Active Denial System Error 1.0 (2009)
Active Denial System Error 1.0 is a variation of the Active Denial System, a subtle weapon used for
protection/surveillance of civil populations. ADS disables its targets with directed ultrasound rays,
which penetrate into the nerve endings under the skin and cause a strong burning pain. When the
ray changes direction, the pain immediately disappears. The American army industry advertises
ADS as an ethical weapon.
The work is composed as a kineticon with a directed-sound loudspeaker – as the voice of the
unknown language made of syllables which the Pure Data computer program choses and designs
randomly. With the surveillance camera, they are both attached to an electronic engine. The
device’s motion ability is in the radius of 360 degrees and 180 degrees in the lower sphere,
enabling it to detect and track moving objects in space. While the camera is tracking a target,
the sound from the speaker is transmitted in the same direction. The system also contains two
monitors, which show side-by-side tracked objects in the surveillance area and the device’s
operating system.
The uncanny experience of being followed around by a sound from an unseen source makes
apparent the position of power involved in closed and isolated protection/surveillance systems.
Therefore the device is a weapon that has been admitted into a public space as a civil tactical
media. With its mechanism of gathering information about a target and immediately responding
to it, the device therefore aims to reflect on the evolution of protection/surveillance systems and
the consequences these carry for our autonomy and self-awareness.
Concept, research, execution: Maja Smrekar
Sound and video programming, consulting, execution: Miha Tomšič
Voice: Petra Guček
Production: Kapelica Gallery/Zavod K6/4
Thanks to: Rok Čančer; Vid Simoniti; Janez Janša; LJUDMILA Digital lab
Production: Kapelica Gallery/K6/4 Institute