interactive alpha rotator by fxstg draws complex encrypted messages

interactive alpha rotator by fxstg draws complex encrypted messages
all images courtesy of françois xavier saint georges

following his fascination for creating experimental machines, françois xavier saint georges, otherwise known as fxstg, has built the ‘alpha rotator’. presented in amsterdam at the original dampkring gallery, the laser-cut steel construct is a suspended rotary vehicle with six ‘arms’. each one has a series of 26 holes associated with the alphabet. by inserting pegs, accordingly spelling a word or a personal message, the user generates an encrypted message that will be reproduced on a large roll of paper held to the ground. once force is exerted on either of three cylindrical handles above, the entire contraption begins to turn as pencils connected to the rods gently press their lead onto the surface through gravity. the outcome is a composition filled with thousands of layers, shades, lines and dots, a drawing that only its creator comprehends.

in the gallery

kids playing with the machine

detail of the circles

suspended contraption in the gallery 

each hole corresponds to a letter of the alphabet 

the exhibition also shows other works by the artist

looking up at the specially-designed hook 

unpacking the freshly laser-cut hook 

work in progress

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.