Untitled (typewriter)

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Basic Info

  • Year: 2023

  • Materials: typewriter, 3d printed plastic, paper roll, microcontroller

  • Dimensions: variable

Description

In 2017 I had the opportunity to record some family stories which were presented as part of the exhibition Galaxy Champion FUN ZONE. These audio recordings, focused on my parents’ experience of immigrating to Canada from Italy in the 1960s & 70s, gave some insight into what their lives were like in those early years, as well as how their own parents adjusted. Untitled (typewriter) is a way to materialze these stories at the push of a button: simply press the large blue button, and the typewriter will automatically tip-tap out a the text of a family story.

First installed at the Latcham Art Centre in 2023 for the exhibition Continous Memory, an exhibition which won Exhibition of the Year – Budget under $10,000 at the 47th Annual GOG Awards.

Tech Specs and Maintenance

This project can be operated continously with a roll of paper installed overhead, as was the case in its intial presentation at the Latcham Art Centre. I have replacement printer ribbons and rolls of paper at the ready. Keep in mind that the typerwriter is a vintage piece of technology, and while it was user friendly by 1980s standards, it does take some care to work with today.

Additional Images

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photo by Dennis Hristrovski

Further Reading