Ctrl+Alt+Del
Ctrl+Alt+Del is a series of site-specific installations within non-domestic public toilets. The work transforms the space into a monochromatic colour-saturated room through its use of lighting and sound, creating a significant change to a very familiar and mundane environment. Hidden speakers amplify the sound of a mixed choir humming gently. No words are sung and a unison tone is held until the 25 singers start humming a gentle and soothing melody together. The voices reverberate around the restroom and create a quiet calm. Ctrl+Alt+Del is not expected when entering the space and like stepping through the wrong door, the significant visual change alerts the senses. Visitors are no longer simply passive spectators but are transformed into active participants, as they become users and activators of the installation. The sounds of the toilet flushing, hand dryers and running water blend with the choir allowing the sterile environment to instead resemble an unexpectedly soothing and relaxing space. The simple element of soft lighting and sounds transforms the public transient space from sterile to emotional, a set-apart space to mentally relax and recharge.
The title is inspired by the Windows computer keyboard command that reboots the computer or ends a task. Like humans, too many tasks can cause errors or ‘stress’ to the computer system. Ctrl+Alt+Del reminds us, by making us more physically aware of our environments, to restart our human systems, and the physical realities of our shared humanity and how fragile these are. It shifts our focus to forms of attention, the need of rebooting, certainty, stability and the idea of repair.
Installation for a public toilet
Gels, artificial light and sound