The Emanation Machine (TEM) is an electromechanical installation and experimental interface for measuring and visualizing one’s subjective threshold of pain. The work explores the perception of intentional pain and its relation to human sensory experiences in interactive contexts.
Pain threshold measurements are done individually, where participants are invited to insert their forearm into an electronically enhanced vise tool, and use the vise handle to slowly adjust the pressure level on their forearm. The increase and decrease in pressure level are represented through sound, image and material; audible and inaudible sounds are generated in response to pressure level changes, and low frequencies vibrations are stimulating the behavior of a non-newtonian fluid, changing its viscosity and polarization according to the pressure level on the forearm. Each measurement session lasts approximately 2 minutes, at the end of which the machine outputs a printed graph showing the different pain levels that were achieved and experienced during the session. The composition created by this mechanism, forms an appealing audiovisual result, which encourages the participant to increase the pain/pressure level on his forearm in order to further explore the reactions of the changing sound and fluid.
