I’m gonna transcribe the exercise here:

**The imaginary machine: Chicano recycle/reuse environmental initiative **

Chicanos have always been de facto resourceful environmentalists, recycling old cars and using walls instead of canvass. We have taken this tradition of using huge junkyards into the performance realm. During long workshops, this exercise can help the group shift creative modes and engage in a sculptural installation. The exercise goes like this: spend a few hours visiting local junkyards, thrift shops, and friends’ backyards. Each person individually compiles bits and pieces of broken machines, cars, useless technological gadgets and old tools. We reconvene at the space and lay out all our findings on the floor. We spend a few hours creating a single (useless) elaborate machine which can operate as an “apocalyptic altar to the end of Western Civilisation” or a “third world robot”. Try lighting it in interesting ways. A few people may wish to insert themselves into the image."