Solar Powered Electric Chair (off-grid) 2011/1992 digital animation stills projected size: 2,1 x 11,6 x 2,3 m courtesy of the artist
In the early 1990’s many new technological products became available as the military-industrial complex, suffering from the post-Cold War downturn in profits, looked for new markets. While becoming aware of the shifting priorities and yet continued domination of corporate industrial production, I made a sketch for a sculptural installation – the Solar Powered Electric Chair (1992). To employ environmentally friendly renewable energy in the service of capital punishment reflects the direction our global society will continue to develop if we are not careful about realigning our priorities.
The S.P.E.C. is modeled after the mother of all electric chairs, “Old Sparky” from Sing Sing prison. Because of its non-conductivity and recyclability, oak is today even more of an appropriate choice. Two trussed aluminum wings extend outward from each side of the chair, holding the solar panels. Battery storage units are inside the pedestal. Electrodes are attached to the subject/victim, one administered to the head, and one attached to the calf muscle of each leg. The executor’s control panel, the output menu is ergonomically located at waist height on a post on the back of the pedestal.
The 11 power dial settings and corresponding functions of this environmentally friendly electric chair facilitate the lulling of the subject/victim into a relaxed state of euphoric bliss prior to execution. They range from the lowest setting to dry hair, cool the head; to muscle relaxation; to an electrostatic generator which tests the nerves, straightens hair and arches electrical charges to the user; to 3 levels of gruesome sadomasochistic torture prior to Optimum Death in 2 min. (level 9); and 2 levels of overkill ending with the chair catching fire.
This S.P.E.C. is designed to be built as a fully functional off-grid unit. For safety a mechanical governor has been installed between levels 5 and 6, which may not be removed or exceeded without written consent of the attending Governor or local jurisdictional official.
The objective of this sculptural installation is to raise awareness that the unavoidable transition to renewable energies will not turn into the next wave of elitist monopolies exploiting the masses, but will be developed to serve the needs of the many.
David Smithson