Active Promoters of Error (Boob Bongs)

2019
Hand blown glass by Nadège Desgenétez, electronics, fluorescent ink
Dimensions variable

Active Promoters of Error (2019) is an evolving installation by Ella Barclay that draws upon the historical and speculative relationships between science, automata and spectacle. Working with master glass blower and artist Nadège Desgenétez, the work comprises hand blown glass objects activated by various liquids and electronics so as to resemble the working laboratories of a futuristic mad scientist. This work draws upon both the aesthetics of enlightenment science, ghoulish alchemy, gothic literature, hydroponic hot houses and bong culture. The title Active Promoters of Error is taken from a lecture given at the Royal Institution by electrochemist Michael Faraday in 1854: “The force of the temptation which urges us to seek for such evidence and appearances as are in favour of our desires, and to disregard those which oppose them, is wonderfully great. In this respect we are all, more or less, active promoters of error.” In stating so, Faraday marks the problematic relationship between scientific reason and desire.