The Human Copy Machine

The Human Copy Machine is an interactive performance that investigates the absurdity of the print editioning process by prioritizing human over mechanical production. This constitutes a playful reversal of the way printmaking normally functions. In doing so, the project explores themes of uniformity and repetition, human error, and the role of the hand in the mechanical reproduction of multiples.

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The Human Copy Machine debuted at the Mid America Print Council's 2022 biennial conference at Kent State University. 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. 

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During the performance, 1-2 volunteers at a time sit inside the machine, while participants outside of it are prompted to draw simple images on paper. When complete, participants write a number from 1-3 in the bottom right corner of their drawing to indicate how many copies they'd like, and slide their original drawing into the machine. The volunteer(s) inside the machine then hand-draw the requested amount of multiples as quickly as possible. Volunteers are given the liberty to reproduce images as closely or as loosely as they see fit.

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Special thanks to MAPC KSU 2022 volunteer drawers: Vic Barquin, Jaquelee Chau, Mary Climes, Henry Gepfer, Jacob Taylor Gibson, Annie Klein, K. MacNeil, and Johanna Winters.