Frequently Asked Questions

What are Aberrations?

Aberrations are mutations in the structure of urban architecture that appear and disappear at random intervals. Aberrations form in cities when there is sufficient social instability and ability to suspend disbelief in the lower atmosphere and among the mass population. Instability refers to global and local economic and political conditions that are increasingly unpredictable and worrisome. Ability to suspend disbelief increases during a sustained period of socio-economic turmoil. Declining faith in future stability is thought to cause tectonic shifts in perception, which coincide with the appearance of aberrations in the the built environment.

Why are aberations occurring now?

It is thought that there is a causal relationship between aberration appearances and the socio-atmospheric tension caused by the current economic climate. While we know that the physical world can be impacted by human activity--carbon emissions and other pollutants--our research suggests that there may also be a connection between humans' mental and emotion activity and the physical world which is manifesting in these aberrant forms.

What's your evidence?

Particulate samples taken from previous aberrations contain trace amounts of norepinephrine, a stress hormone associated with anxiety in humans. Additionally, anecdotal reports of aberration sightings through history have surfaced in times of great unrest.

How long will these aberrations continue?

Aberration appearances began in the summer of 2009 and were spotted throughout New York City with increasing frequency. We do hope that atmospheric stress levels will decrease in the coming year. If our theory is correct, we are concerned about the long term effect that prolonged mass anxiety might have on city infrastructure. The Aberration Tracking Society will continue to study this phenomenon and post findings on this blog.

What kinds of reactions are you getting?

All kinds. Just look at the comments from various sightings around the city. Please share share your own as well.

How can I witness an aberration?

Follow the Aberration Forecast for future sightings and subscribe to Kathryne Hall's email list.

Who is Kathryne Hall?

Kathryne is an artist working in temporary public art projects around NYC. View examples of her work at www.kathrynehall.com

Is this performance art?

We're often presented with this theory, but frankly, it just doesn't seem credible.