Soft Semaphore

13 April - 18 May 2024 | Seventeen, London

13 April - 18 May 2024

In programming, a semaphore is a variable or abstract data type used to regulate access to shared resources. Its primary operations consist of “wait” and “signal.” Essentially, it operates as a mathematical model delineated by its behaviour, as perceived by those interacting with the data, thus introducing an intriguing element of subjectivity. This emphasis on user perspective invites parallels between the interpreter and the viewer, both engaged in the task of deciphering data and extracting meaning.

In its more familiar form, a semaphore is a visual cue reducing language to facilitate communication over distances. This reduction in complexity is achieved through various means such as fire, lights, flags, or even the body. A more subtle rendition of this concept can extend back into plastic mediums, as hinted by the word’s etymology derived from the Greek term for “mark,” “sign,” or “token.”