In the language of art we often refer to the “plasticity” of materials. It is with purposeful manipulation of the media that the artwork is ultimately formed. Combining aspects of general relativity with M-theory (a variant of string theory, which requires additional spatial dimensions) this artwork manipulates the plasticity of physical space in a close parallel universe. The piece makes use of gravitational spatial distortions (general relativity), caused by placed concentrations of mass, and their combined effect on a parallel 3-brane (3-dimensional universe), where the distortion-generating massive elements would be invisible. Since, in string theory, the graviton particle is a closed string and not bound to any brane (short for membrane, for the sake of discussion, a physical expression of a dimension), it is free to cross the bulk (the higher dimensional space between branes) and interact with other brane worlds, while the open strings associated with the various collections of massive particles are locked to our (3-brane) universe . The result would be that of subtle, choreographed, spatial distortions without the presence of the massive components that caused them. It should be clarified that what is presented in the gallery space (or in these images) is not the artwork itself, but rather that which is forming the artwork, theoretically existing in a parallel universe, and thereby invisible to us.
Juan L. Gomez-Perales is an interdisciplinary artist whose current work relates to his interest in contemporary issues of theoretical physics and cosmology. He teaches in the Department of Fine Arts of Dawson College.
Comments
Victoria Perlman
December 7, 2014I really enjoyed how this exhibit beautifully combined both arts and sciences to create a unified piece. Since this year’s theme is “TRANS”, I found it very intriguing how this exhibit interpreted the word. To them, it was testing physical limits and crossing spatial boundaries. It was very moving to watch each component of the exhibit move as one even though none of them were actually, physically connected. Using the laws of physics, this piece was able to provide the image of a cohesive society, all relying on one and other for support. If one piece were to be out of line, the exhibit would not work. I interpreted this exhibit as a metaphor for a perfect, almost utopian society. Great work!
You have to be registered and logged in in order to post comments!