45 library

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Andy Campbell
Andy Campbell
Permanent State of Alarm Clock

This early schematic sketch details the workings of the clock to be found in every reading room inside the 45th Presidential Library. Based on a traditional cuckoo clock, the Permanent State of Alarm Clock serves as a constant reminder of the hysterical media culture surrounding coverage of politics in America. Impossible to ignore, annoying as it is terrifying, and as tasteless as it is expensive, the clock's salient features include:

  • The cuckoo: Sean Spicer runs out of the front door of the White House on to the gaudily clad gilded platform at random intervals between 2-6 minutes, screaming and triggering the myriad actions of the clock...

  • Heavy duty speakers (inlaid into the walls of the White House) blast randomly selected music from bands who have played at the 45th President's inauguration and other events. Artists include: Kid Rock, Toby Keith, the Talledega College Tornado Marching Band and Jackie Evancho.

  • A 'Breaking News' strobe light sign flashes atop the White House clock building.

  • Rainbow colored LEDs flash in the windows to the beat of the music.

  • White House staffers freak out in the windows to Sean Spicer's cue.

  • Snipers move back and forth on the roof of the building.

  • Puffs of smoke spew out of the chimneys, smelling of fog machine and cabbage.

  • The entire system is weighted by two giant truck nuts dangling below the gilded platform.

Brick Shoemaker and Silky Shoemaker
Brick Shoemaker and Silky Shoemaker
Maia Lorian
Maia Lorian