The latest object on display at the Gregg Museum of Art & Design is more than another exhibit for students to look at. The Purr Generator is a hands-on exhibit, and the machine’s single goal is to increase the happiness of any person who uses it.
Originally known as “The Betar”, a shortening of ‘bio-energetic transduction-aided resonance’, the device was obtained by architectural glass artist Duncan Laurie in 1988. Laurie, along with a team of assistance, worked to improve the device and transform it into what he calls a “happiness machine.”
The device works by transmitting a sound at the same frequency as a cat’s purr. Laurie, after looking into research dealing with the healing effects of the sound, hypothesized that by making a person hear that similar vibration, they would feel happier.
In order to use the machine, a person has to climb onto the table inside the dymaxion-shaped shell. Once they are ready, they press the activation button and spend three minutes listening to the purr-frequency noise.
In addition to sound, the experience is given further depth by the inclusion of the other senses. The table that participants lay on vibrates throughout, and a screen on the machine’s right side provides a small light show for them to watch.
“[It is] a unique type of chopped car,” Laurie said of the machine, “the intended transportation method being entirely cerebral.”
Indeed, using the Purr Generator is a largely psychological process, and participants will take as much away from the device as they expect. If a person enters the machine believing it won’t work, then it’ll have no effect.
However, the belief required is as much a part of the experience as anything else. Before starting, the user is expected to write a “wish” on a slip of paper, something that they hope using the machine will help them achieve, be it a calm before a big test, or just a general sense of happiness.
Andrea Ruddock, a freshman in human biology and religious studies, found her time in the Purr Generator to be relaxing.
“I feel happier, I think,” Ruddock said. “There was just something to the experience of watching the pretty lights.”
The Purr Generator was acquired for the Gregg Museum by its director Roger Manley. Manley was curator for a previous show the machine was showcased at. He said he found that Laurie was glad to let him showcase the device both in the previous show and here at N.C. State.
“He was happy to let us showcase the device, as it freed up his workshop for other projects,” Manley said. “We should have the generator on display for at least a year, if not more.”
The Purr Generator is among the first interactive exhibits to be displayed in the Gregg Museum, and is planned to be followed by similar items.
“We’re working on developing more tactile shows, things people can interact with,” Manley said. “We want to show that art is more than just a visual experience.”
The push for more interactivity is not surprising, considering Gregg is known not only for paintings and crafts, but for design-based pieces.
“Gregg is home to a lot of artistic design, items like couches and chairs,” Manley said. “These are items that were made to be used and interacted with, so to take that part of the experience away causes the pieces to lose some of their life.”
As the museum continues to develop its interactivity, the Purr Generator provides an early example of what’s to come. Students can see the machine every day at the Gregg Museum in Talley Student Center, and will hopefully come away with at least a smile.
