Mars Gravity Simulator
15 April – 14 May 2011
Performance Space, Sydney
Mars Gravity Simulator is a fully functioning experiment adapted from the design of Apollo-era lunar gravity simulators, but made for Martian conditions. It can be used to assess the maneuverability of astronauts at a gravity approximately 40% that of Earth gravity, as well as to study gait changes for those conditions. Locomotion styles copied from Apollo landing footage were tested for speed and efficacy and conclusions were drawn as to the most affective gait for human bipedal locomotion in Mars gravity.
Mars Gravity Simulator is a real art/science crossover project. It is a hugely engaging performance work that draws the audience into a complex area of scientific activity. The work suggests there is a parallel between exploration and the creative imagination by presenting a purely scientific experiment in a major art venue. The technical ‘beauty’ of the work becomes something to admire.
Mars Gravity Simulator was commissioned for the group exhibition Awfully Wonderful: Science Fiction in Contemporary Art, at Performance Space, Sydney. Curated By Bec Dean & Lizzie Muller
Mars Gravity Simulator, 2011, frustum, ropes, spacesuit, monitors and props, dimensions variable
Mars Gravity Simulator, exhibition detail photo credit - Lucy Parakhina
Mars Gravity Simulator, exhibition detail photo credit - Docqment
Mars Gravity Simulator, exhibition detail photo credit - Docqment
Mars Gravity Simulator, exhibition detail photo credit - Docqment
Mars Gravity Simulator, exhibition detail photo credit - Docqment
Mars Gravity Simulator, exhibition detail photo credit - Docqment
Mars Gravity Simulator, exhibition detail photo credit - Docqment
Mars Gravity Simulator, exhibition detail photo credit - Docqment
Mars Gravity Simulator, exhibition detail photo credit - Lucy Parakhina
Mars Gravity Simulator, exhibition detail photo credit - Lucy Parakhina
Mars Gravity Simulator, exhibition detail photo credit - Docqment
Mars Gravity Simulator, exhibition detail photo credit - Docqment
Mars Gravity Simulator, exhibition detail photo credit - Docqment
Mars Gravity Simulator, exhibition detail photo credit - the artist
Mars Gravity Simulator, exhibition detail photo credit - Docqment