(satellites over berlin)   2000 copper on epoxy, steel, varnish 30 x 7.5 x 2.5 cm

Berlin in the centre of Europe has long functioned as an arena collecting the world around it. The world looks to Berlin as a centre. Similarly, a large number of satellites orbit over the sky of Berlin. These satellites observe and record different kinds of information, and transmit their information signals to earth. FM satellite signals will be collected via a dish antenna as the satellites pass over it. The dish antenna would be located somewhere in Potsdamer Platz, perhaps in the centre of the video displays. A computer program written for this project, dependent on the incoming FM satellite signal, will generate a video signal carrying bright flashes and transformational elements of colour to the video displays. Names of the satellites, and the long list of countries they broadcast to, will be simultaneously displayed in a consecutive manner. The video signal will be ephemeral and evanescing. It will fade in and out relative to satellite activity, and it will be most active when the satellites pass over the receiving dish antenna. A uniquely interpreted satellite signal will be presented to the dish antenna, and then to the video displays, every seven to twelve minutes. (The frequency of satellites over the Berlin satellite signal reception area is predictable, using satellite orbit information.) The video display units will be weatherproof, and tethered to a large overhead ring. They will be supported on wheels, giving them mobility, and the tether attached to them will supply the video signal and operating electricity. The dish antenna will be fixed in position, weatherproof, and with its antenna oriented directly away from the Platz. Within its support will be the receiver which interprets the satellite signals.