HPVS (Human Phantom Vibration Syndrome) is a kinetic sculpture that considers the subtle, often-subconscious ways that mobile communication technologies shape our senses. The title references the recently discovered Human Phantom Vibration Syndrome — a syndrome wherein mobile phone users become hyper-attentive to their mobile devices, often experiencing phantom ringing sensations even in the absence of incoming calls or messages. This work carefully orchestrates the vibrations of a collection of mobile phones to produce a familiar yet quietly-disturbing cacophony.

HPVS was produced in collaboration with Kitchen Budapest kitchenbudapest.hu.

The HPVS phones are controlled by Arduinos arduino.cc and custom hardware.

Project Site: christopherbaker.net/projects/hpvs/

Videography by Andrea Steudel bit.ly/andrea-steudel

HPVS is a commission of Northern Lights’ Art(ists) On the Verge program northern.lights.mn/programs/aov with the generous support of the Jerome Foundation jeromefdn.org. Additional support provided by the McKnight Foundation mcknight.org, the Weisman Art Museum weisman.umn.edu , and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design mcad.edu. Special thanks to Kitchen Budapest kitchenbudapest.hu and LG Hungary.

Significant support for creative time and travel provided by the arts.state.mn.us/grants/2009/09_aa_ai.htm Minnesota State Arts Board Artist Initiative Grant Program.