Tomas De Rita: Owl
An artificial owl, which creates sounds and reacts to sounds in its surrounding.
"The owl has a reputation as a wise animal – it is a symbol of intelligence and philosophy.
In Nordic traditions, the owl has been the bird of the god of thunder and the devil. In many traditions, the owl is associated with death or considered an omen of death. Eating an owl was believed to strengthen courage and health. In its heart dwells truth. In Finland, there is also a folk name for the owl. “Hyypiö” means a strange creature.
Tomas De Rita's owl is constructed through a pattern drawn by an oscilloscope and optics. De Rita uses an old-fashioned technique to create an artificial animal. The longing for nature born from the development of society and urbanisation may be satisfied through digital, virtual, and artificial reproductions. This owl may also startle, and it reacts to loud and sudden noises."
Text by Curator Krister Gråhn.
Video: Pöllö / Owl
Visual artist and Art educator. Born 1976. Lives in Helsinki, Finland.
Information
Artwork finished in:
2024
Light sources, other materials and equipment used:
Oscilloscope and electronics, optics, racks, wooden base, twig.
Sound: Yle Archive
Dimensions of the work, approximately (width-height-depth):
50 x 150 x 50
Approximate dimensions of the work for mailing / sending.:
90 x 110 x 60
Power consumption:
Standard mains current (10A/16A)
Sound in artwork:
Loud sound
Support and other structures:
The work includes all the necessary structures
Minimum height of the space:
180
Minimum square meters of the space:
4
Requirements for the space: darkness, temperature, colouring (light / dark / specific colour / other) etc:
Darker the better but complete darkness is not necessary. The equipment and the twig should be seen.
Building time and people required (estimate):
2 hrs, 1 person
Artist's presence:
Artist or their representative must be present during building
