- in general -
'Tortuga' is a conceptual reactive installation that emphasizes the explorers' own behavior and doesn't require a predefined way of interaction. It exists of two icebergs which can be pushed slowly across the gallery floor. A sudden push or brutish interaction will result in a complete stop.
The piece is a result of continuing interests, expressed in our previous installation "Dustbunnies". It is an interfaces that allows both individual and multi-user interaction. It instigates inter-relational activity and communication among visitors.

- origin -
For a while, the idea of creating a space with several large mobile components has been floating. Visitors, independent of their age, would be able to move these objects through the space; and the possibility of moving them dependent on the acceleration and location of the object. Where a slow acceleration will make it easy to move them; a sudden push or brutish interaction will make them stop. The exact shape isn't clear at this point, but people shouldn't be able to lift them, yet still be able to push it around.

- version 1.0 -
(prototype and functioning small scale installation as presented here)
The objects of version 1.0 are definitely not big enough to fulfill our dream. The icebergs are notably not able to carry any human being. This version can be seen as a protype to check several elements of a possible larger scale version. And yet, at the same time it is an installation itself. Conceptually it meets in many ways our interests for a large scale Tortuga:
- One of the main goals was to make an installation that doesn't play directly towards the auditive human senses. Our last pieces have examined this area in a variety of ways, so in this work the focus goes out towards putting your body motions into some sort of flow.
- As usual, we consciously incorporate a playfull aspect, as it is a great help in braking visitors self-awareness and boundaries in general.
- For this version there are two iceberg shaped structures on casters. Similar to our other work, the icebergs don't reveal any of the used technology.
- The incorporation of a socio-human element, as Tortuga talks about 'man pushing nature too hard'.
- The simple action (pushing too hard will lead to a complete stop) allows enough physical and mental space to explore and interpret the work in different ways. This aspect of 'wandering' is reflected in the fact that there isn't a specific set of rules of what exactly to do with the installation.

- version 1.1 -
(next possible version)
1. Three or more objects (A, B and C) can be moved, by pushing them around. If you move them too fast, they will brake and come to a stop. For example: I push A and B softly across the space and somebody else moves C too fast, C will stop, while A and B will still be able to be moved.
?2. The modules inside the boxes measure the distance between eachother constantly.?If they come too close to eachother they will brake. For example: I push A and somebody else pushes B in my direction, A and B will brake when they come within a certain range of eachother. C will be able to move as long as it is not too close or too fast.!

- conclusive thoughts -
The small installation has the advantage over the big one in being more intimate. You are closer to one another and it all becomes more subtle that way. The disadvantages are that you can't hide behind the structures and interaction doesn't give you the sense of actually reshaping the space.! The working title 'Tortuga' is spanish for 'Turtle' and refers to the contrast between hard and soft., slow motion and early computer programming experiences.