Vibrope Tree Shaker
Vibrope Tree Shaker is an interactive kinetic sculpture. This piece is an interpretation of existing tree-shaking orchard machines. A ready-made reciprocating saw is connected by metal wire to a tree branch surrounded by a fabric canopy.
Participants are invited to pull a trigger, shaking the “tree.” Confronted with the noise of the motor and the fierceness of the shaking, most only engage the trigger for a few seconds. The interaction feels aggressive and extractive.
Vibrope Tree Shaker is part of the Uncanny Interventions series which explores artificial pollination.
Materials: tree branch, metal stand, canvas canopy, reciprocating motor, metal wire, wood enclosure, sandbags
Dimensions: 8’H x 9’W, installation size varies
Exhibitions: Rojo Gallery, San Antonio (2023)
“What would future archaeologists think of our time if they were to dig in the places that used to house our civilization?”
Marjanne Van Helvert, The Responsible Object: A History of Design Ideology for the Future
