ZAP! by Peter Tertzakian

Peter Tertzakian

ZAP!

Pop Art

3.5 x 3.5 in (8.89 x 8.89 cm)

$400

Available

This triptych illustrates the destructive impact of high-voltage power surges on carbon filaments — and reminds us that the devices we rely on for our energy in turn depend on a supply chain that extends far beyond our sight, or control. Thomas Edison knew that light bulbs were useless without a power grid connected to a central generating station and that electricity needed to be “divided” to power thousands of light bulbs going on and off at different times. To keep the electrical load in balance, an operator at a central power-generating station had to control the voltage manually. The worker constantly adjusted a lever to maintain the ideal voltage level — 110 volts in North America — to within a couple of volts, plus or minus. Too low, and everyone’s lights dimmed. Too high, and you get what you see here.
Carbon filaments were already fragile, and poor-quality generators, operators, and grids that led to power surges added to the annoying uncertainty of sudden blackouts.

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Additional Details

Additional Artworks

Green Shoots

The Last Fire

Look Up

Salted and Standing

A Valiant End

Line of Force

Wired With Oil

What We Keep (Large)