Stephen Willats

At the exhibition from October 20, 2017 to August 5, 2018

»Meta Filter« as presented in »Open Codes« is a filmic and photographic documentation of the actual cabinet console. The artwork was initiated in 1973 as a simulation of a state of society based on agreement. It investigates controversies around interpersonal relationships through collaborative work. The original interactive cabinet console provided two interfaces equipped with a monitor, a keyboard, a thesaurus of 1,000 descriptive words, and a copy of the »Problem Book«. The two participants received tasks to characterize the social and emotional dynamics depicted in the photographs on the screens. To fulfill the tasks they had to choose the matching words from the thesaurus and interchange their responses. »Meta Filter« led the participants through twelve problem areas within the field of interpersonal relationships. The purpose of the process was to reach a mutual understanding and possibly reach a state of agreement with the partner on the other side of the console.

Applying the principles of cybernetic homeostat, feedback, and the Concept Frame, Stephen Willats creates a simulation of social self-organization. The constant process of negotiation in search of a compromise constitutes the basis for stability in society.