The principle is also called Tensed Structures. First presented on 21st October 2008, Kapelica Gallery Ljubljana. Here I decided for eight inter-twined elements that are in a closed loop (in the manner of pentagram), powered by four motors. The basic thought is: complexity is the superposition of multiple simplicities. Another similar thought: a metaphor incarnate: going from basic motor movements to complex bodily movements – via a specially designed translation of rotary movement (in the xy plane) to spatial movement. The basis is the principle of mechanical strain applied to specifically interconnected basic elements, that form the resultant structure to which all the tensions are transferred. A kind of morphological object.

The transfer of mechanical energy is via torsion of flexible elements that are connected two-by-two at the ends and thus into a wholesome three dimensional structure which is in this way under strain. The result is an interesting cybernetic system with inherent energy (potential energy) – and a number of properties that make it 'more morphologic, more organic, more alive'. From the Physics we know that the potential energy likes to convert to kinetic (movable) energy – and this is the main motivation for this built. The omnipresent rotational (linear) movement of the motors becomes a more primary movement: the translation movement.

Though the idea at first came together independently – it was a reinvention. I met with the word 'tensegrity' (a combination: tensional integrity; wholesomeness, unity by way of tension). The word 'tensegrity' was coined by the cult figure Buckminster Fuller in 1950s, the author of the concept was sculptor Kenneth Snelson, who used it for his sculptures – e.g. 19-meter Needle Tower (1968). It seems that also the Russian architect Boris Stučebrjukov did something similar in his artistic time (1970s and 80s). For Fuller the principle of tension equilibrium was tightly connected to the word synergy – when two or more forces working counter each other within the system achieve equilibrium between their inner tensions and compressions. It is not about the counteraction – but about the complementary actions that are always present: the principles of pushing and pulling, contracting, retracting, attracting and repulsing – he added.

For a wholesome system it is necessary to have conceptually appropriate basic elements ("primitives"), that already exhibit the ability from complementary actions: tension and compression – or any other kind of complementary relation. In cybernetics it is said for such systems that they exhibit an in-built intelligence. Here I would rather use the word in-built nonlinear “inertias”. In any case it is a kind of specific identity (even if just a mechanic one).

From here on the things get quite metaphoric and the principle can be transferred to other areas. Also to the human systems of thought and cognition, that also seem to be a kind of "tensed or strained". The word was borrowed also by writer Carlos Castaneda for his cult magical stories. For Castaneda this principle denotes the everyday art of adapting to one’s own energy and to the energy of the others in a manner that adds to the wholeness of community that we form.