The Space Machine

A mysterious repurposed vending machine

Photos by Growing Tree Photography

One of my favorite projects that Libby and I created during my time at Modern Art was The Space Machine Found on the Moon. We repurposed a tampon vending machine to encourage curiosity around feminine taboos. Although it’s a staple in female public restrooms, about half of the population has never encountered a tampon machine. TSMFOTM dispensed artwork out of the maxi pad slot and advice wrapped inside tampons.

The Space Machine Found on the Moon also had an interesting backstory. It had been discovered on the moon. We first installed it inside Modern Art for visitors to experience. Later we created an installation that included TSMFOM in the elevator of Tellus 360. Here we staged a performance and guided Tellevator riders on how to engage with the machine. As I write this post today, eight years later, the custom moonscape wallpaper still adorns the walls of the Tellevator.