'The Electric Microcosm' by Ben Yates

All Ben's sculptures involve electronics and provide their own illumination, and stem from his love of the aesthetics of electronics, particularly circuitry, which can, at a certain scale, appear as a miniature-scale society.


Adding LED lighting, and a populace of tiny model people, reinterprets the recycled circuit boards into sprawling cityscapes which are encased inside clear acrylic and glass coffee tables. They conjure a highly detailed glimpse into a colourful yet somewhat dystopian future, which double as practical pieces of modern furniture. What makes them particularly intriguing are the tiny people – they bring a host of never-ending urban stories as you follow them on their daily business and shopping trips, back-alley deals and leisure activities.

Functionality has also become a feature of these installations, including such items as CD players/speakers, digital photo frames, and fully working computers.

Along with projections and other electric sculptural innovations, 'The Electric Microcosm’ exhibition is a unique sensory experience.