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"Polling Station X"
was an interactive art installation presented at the Sybil Andrews Cottage in Campbell River. It was a collaborative event put on by artists Ken Blackburn, Marion Bryan and myself. The show ran for one day only on Jan 21, two days before the federal election. “Polling Station X” was an interactive art event with the aim of provoking a general questioning of the present voting system.

 

"Polling Station X signs"
screen printed Coroplast, wooden stakes
various dimensions, 18 signs in total.

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"Polling Station X sign - More, More, More"

The entrance to the show
polling staffers Ken and Marion at the ready.

Visiting 'voters' were presented with a 'ballot'.  Showgoers could then 'cast' their 'ballot' at the other end of the room, at "Polling Station X"

At the entrance, visitors were assaulted with recorded election speeches from the various parties.  These were randomly mixed with such sound effects like police car chases, crowds cheering, angry mobs, telephones ringing, nature sounds and movie themes.  Two stereos at either end of the room provided a continuous interaction of sounds.

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"Election Stereo Left"
Stereo, CD of randomly recorded sound effects and election speeches

For this show I chose the common paint chip as one of the visual and conceptual themes - the paint chip became a loose metaphor for the voter's ballot, and hence, identity.
 

"Resume"
5 - 16"x20" canvases
acrylic and marker, written application letter for 'paint colour designator' position at paint manufacturer, painter's tape
130" x 20"
 

"Resume"

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"Self Portrait X"
Coroplast, paint chips
2' x 3'
 

"Gradated Chip Table"
Potato and corn chips, acrylic bowls, table
various dimensions
 

"Gradated Chip Table"

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"AlphaBit Neuron"
Post AlphaBits cereal
10' x 10'
 

"AlphaBit Neuron - Detail"

"J-E-L-L-O-Graphica"
lemon flavoured Jello, acrylic bowl, National Geographic magazines, light, table
5'h, 2'w, 2'd

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"J-E-L-L-O-Graphica" - Detail
 

"J-E-L-L-O-Graphica" - Detail

"Election Stereo Right"
stereo, CD of randomly recorded sound effects and election speeches

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Polling Station X was basically a large puzzle that 'voters' were to complete with their 'ballots'.  The ballot cards were numbered for correct and easy placement on the board.  My 'staff' role was as polling station security guard. No one without a 'ballot' was allowed to see the image.
 

"Polling Station X"
Coroplast, illustration board, Velcro, printed media, table
various dimensions

Staffer Marion demonstrating the voting process

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