A bridge between theology and science, “Push to Perfection through Normalization”
uses temperature (specifically 88-107 F) to identify correlations with the understandings
of perfection in Christian doctrine and scientific theory. Water moves through
the sculpture through a series of tubes, its temperature fluctuating between
88 F and 107 F. The water temperature is raised by immersion heaters suspended
in the six forward buckets. Cooling happens once the heaters are triggered to
off. The triggering mechanisms are controlled by a set of electrical contacts
attached to thermometers measuring the central tank. This system of water manipulation
is accompanied by a “chorus” of radios set to 92.1 Jams “Richmond’s
#1 Hip-Hop and R&B”. Upon reaching 98.6 F (human average), the system
triggers a small FM transmitter which broadcasts a message of perfection that
mixes with 92.1 Jams' signal. This overlaying message consists of a repetition
of the words “perfect, it’s perfect” and is channeled to the
transmitter through the outlet tubes of the central tank. The message plays
constantly inside of the tank and when the transmitter is triggered (at precisely
98.6 F) it picks up the signal by way of an underwater microphone.
