N o o r N u y t e n +

Ticking Wind

Programmed clock on wind directions in Amsterdam

Watches and clocks have been a recurring thread throughout Nuyten’s practice, as she explores alternate relationships with time. In a previous work, a clock responded to the swipes of the viewer. Now, her latest clock moves with the wind.

Inspired by the Tower of the Winds - the ancient weather station in Athens that also functioned as a clock - Nuyten has created a timepiece operated by wind directions. On the original tower, mythological wind gods like Notos (South) and Skiron (Northwest) represent what each wind brings: Notos, the bearer of rain, is shown emptying a pot of water, while Skiron scatters glowing ashes from a bronze vessel.

In an era when the weather has become increasingly unpredictable, this work suggests that weather phenomena may override social agreements and rational systems like standard time. It imagines a future where the wind overpowers the clock - when the Northwest wind blows and floods the streets, it is the air itself that moves the clock’s hand.

Click link to experience Ticking Wind in action:

Ticking Wind