A pop-up art installation outside the International Centre for the Arts in Guimarães, Portugal, the art collective Moradavaga added a modern, industrial twist to the swing set. What was used to be a self-contained pleasure of swinging – where the work and reward are equal, Moradavaga has installed a little bit of light, powered solely by the motion of the swings. Creating the perfect blend of power technology and energy efficiency with a favorite childhood pastime.
According to the company’s website:
SWING, is an interactive and playful installation conceived by Moradavaga for the Pop Up Culture program promoted by Guimarães 2012 – European Capital of Culture.
Based on the principle of swinging to produce electricity, SWING is also an ode to the rich industrial heritage of Guimarães, reflected in its mechanical devices and sounds evocative of the ones once produced in the factories of the city.
The base structure, made of re-usable wooden pallets (sponsored by Palsystems), serves as a podium for the swings at the same time that it contains the hidden electrical system. Traditional hemp rope, wooden beams, bicycle chains, wheels, dynamos and lights complete the material palette used in the installation giving it an “old-style” look and a low-tech kind of feel.
