Think about a wave and images of rhythmic movements will come to mind. Movements that have a strong intentional effect on their environment. Ocean waves sculpt the landscape, light waves travel the cosmos and illuminate its complexities. Human waves shape history.
Waves in all forms have a duality of existences. One that is individualized, and one that is collectivized. Each wave exists as one among many. One wave cannot exist without its group and the group needs the intention of each individual to survive. The wave's movements therefore have a duality of effects; each wave makes its own unique change in the environment, and the combined intentional energy of the group of waves reshapes the environment itself. A single shout from a person can startle people within earshot. It could even clear a room. A song can change the way people think.
The Open Wave is an exploration of the mechanisms that lead thoughts and actions of one to become movements of many and the will of the masses. Artists have wondered at the phenomenon, scientists have tried to define it, politicians use it, and marketers make money from it. At one time or another, every day, we are all affected by someone's intentional effort to shape our environment, our actions, and our thoughts. Sometimes it is on a small scale such as the choice of lighting used in a room or at an event. Other times it is on a much grander scale and we become part of a group whose combined intention has a systemic affect; the digitization of recorded music reshaped the music industry and destroyed what was once a very successful and solid business model.
