Les robinets planétaires

MACHINES À COMMUNIQUER
CITÉ DES SCIENCES ET DE L'INDUSTRIE, PARIS, 12 JUILLET/25 OCTOBRE 1992.

Concept

An interactive installation, not devoid of humour and playfulness, its primary aim is to use a very simple device to make us aware of the new relationship with space brought about by the communication systems we now use on a daily basis.

Device

• International telephone network
• 2 communication diverters compatible with American and Japanese standards
• A solenoid valve
• A 4/32" copper tap
• One galvanised iron bucket
• One white arpeggio telephone set

For visitors to the exhibition, the installation takes the form of a diagram, drawn and signed by the artist, enabling them to visualise the path taken around the earth by his telephone call. The diagram also shows the positions of the various geostationary satellites that the call will use in its successive transits.

A white manual telephone set.

A copper tap fixed to the wall above a galvanised iron bucket with a drain valve.

A sign invites visitors to dial a New York number, which is then communicated to them. On arrival in New York, a call diverter automatically transfers the call to Tokyo. Similarly, the Tokyo call diverter forwards the call to Paris, to the Cité des Sciences.

After a few seconds, the call returns to the visitor. More precisely, to the water tap. The tap is fitted with a solenoid valve that commands it to open. The water escapes and flows noisily into the bucket. An automatic command stops the tap after five seconds. The operation can be repeated.

The primary aim of this installation, which is not devoid of humour, is to use a very simple device to make us aware of the new relationship with space created by the communication systems we use in our daily lives.

• " Le robinet planétaire ", Jacques Béal, Le Courrier Picard, Amiens, samedi 14 décembre 1991
• " Machines à communiquer ", Michel Collona d'Istria, Le Monde, 30 octobre 1991