Clocks Against Time

2024. Variable dimensions. Modified dollar store wall clocks, electronics.





Clocks rule our lives, even when they are absent from view. A clock tells us that Time only moves in one unalterable direction, that it’s continuity is the result of compounding equal, objectively-measured durations. A clock says: Time is running out, Time is money. Each clock whispers a lie, in direct contradiction to the lessons of contemporary physics and subjective experience.

In contrast, π˜Ύπ™‘π™€π™˜π™ π™¨ π˜Όπ™œπ™–π™žπ™£π™¨π™© π™π™žπ™’π™š presents a series of clocks redesigned against their primary function of consistent synchronization and display of passing time. Each clock is subjected to a hand-made intervention in its underlying mechanics: a clock ticking in reverse, clocks with odd-numbered or modified handles, clocks that tick slightly faster or slightly slower, clocks that choose a new time of day every 60 seconds.

These are not broken clocks, famously β€œRight Twice a Day”. Rather, π˜Ύπ™‘π™€π™˜π™ π™¨ π˜Όπ™œπ™–π™žπ™£π™¨π™© π™π™žπ™’π™š are designed to never be correct, remaining consistently unreliable.



From top left to bottom right:

(9% Faster Clock)

(Multiple Choice Clock)

(Reverse Arrow Clock)

(2% Slower Clock)

(Any Time You’d Like Clock)

(20% faster Clock)

(Tired Clock Affected by Gravity)

(One Must Imagine Sisyphus Happy Clock)





Photos and video by Adam Basanta

Β© 2025 Adam Basanta