The Absolute Hut (of action potential)

The Absolute Hut (of action potential) operates as a sensory hub with video screens suggesting portals into a web of neural pathways where a range of actions and processes are running concurrently reflecting on the dynamics between the Earth’s geologic structure and navigation using the magnetic field. Extra-sensory methods used by the non-human realm, such as the ability of birds to ‘see’ the magnetic field, along with current research looking at human brain responses to Earth’s magnetic field form the basis of anthropological magnetoreception speculation. The installation is conceived from a combination of features, impressions and functions of the Observing Building and instruments at Hartland Magnetic Observatory in North Devon and the observation huts built in the 18th century at The Kings Observatory in Kew for meteorological and magnetic observations. Topological contours of suminagashi marbling and plasma cut copper reflect the fluid motion of the Earth's molten iron core and the pulsating alpha waves of the human brain when subjected to magnetic fields.