Slava Romanov Data Artist & Multimedia Developer

After (Fleeting Retention) Technical Rider

Source: After (Fleeting Retention) Technical Rider Lichtrouten.docx
Extraction date: 18.04.2026
Note: lightly normalized from .docx text extraction for editing convenience.

Title

After (Fleeting Retention) (2025)

Studies of Change, Bremen. Photo: Hsun Hsiang Hsu

Technical Rider

Introductory Description

After (Fleeting Retention) is an immersive audiovisual installation exploring the ephemerality of memory through powerful LED flashes and generative ambient sound. A modified Kodak Carousel slide projector displays semicontextualized black-and-white negatives (1950s-1970s), triggering fleeting afterimages in the viewer’s perception. The random sequencing (5-40 seconds) and short bursts of light (0.1-2 seconds) accentuate the instability of recollection, reinforcing the theme of “new energies” as impermanent and ever-shifting.

• something about liminal spaces, and connection (more for conceptual description)

Studies of Change, Bremen. Photo: Hsun Hsiang Hsu

Description and Core Elements

Kodak Carousel Projector (Wide-Angle Lens)

Custom-fitted with an ultra-bright 100-200 W LED + additional heat sink, controlled via an ESP32-based microcontroller.

Random intervals of flash and slide switching (5-20 seconds), synced with a generative realtime ambient soundtrack (Bespoke Synth).

Contains a 81-slide carousel loaded with archival black-and-white negatives of high contrast (curated locally contextualized collection of old photos).

Generative Ambient Composition

Real-time drone-based score produced by an Intel NUC running Bespoke Synth and additional control in TouchDesigner/Chataigne (via OSC/MIDI - Serial).

Audio output uses a Behringer UMC1820 interface and two 150W bi-amped loudspeakers (WORK WPL IN-A). Being considered as a minimal setup, it can be extended with locally present audio system (adding subwoofers).

Low-level Red Light

Low-level dimmed neutral scattered red light sources for safe navigation - set of rechargeable compact flashlights with red LED or red light filter (needed to be included in budget).

Interactive Sensory Experience

Flashes create strong afterimages in a darkened room.

Emphasizes the tension between high-intensity stimuli and slow sonic droning, reflecting on the fleeting nature of memory.

Dimensions / Duration

• Approx. installation footprint: 3.5 m wide x 3.5 m deep
• Recommended space: 12 x 12 m or larger to allow comfortable visitor flow and partial seating (e.g. beanbags)
• Projection distance: ideally centered on a wall or surface, with enough distance to achieve large-scale projection (floor-to-ceiling if possible, depending on the ceiling height)

Packed Dimensions & Weight

• 1 Eurobox (40 x 60 x 40 cm), approx. 15 kg (projector, controllers, cables)
• 2 loudspeakers (approx. 12 kg each), plus stands in a separate bag
• 1 tripod or stand for projector (approx. 6 kg, up to 120 cm long)

Operation Duration

• Sound and flashes run continuously during opening hours
• Each flash event: 0.1-2 seconds, strobe patterns possible
• Slide transitions occur unpredictably (20-60 second intervals)

Spatial Requirements

• Minimum room size: 400 x 400 cm (16 m2) to accommodate all elements
• Alternative arrangements for non-standard rooms are possible but subject to discussion
• Preferred space: a separated and enclosed room is needed for an intimate and focused interaction
• Dark environment: a fully dark room is crucial
• Use a double curtain or similar light-trap method to ensure minimal ambient light

Visitor Navigation

• Subdued red light recommended outside the entrance or in a small corridor to allow eyes to adapt
• In-room luminous tape or minimal LED floor markers to guide visitors safely

Flooring

• Stable and free of reflective surfaces to prevent light scatter

Acoustic Space

• The installation uses mid-to-high volume sound
• Position it so that external noise or other artworks do not conflict

Environmental Conditions

• The space should be free from high humidity, dirt, and dust to ensure the operation of 12v non-waterproof electronic equipment connected to a 220v power supply

Technical Requirements (Provided by Exhibition / Venue)

Power Supply

• 220v / 50Hz / approx. 3A (Schuko plug)
• Dark-colored power strip with at least 6 outlets (projector LED, microcontroller, audio interface, 2 loudspeakers, and PC)
• Distance to the nearest electrical source: up to approx. 4 m from the main setup

Blackout Materials

• Enough black Molton or equivalent to fully darken windows, doors, or other light sources
• Basic black curtains or double-layer drapes for the entrance to maintain a dark interior

Supplementary Light

• One or two low-intensity red LED fixtures or small red-filter lamps outside or near the entrance for safe orientation

Cable Management

• Gaffer tape or cable covers to secure wires on the floor and avoid tripping hazards

