Meet ‘Increments’: Installations Using Technology And Behaviour
Situated in Walthamstow’s 1B Window Gallery, collaborative duo ‘Increments’ bring the once gloomy and wintery London streets to life using light and movement.
Their latest exhibition, ‘Tundra’, is a thought-provoking, interactive installation reflecting on the consequences of human behaviour on our climate. Heat-sensitive motion sensors track visitors’ movement triggering immersive, chromatic light sequences. These dramatic shifts in colour induce a moment of reflection and remind us that our actions are constantly altering our environment.
We had the opportunity to speak to the masterminds behind ‘Tundra’, uncovering the inspirations and ambitions behind what they do.
What is ‘Increments’? Could you explain how it was formed and what it represents?
Increments is a multi-disciplinary creative studio based in east London. Formed in 2015 by brothers Ross and Evan Lelliott, we create site-specific installations utilising new media applications such as moving image, lighting, sound and generative computer programming. Through immersive and interactive experiences, our works focus on human behaviour and invite viewers to reflect on the increasing complexities of the world today.
Image Credit: Paul Willoughby
What made you want to creatively collaborate?
We grew up in Diego Martin, Trinidad, a place where creativity felt at the heart of everything. The colours and sounds of Carnival certainly left a lasting impression on us, particularly the way in which multi-sensory art can have a profound impact on its community. These early experiences contributed to shaping a shared creative vision and led us to work together.
When we moved to London, we were both in separate fields within the creative industry and between us, have developed a wide skillset, which we utilise in everything we do. We are both perfectionists and are bonded by the beauty in detail. For example, we develop bespoke lettering for all of our exhibition display signage and record and sculpt organic sounds to accompany and elevate our work.
Credit: Graham Joy Studio
What was the inspiration behind Tundra? Did it evolve and develop?
We are always excited by work that reflects on the consequences of human behaviour in a moment of time. Earlier this year, arctic temperatures were the warmest on record, resulting in a global heatwave. The effects of climate change are deeply complex and we wanted to approach it both practically and with a simplicity that allows for inclusivity.
Using heat-sensitive motion sensors to track visitors’ movement felt like a natural approach for the installation to deliver our concept. We experimented with creative programming for the sensors to trigger immersive, chromatic light sequences that would change the colours’ temperature, much like a weather system. The idea was these interactive gradients would form the narrative and highlight the impact we have on our environment through our everyday actions.
Credit: Graham Joy Studio
What do you hope people take away from Tundra?
Accessibility to art is important to us. We wanted to create an artwork that lived and breathed within its environment and could be engaged with on different levels. On one hand, our aim was to capture a child’s curiosity and imagination, while on the other, a commuter walking past – totally unaware of the trace they leave behind, all while providing visual enrichment for other onlookers. Tundra asks us to consider the impact of our actions, both individually and as a collective and we hope this is the lasting thought.
How did you become interested in technology, particularly its use in interactive art installations?
The digital revolution is developing faster than our own natural ability to evolve. It has created a division between the physical and metaphysical, defining space and boundaries in a way that influences the way we interact with each other and the world around us.
Interestingly, technology is continually attempting to connect us, though in doing so, actually pushes us further apart. We are products of this environment and human emotion is at the centre of our work. We want to learn how technology can be used for a truly positive impact on our social interactions and behaviour.
Has any of your previous exhibitions influenced your current show at 1B Gallery, and if so how?
Our previous exhibition, Still (2022) looked inwards at our inability to feel true, instinctive emotions due to our over-reliance on technology. Seemingly solid sheets of light form a three-dimensional, prismatic sculpture, inviting viewers to reflect on their connection with reality.
Whereas, Tundra came from a much more outward-facing perspective. This thematic shift inspired us to think differently about how the installation sits within its environment and the mindset of its visitors. It also encouraged us to experiment with light and space, while still maintaining our visual identity as artists.
Credit: Graham Joy Studio
What is a dream site/gallery for you to exhibit in?
Our work strives to activate a space and change perceptions and we like to appear in places that you would least expect. Each installation takes careful consideration of its spatial surroundings. Previously we’ve exhibited work in a range of spaces from a disused WWII air raid shelter, to a 5-star hotel lobby. Going forward, we’d like to push the boundaries of where art can be experienced and how it is integrated into society.
What’s the best installation you’ve experienced?
Recently, we’ve been inspired by the programming by FACT at 180 The Strand. The artists exhibiting are pushing the boundaries of art in a way that feels monumental. What is really effective are the show’s thematic narratives as a whole experience, rather than an individual piece as such.
Finally, what advice would you give to an artist just starting out?
We have always dedicated time to our practice and make work that feels important to us. Communicating ideas effectively is key. The most compelling art resonates with its viewer, and for us, creating threads of narrative between separate works is when art reaches the height of its power.
Where to find Increments:
To see more work by Increments and to follow their upcoming projects, find links for their website and Instagram below.
Website: increments.studio/
Instagram: @incrementsstudio
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