How many grains are in a heap of sand? That's the question the Sorites paradox philosophically poses. I believe we can answer it empirically, artistically.
I propose the following installation:
A collection of sand grains
A stage to heap them on
A mechanical device to add or subtract grains one by one
Two buttons that activate the device: one labeled “No” that adds a grain, and one labeled “Yes” that subtracts a grain
A (hidden) counter
The installation will ask visitors if the current set of grains constitutes a heap. If no, they press No and one grain gets added (and incremented on the counter). If yes, they press Yes and one grain gets subtracted (and decremented on the counter).
With such a setup, and enough random people encountering it, we can determine how many grains are in a heap.
But wait a second, what's that I hear? Is it… the Ship of Theseus?
Yes! If we add and subtract different grains, then eventually the heap will contain no original grains. Will it be the same heap?
Furthermore: what if the heap reduces below minimum grain levels? Then for some time it wasn't a heap at all. If it becomes a heap again is it the same heap or a different heap?
Ideally the installation looks like a ship to drive the point home. Also the installation should be in Seattle, per the title and in furtherance of the semi-nautical theme (Sea-ttle).
I am genuinely interested in making this happen. If you have any advice or experience with anything remotely similar - funding, designing, building, installing, publicizing - email me@timdingman.com.