ALEXANDER HAHN

electronic media artist

Video

CFL - CODED FLUORESCENT LIGHT

 A Video Rebus 


(2019, 5:53’ loop, video triptych  for 3 HD or 4K monitors (≥65") or laser projectors, frame-synchronized video playback, dimensions variable)



After Morse Rigveda (published 2013), CFL - Coded Fluorescent Light is the second work inspired by a compact fluorescent light bulb, which I spotted in a Varanasi garage in November 2012. About to burn out, it flickered irregularly. I imagined that the flickering was only seemingly random and in reality was Morse code. With the ongoing Dev Deepawali festival, I interpreted the message as a hymn and envisioned the light bulb joining the chants of the pandits on Assi Ghat. 

Early that morning I had read in the diaries of Alice Boner. They begin with a quote from the Rigveda X. I decided that this had to be the dying light bulb’s recital.

Whereas the much shorter single channel piece Morse Rigveda was created with simply Morse in mind, CFL - Coded Fluorescent Light is composed of various visual and aural codes. All dragooned into sync, they present a video rebus in triptych form, which recites the following verses from the Rigveda:


 MAY Surya guard us out of heaven, and Vata from the firmament,

And Agni from terrestrial spots. 

Thou Savitar whose flame deserves hundred libations, be thou pleased: 

From failing lightning keep us safe.

May Savitar the God, and may Parvata also give us sight;  

May the Creator give us sight.

 Give sight unto our eye, give thou our bodies sight that they may see:

May we survey, discern this world.

Thus, Surya, may we look on thee, on thee most lovely to behold,

See clearly with the eyes of men.