STEFAN BANDALAC
Conversation piece, 2016
US Civil Defence Geiger counter, Polish Army issue Geiger counter, radioactive Uranium ore, electronics, speakers
"Conversation Piece" is an installation exploring the power that radioactivity exerts over the human mind and body, as an invisible and almighty force that is unequaled by any other medium. Radioactivity has served as an invisible wall dividing the world, cultures and societies, claiming and altering lives.
“Conversation piece” puts two Geiger counters built in the Cold War - one from the East and one from the West - in a direct dialogue mediated by a piece of radioactive Uranium ore. The sound of the decaying electrons is interpreted in different tones by the two instruments which gives the clicks a distinct voice.