Safety Materials

• Safety navigation tape, capable to stick to the floor and curtains
• Printed flashing hazard notice

Optional Local Archival Negatives

• If available, the venue may supply additional local negatives to expand content
• Must be standard 35mm or 6x6 frames cut and mounted in slides

Components Provided by the Artist

Kodak Carousel Projector

• Wide-angle 36 mm lens
• Modified with 50-100 W LED + heat sink, Arduino Nano-based control for flash + slide switching

Archival Slide Carousel

• 80 slides loaded with black-and-white negatives from 1950-1970, each with random reportage motifs

Intel NUC + Microcontroller

• Runs Bespoke Synth for generative music and TouchDesigner/Chataigne for synchronization
• Connected via USB to microcontroller, sending triggers for flashes and slide changes

Audio Equipment

• Behringer UMC1820 audio interface + cables
• Two 150W loudspeakers on stands for immersive stereo output

Tripods and Stands

• One stand for the projector (adjustable height)
• Two speaker stands

Cables, Adapters, Protective Packaging

• Includes USB, audio cables (jack to jack), power adapters

Sound

The system produces a mid-to-high volume generative drone-ambient track with random accent spikes tied to flash events.

Frequency range includes low frequencies - viewers may feel mild bass vibrations.

The recommended isolated or acoustically neutral space is to prevent noise bleed to or from adjacent works.

Lighting

• Room lighting: must remain off or very minimal
• Red lamp for exit: a small red lamp or LED strip can be placed near the exit for safety
• No additional white light: any overhead lighting must be turned off or dimmed to zero

Studies of Change, Bremen. Photo: Slava Romanov

Safety of the Artwork On-site

Flash Warnings

• Bright flashes every 20-60 seconds may pose risks for photosensitive visitors
• A sign at the entrance is required
• This sign should also warn of sudden darkness and strobing

Visitor Orientation

• Luminous tape or low-level floor guidance helps visitors move inside the dark space
• A small aisle or buffer zone ensures nobody trips over the projector stand or cables
• Assistance on-site: very important, controlling access on site

Equipment Stability

• Projector firmly fixed on its stand
• Speakers on stable stands with an appropriate base
• If possible, a mediator or staff member should periodically check the area

Power and Heat Management

• The LED module requires a heat sink and ventilation
• Keep the area ventilated but dark
• The PC and audio interface must be placed away from foot traffic, preferably in a corner or behind a partition

Transport Requirements

• One Eurobox (40 x 60 x 40 cm, approx. 15 kg)
• Two loudspeakers (approx. 12 kg each) + stands in separate bags, or a stereo system provided on site
• One tripod bag (approx. 6 kg, approx. 120 cm length)

The artwork is fragile. Handle with care to avoid damaging the projector lens, LED assembly, and archival slides.

Insurance Price

• Kodak Carousel Projector: EUR 500
• Wide-Angle 36 mm Lens: EUR 500
• LED Module + Mounted Heat Sink: EUR 400
• Microcontroller & Relay System: EUR 1000
• Slide Carousel with Archival Negatives: EUR 1000
• Intel NUC: EUR 300
• Audio Interface (Behringer UMC1820): EUR 200
• Cables & Misc: EUR 500
• Loudspeakers (2 x 150W on stands): EUR 700
• Packaging: EUR 200
• Total Value for Insurance: EUR 5300

Note: final insurance coverage may vary if additional local slides or equipment are included.

Setup / Installation

Room Preparation

• Achieve full blackout using Molton or other materials
• Ensure a double curtain or door flap for entrances/exits

Positioning and Cabling

• Place the projector stand at the optimal distance for large-scale projection
• Secure the audio system to each side of the space
• Run cables (power, audio, USB) neatly taped down

Equipment Power-Up Sequence

• Turn on computer (Intel NUC), then audio interface, then speakers
• Microcontroller / Arduino starts automatically, receiving triggers from the generative software
• A test run of flash intervals and sound calibration is recommended

Focusing and Flash Testing

• Focus the projector lens in darkness, verifying images are sharp enough for ephemeral recognition
• Confirm strobe frequencies and brightness levels are aligned with the intended concept

Maintenance and Daily Operation

• Power up the NUC, audio interface, and loudspeakers in correct sequence
• The microcontroller will automatically run
• Check slides occasionally to ensure no jam in the carousel and all slides remain secure
• Clean any dust or debris from lens and stands

Contact & Additional Notes

The artist provides on-site installation if possible; local staff may be needed for heavy lifting, room blackout, and securing cables.

For adaptation to unique room layouts or partial acquisitions of local negative archives, please consult the artist in advance.

An auto-shutdown of the PC can be configured if the venue’s opening times are fixed.