THE BLACK WHOLE
Created for and at Pandemic, the 2009 Boston-Providence Decompression, The Black Whole is a dynamic, interactive whirling disk created collaboratively by participants at Pandemic.

The Black Whole appeared first as a 5' diameter disc with a hexagonal array of masking tape covering a black background. UV-reactive paints were provided, as well as paintbrushes, though most participants chose to use their hands to apply the paint.

The disc spun freely and frequently. Much of the painting was done while the disc was in motion. After a short time, the masking tape was completely invisible.

Overhead, a single colorblast LED light shone on the Whole. The hue and saturation of the light, as well as a variable speed strobe, were controlled by a mysterious black box with slide levers and unlabeled buttons. Participants manipulated the lights with this box, creating some very strange effects on the whirling disc.

After the paint dried, the tape was gently peeled away by the attendees and the buried pattern of hexagons within hexagons emerged. The pattern is based on the Flower of Life.

This project was enabled by artist Sage Kochavi and engineer-artist Joshua Krueger, with gratitude for the assistance of Pandemic's organizers and Terry Dovidio, art wrangler extraordinaire. Thanks to the Pandemic attendees for participating in this experiment in group creation and for making something so beautiful together.