Sangbong Lee's Space Odradek: Zombie Satellites as Aesthetic Objects

The installation 'Space Odradek' by Sangbong Lee reimagines the observation of defunct satellites as a sensory and poetic journey. Drawing inspiration from Kafka's mysterious Odradek, the piece resembles the workspace of a space archaeologist fixated on "zombie" satellites. It includes a blue-light monitor that showcases satellite orbit data and a plotter that visually represents inclinations, creating an endless geometric design on the floor. Mechanical devices on adjustable rods simulate the movements of fourteen zombie satellites, capturing their inclinations and sporadic signals. Amplified throughout the installation, these frequencies generate rich metallic sounds and static reminiscent of radio waves. The work implies that outdated technology, devoid of functionality, gains an artistic consciousness, expressing itself through disorienting rhythms and sounds. Two videos accompany the installation: 'Space Odradek: Zero1ne Day' and 'Space Odradek: Dive into the Spooky Invisible.' Notably, Transit 5B-5, one of Earth's oldest satellites, exemplifies this space debris. The piece was highlighted in Neural, a digital art and culture outlet.