Cascade
Cascade explores matter by capturing the pattern of muons: i.e. electrically charged subatomic particles. It does so through an installation comprised of three live elements: a muon detector; a complex assemblage of pumps; and an arrangement of tubes through which fluid flows. When muons are detected, a light and connected pumps are activated, triggering the movement of an uncanny, viscous fluid through the sculptural system.
Highlighting the patterns of movements and reactions from invisible particle collisions in a physical reality, Kim explores fluidity as a means of investigating inside materials, and the particular condition of matter. The mysteriously beautiful objects not only visualize a kinetic experiment, but also create a living organism that interacts with its environment, triggered by the detection of these invisible and fundamental particles.
Sculptural elements: Argos (Geiger–Müller tube, glass, aluminium, micro controller (480 x 400 mm)); Impulse (non-pulsating pump, solenoid valve, micro controller, acrylic, aluminium (2300 x 2000 mm)); Tubular (PDMS, micro tube (dimensions variable))
Yunchul Kim was in residency at CERN as the winner of Collide in 2016, a partnership programme between Arts at CERN and FACT (2015-2018). This work was developed as part of the Award and co-produced by ScANNER. Supported by Korean Cultural Centre UK and Arts Council Korea.