FieldMachine

2011 - 2019

FieldMachine is a bespoke computer software that allows users to design autonomous land-use systems for the self-provision of food and biofuel. FieldMachine was originally created to design the land-use system at FIELDCLUB.

FieldMachine constructs a nutritionally balanced diet from a selection of crops in its database according to the user's dietary preferences. FieldMachine then calculates the amount of land needed to maintain the chosen diet on an annual basis using data from WHO, FDA, and the UN.

FieldMachine then calculates how many other people could survive in the political territory of the user if the population only ate the user's chosen diet. The work explores egalitarian division of land as a Kantian categorical imperative.

Hypothetical Reterritorialisations:

FieldMachine is also used as the basis for exhibitions and public events. FieldMachine is installed on terminals in a gallery space and the audience is invited to interact. The users' designs are printed, and each user is asked to collaborate with others to create a 'Hypothetical Reterritorialisation' – a cooperative food system based on thier collective dietary choices. Each 'Hypothetical Reterritorialisation' is modelled on a location close to the gallery or institution where the exhibition/event is taking place.

Hypothetical Reterritorialisations have taken place across the world including: Haifa Museum of Modern Art (IL), TATE St Ives (UK, IZOLYATSIA (UA), g39 (UK), Serpentine Gallery (UK), DIVUS (CZ), Muzeum Sztuki Lodz (PL) and Hunt Kastner Gallery (CZ).

The FieldMachine software and public participation methodology was researched and developed in collaboration with Kenna Hernly.