(via) A study of the sonic properties of Genetically Modified (GM) potatoes by Alex Berman, David McCallum and Sue Huang
A performance piece using potatoes as power and sound source in the service of art and science. (...) The potatoes are used as a power source for the performance by supplying conventional potato battery power. Using zinc (galvanized nails) and copper (thick wire), each potato generates .5 to 1 volt. The individual potatoes can be linked together in serial or parallel to increase voltage and/or amperage. The potato batteries power circuits that generate square waves with varying frequency and intensity depending on the voltage and amperage drawn from the potatoes, which is controlled by the performers by manipulating the battery configuration on the fly. Piezo contact mics are used to process physical interaction with potatoes (i.e. slicing potatoes, grinding potatoes, peeling potatoes, boiling and frying potatoes, etc.)
Why do I blog this? I like this kind of project, very 'off-the-wall', hacking vegetable sounds good.
Connected pasta it's close to this idea of creating botanical gameboys.