The Contour of Presence
A heartbeat sent to space becomes light and distance becomes closeness.
Year
Medium
Press
2019
Pulse sensors
Rocket
Shows
Credits
SESC, São Paulo, Brazil
MACRO - Museum of Contemporary Art of Rome, Italy
Ars Electronica, Linz, Austria
International Space University, Strasbourg, France
Allenheads Contemporary Arts, UK
Artistic Director: Nahum
Payload designed and constructed by the International Space University
Principal Investigator and Project Coordinator: Prof Chris Welch
Project Manager: Dr Barnaby Osborne
Research Associate: Peter Thoreau
Project Engineer: Yadvender Singh Dhillon
Transportation and access to the ISS is provided by Space Applications Services’ ICECubes Service in conjunction with the European Space Agency
Launched by SpaceX, Falcon 9 Rocket at Cape Canaveral, Kennedy Space Center in Florida on 29th June 2018
The Contour of Presence is the first interactive artwork in space. Conceived by Nahum and commissioned by the International Space University, it brings society into direct dialogue with the Cosmos by transforming the most intimate sign of human life - the heartbeat - into a living artwork aboard the International Space Station.
Through a simple touch, audiences on Earth send their pulse to orbit, where a specially designed machine receives and translates it into pulses of light and motion. In this way, the project turns bodily rhythms into an ethereal presence circling the planet, revealing how distance can be transformed into connection.
Launched on June 29, 2018 at Cape Canaveral as part of the CRS-15 mission, the artwork was installed in the Columbus module of the International Space Station by astronaut Alexander Gerst. The payload took the form of a zero gravity kaleidoscope composed of mirrors, lights, motors and a live stream camera. Powered and connected to the internet through ESA’s infrastructure, it allowed audiences on Earth to interact with the piece in real time.
Exhibition view at SESC, São Paulo, Brazil
On the ground, the project was experienced as both an installation and an event. The real time live stream video from the ISS showing the flashing artwork responding to people’s heartbeats was accompanied by a short film blending music, narration and allegorical scenes of human connection. Audiences entered the installation space and were invited to touch a sensor that sent their heartbeat to the orbiting artwork, making it flash to the rhythm of their pulse.
Livestream from the artwork at the International Space Station.
The Contour of Presence returned to Earth on 20 August 2022 after spending 4 years, 1 month and 22 days in space. The artwork was made possible through the collaboration of multiple partners. It was developed by the International Space University in Strasbourg, France. Transportation and access to the ISS were facilitated by Space Application Services via their ICECubes service, in conjunction with the European Space Agency. NASA provided launch services from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex and Kennedy Space Center.
