Skip to main content

Humans since 1982

With a diverse and complex practice that traverses art, design, and technology, Humans since 1982 embraces a multidisciplinary practice that defies singular categorization. Their ClockClock and A million Times series are kinetic art sculptures and functioning timepieces. Humans since 1982 were guided by a curiosity about “how time designs and how to design time.” The result is sculptural wall clocks that prioritize precision, each performing a unique, animated set of kinetic choreographies when forming the current time. | Designed and produced in Stockholm, Sweden

ClockClock 24 White Edition
ClockClock 24 White Edition

CLOCKCLOCK

The first ClockClock 24 was released in 2016, expanding the wall clock beyond its administrative functions and transforming it into an engaging and technically sophisticated artwork that enhances daily environments. As Humans since 1982 eloquently explained, “We liberated the clock from its sole function of measuring and reporting the time by taking the clock-hands out of their ‘administrative’ roles and turning them into dancers.” Every minute, individual hands, which are guided by analog motors, align to accurately display the time in a digital typography. The clocks are made of a Corian body, precisely synchronized clock motors, and electronic components | $7,900-12,700

Humans since 1982 A million Times 120
A million Times 120, 48" x 83", edition of 82

A million Times

A million Times is an ongoing series by Humans since 1982 that continues the conceptual exploration of one of their first collaborative projects The Clock Clock (2008). A million Times are larger-scale works in small editions that bring equal parts high design, technical and materials innovations, and fine art to residential & commercial spaces.

The international design team has created awe-inspiring public art commissions such as A million Times at Changi (Singapore), which features 504 identical clock faces in motion. $55,000-375,000

Explore A million Times Editions

Craftsmanship and Sustainable Design

With all the complexities and moving parts, we understand clients’ concerns about purchasing kinetic artwork in the US when the makers are in Sweden. These are questions we initially had too. Through experience with the studio, we learned that they have redesigned their works over the years to become progressively simpler to repair. With large and costly installations around the world, the studio is committed to the sustainability and reliability of all works, and most repairs can be performed on site with our guidance and parts supplied by the studio.

Bastian Bischoff and Per Emanuelsson
Bastian Bischoff and Per Emanuelsson

About Humans since 1982

Humans since 1982 was established in 2009 by Bastian Bischoff (b. 1982, Germany) and Per Emanuelsson (b. 1982, Sweden) who met as postgraduate students at HDK Göteborg in 2008. Their provocative sculptures and experiential installations are driven by a curiosity and desire to make sense of the world. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, their studio is co-owned with engineer David Cox (b. 1983, Australia). The growing interdisciplinary team comprises international specialists including programmers, designers and technicians who collaborate to take Humans since 1982 projects from concept to realization.

Since its launch in 2008, Humans since 1982 has exhibited in museums, galleries, and art fairs located in more than 20 countries, including Somerset House (UK), National Museum of China (CN), Saatchi Gallery (UK), Art Wuzhen (CN), Art Miami (US), Verbeke Foundation (BE), Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum (US), Luxembourg Biennale (LU), Phillips de Pury & Company (US), San Francisco Museum of Art & Design (US), Design Miami/Basel (CH).

Selected Commissions & Collections

  • Moncler, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan, Italy: A million Times 200v + 61c
  • Collection of the City of San José Public Art Program, USA: A million Times (San José)
  • Changi Airport, Singapore: A million Times at Changi
  • The Art Collection at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, USA: A million Times 120
  • Audi at Design Miami, Miami, USA: Spotlights
  • Platform-L Contemporary Art Center, Seoul, South Korea: A million Times 108
  • Nike, Boston, USA: A million Times 96
  • Fendi, London, UK: A million Times 72 Red
  • Musée International d’horlogerie, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland: The Clock Clock
  • The Royal London Hospital, London, UK: Clock Clock
  • Vitra Design Museum, Germany: Collection of Light
ClockClock 24

Why Humans since 1982 and Clock Forward

We have partnered with Humans since 1982 since 2019 and are their primary ClockClock 24 retail partner in the US We stock more variants than any other domestic retailer — no customs, no overseas shipping headaches. Every purchase is backed by responsive pre- and post-sale support and a 4-year warranty (2 years from the manufacturer, plus 2 more from us). We're also happy to help even if you didn't purchase from us.

At their heart, Humans since 1982 are generous artists backed by sustainable engineering and a talented international team. Not everything they create is for commerce — sometimes it simply explores an idea or question. Though the price isn't for everyone, the experience of owning a work from their ClockClock or A million Times editions is. Whether the viewer is an art expert or a first-time passerby, their work consistently mesmerizes and delights.

!