The Human Copy Machine is an interactive performance that investigates the absurdity of the editioning process by prioritizing human over mechanical reproduction. This constitutes a playful reversal of printmaking’s normal functionality. In doing so, this project explores themes of uniformity and repetition, human error, and the role of the hand in the mechanical reproduction of multiples.
The Human Copy Machine debuted at the Mid America Print Council's biennial conference at Kent State University in October 2022. Since then, the performance has also traveled to the Rocky Mountain Print Alliance’s 2023 Symposium in Spokane, WA, and the University of Iowa.
The Machine itself is a large box constructed of painted insulation foam, velcro, plexiglass, and a sheer curtain. The structure is decorated to resemble a giant copy machine with an input slot, an output tray, and large buttons that trigger scanning and printing sound effects.
1-2 volunteers at a time sit inside the Machine while participants outside are prompted to make drawings on computer paper. Once complete, participants write a number from 1-3 in the corner of their drawing (to indicate how many copies they'd like) and slide the sheet into the machine. The volunteer(s) inside the machine are then tasked with hand-draw ing the requested amount of multiples as quickly as possible. Volunteer drawers are given the liberty to reproduce images as closely or as loosely as they see fit, and many have taken advantage of the opportunity to playfully change elements of the original drawing. Participants are given the choice to keep their copies or donate them to the project. All of the drawings produced throughout the performance are displayed on the walls surrounding the Copy Machine, constituting a makeshift exhibition.