to messages others have left.
The # key activates a speaker allowing a small group to listen together.
2013. Vinyl, acrylic, chalkboard paint, desk top push button phones, motion sensors, electronics. 36” h x 120” w x 30” d.