Simulated Nixie Tubes at Art Miami 2017

SIMULATED is an artwork that plays on the technological nostalgia of Nixie tubes; cold-cathode gas-discharge alphanumerical and symbol indicator tubes which were a common form of display for electronic equipment from mid-1950’s through to the early 1970’s.

Capturing the Nixie tubes’ hypnotic amber glow and antique charm, Dominic Harris’ fascination with digitisation is perfectly exhibited within the artwork. In a superb amalgamation of modern and old-world technology, Harris enables viewers to control the piece with their movements, with the subsequent interaction causing the Nixie tubes to create words only using the letters S-I-M-U-L-A-T-E-D-O. Generating up to almost 1000 word combinations, the produced text is stimulating, amusing, pop culturally relevant and cheeky, thus achieving Harris’ goal of provoking thought and conversation.