Emergence is a human-powered kinetic installation combining the joy of a swing set with the mechanics of a living sculpture. Six interconnected wooden swings are arranged in a hexagon, each facing inward to encourage interaction between participants. As people swing, energy is transferred through a series of mechanisms that propel a bowling ball along a circular track overhead — striking chimes and creating a continuously evolving melody.
The installation explores emergent behavior: simple individual actions combining to produce a complex, collective result. No instructions are needed — the familiar form of a swing set invites participation naturally, while the shared goal of keeping the ball in motion brings strangers together around a common experience.
Created in collaboration with Ilya Smelansky.