Gothamist: Graffiti Artists Attack Building With LEDs!

b

Thu, 16 Feb 2006 01:37:47 -0500

to fully grasp that video, it may be helpful to watch the absolutely mind blowing commercial for the sony bravia tv: http://www.bravia-advert.com/

Chris

Wed, 15 Feb 2006 22:53:20 -0500

Sort of cool, though a tad precious, with that drawn out video and bittersweet music. If they were to slap some of those sparkles on something that actually needed sprucing I'd like that.

Brightliner

Wed, 15 Feb 2006 20:00:43 -0500

Jack, you might want to check your facts. Lithium ion batteries do not use free elemental lithium. They use lithium compounds that don't react with water and don't create toxic fumes unless they're burned. Which is not to say I disagree with your concern about the waste. I feel the same way whenever I see those kids' sneakers with LEDs that flash with every step. Waste of resources for something completely frivolous. I always recycle my batteries and use rechargeables whenever possible.

nick

Wed, 15 Feb 2006 14:54:06 -0500

take a drink, gothamist drinking game participants!

Jack

Wed, 15 Feb 2006 14:03:20 -0500

I actually think the idea is cool. The simplcity and ingenuity is great. But there is one really big sticking point about these devices. The Lithium battries used are highly toxic and the litium reactes very violently when exposed to water. The fumes are quite toxic. There's a reason why cell-phone batteries are sealed in plastic and why devices that use these batteries for "normal" use make sure the battery is really tucked away. Litium is not a pleasant subsstance. So Eyebeam is basically encouraging people to take these batteries--as part of the device--and magnetically stick them to exposed outside surfaces? Such as walls and lightposts that are exposed to the weather and elements? Love the effect. But don't love the idea of the amount of toxic junk that will be exposed to the world for a simple art project. And beyond that don't love the level of manmade waste these things create.

e

Wed, 15 Feb 2006 13:57:50 -0500

inexpensive my ass

Brightliner

Wed, 15 Feb 2006 13:47:43 -0500

"Graffiti artist" is an oxymoron. Generally moron, too, but that's another story. None of Eyebeam's stuff is graffiti because they always get permission. What they do is legitimate art, even if it doesn't appeal to everyone. It would only be vandalism and thus akin to graffiti if somebody were to steal some of these Throwies.

rikomatic

Wed, 15 Feb 2006 12:22:50 -0500

Apparently it uses a magnet to adhere to the surface: Developed by the Graffiti Research Lab a division of the Eyebeam R&D OpenLab, LED Throwies are an inexpensive way to add color to any ferromagnetic surface in your neighborhood. A Throwie consists of a lithium battery, a 10mm diffused LED and a rare-earth magnet taped together. Throw it up high and in quantity to impress your friends and city officials.

stan

Wed, 15 Feb 2006 11:03:34 -0500

the song is "heartbeats" by jose gonzalez.

hr

Wed, 15 Feb 2006 10:47:38 -0500

LED = Light Emitting Diode

msmk

Wed, 15 Feb 2006 10:33:34 -0500

Does anyone know the name of that song in the video?

Papercutninja

Wed, 15 Feb 2006 10:33:12 -0500

http://www.instructables.com/ex/i/7DBB34EAEDFF1028A1FC001143E7E506/?ALLSTEPS Thats the place that shows how to make them. COOOL!

Ace

Wed, 15 Feb 2006 10:30:25 -0500

as pictured, this is not graffiti since they have the owner's permission.

DrunkAtNYU

Wed, 15 Feb 2006 10:26:44 -0500

yea Kevin, that's a really cool idea. I wonder what they use to get them to stick.

Kevin Walsh

Wed, 15 Feb 2006 10:24:54 -0500

LED= 'light emitting device'? Just a guess... www.forgotten-ny.com