Fifty Clocks Made to Strike Together
In an 1818 letter, Founding Father John Adams attributes the success of the American Revolution to the strategic unity of the thirteen colonies. Adams wrote, “thirteen clocks were made to strike together—a perfection of mechanism which no artist had ever before effected.” The revolution resulted in the liberation of the thirteen colonies from British rule and the establishment of a singular nation. Two hundred and eight years later, DeepTime Collective tests if such a feat could occur again and how long the sonic unity can endure. Relying on Adams’ metaphor, Fifty Clocks Made to Strike Together activates fifty unique mechanical clocks, one clock for each of the current United States. The experiment began with the challenge of sourcing, transporting, and caring for the clocks assembled before you. Combining metaphor, mechanical skill, and luck, the collective takes on the challenge to see if fifty singular states can once again strike on one accord.
Clocks generously provided by the artists, Craig Wollam, Deanna Riffle, and Darr Anderson.
Installation images: Mario Gallucci
Performance images: Conner Enloe