T+1×n (Drive Theory), 2024-2025

72 x 27 x 8 cm, 8 kg
Powder-coated aluminum, steel, spring steel, PLA, lacquer, dispersion paint, ball bearings, acrylic glass, wood, electric motor with electronics, various screws and nuts
battery-operated or with 5V power supply, LSG-glazing, back

A transparent acrylic glass plate serves as an image carrier for twelve spring steel hands and falling leaves made of dark blue powder-coated aluminum. The hands are moved with the help of 3D printed gears, which are driven by an electric motor at a speed of 0.5 revolutions per minute. The color tones were inspired by the color palette of old stationary drills, among other things.

The title “Drive Theory” refers on the one hand to the fact that another drive technology was chosen for the technical realization of this work in the “T+1×n” series. In contrast to the use of a chain or toothed belt, in this variant the power is transmitted directly from one gear wheel to the next. The only exceptions are the gear wheels on the sides, as the right-hand gear wheel is driven by the electric motor and the left-hand gear wheel is probably driven by both the upper and lower gear wheel. In addition, the left-hand gear wheel is technically redundant, but was added for aesthetic reasons.

On the other hand, the title refers to Sigmund Freud's drive theory, according to which humans are determined by drives and basic needs. Of course it would be too simplistic to try to explain the human psyche with a machine. Nevertheless, the falling leaves could be seen as a metaphor for drive goals. The bending of the spring steel hand could therefore be interpreted as an attempt to achieve the drive goal, or also as an expression of the postponement or suppression of the drive. After the falling leaf has finally fallen and the drive goal has been reached, the impulse to satisfy the next drive follows.

Many thanks to Jakob Scheid for his helpful advice.