GMU:The Unstrument/Andrea Rüthel

From Medien Wiki

PARANORMAL

Starting point of this work in progress is the term "normal", which is increasingly used by structurally right-wing groups for downplaying extreme political ideas and declaring them mainstream.

Following the instructions which I found either online or in literature, I am rebuilding several pseudo-scientific devices that are usually used for uncovering paranormal activities. My aim is to apply those devices intentionally wrong for detecting the level of normality (or paranormality) within those social environments. Most devices are unexpensive to build, handy, suitable for all-day use.

The project can be understood as an ironic commentary on the political usurpation of a highly vague concept.

LED detector

V-Scope

This an electrostatic field detector (a.k.a. as "V-Scope") that uses a common antenna to repond to ambient electrical fields. The LED glows brightly when positive charge approaches and becomes dimmer or blinks when negative charge comes in contact.

Construction manuals

"How To Build Your Own Ghost Detector " V-Scope Pt. 2 [1]

REAL Ghost Detector [2]

Make a ghost detector. [3]

Sound detector

The "EMF Meter" turns appearing electromagnetic fields into sound that can be heared and recorded.

Construction manuals

"Homemade EMF Detector For $10!" Listen & Record Electro-Magnetic Fields! [4]

Make Your Own EMF Meter [5]

Nonstandard photography

"Many types of light have frequencies too high or too low for the human eye to detect. [...] A number of specialized photography techniques have been devised to work with different light frequencies to make the invisible visible." (Delton T. Horn)

One of those techniques is known as "Kirlian photography". In a Kirlian photograph, subjects are surrounded by colorful auras, which indicate their inner state on a physical, mental, and spiritual level. A paranormal research group will be asked to read the photographs.

Construction manuals

Horn, Delton T.: "21st-century electronic projects for a new age", 1992

Wikipedia: "Kirlian photography" [6]